Guler, Mastantuono start in a 4-3-3: How Real Madrid can line up against AS Monaco | OneFootball

After registering their first win under manager Alvaro Arbeloa over the weekend, Real Madrid will be gunning for another victory when they host AS Monaco in the UEFA Champions League.

It has not been the easiest of starts for the 43-year-old former defender, who lost his first game in charge against Albacete (Copa del Rey), while the La Liga win over Levante was far from convincing.

However, a positive result tonight on Arbeloa’s Champions League debut as manager would take the team another step closer to a top-eight finish, ensuring direct qualification to the Round of 16.

Real Madrid go into the game with some notable absentees as Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rudiger, Ferland Mendy, Eder Militao, and Rodrygo Goes are all unavailable through injury. On top of that, Alvaro Carreras misses out because of suspension.

So, there is a scarcity of options for the manager, leaving him with a very limited scope for rest and rotation, especially in the defensive line.

With that being said, here’s how Arbeloa could set his Real Madrid team up on his European debut as manager against the Ligue 1 outfit.

Defence

Thibaut Courtois will continue to be the undisputed starter in goal for Real Madrid and hope to secure a clean sheet once more after doing so against Levante.

As for the backline, Federico Valverde should continue in the right-back position with captain Dani Carvajal still not fully match-fit to start games.

Meanwhile, Fran Garcia, as the only available natural left-back in the squad, will come in for Alvaro Carreras.

Fran Garcia to start vs Monaco. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

Raul Asencio and Dean Huijsen will form the centre-back pairing as usual, with David Alaba being an option off the bench if needed.

Midfield

Moving forward to the midfield department, Aurelien Tchouameni is expected to feature from the get-go as the deepest of the three players in the centre of the park. Dani Ceballos, who played as the pivot in the latter stages of the Levante game, will be an option from the bench.

Jude Bellingham, who has been far from consistent this season, will need to shoulder more responsibility for Real Madrid from midfield.

Eduardo Camavinga, whose form is starting to become a concern, is expected to make way for Arda Guler as the third midfielder. The Turkish international changed the game after coming on against Levante, and his creativity and vision will once again be key for the home team.

Attack

Finally, in attack, a change is likely, with Franco Mastantuono expected to be given another opportunity on the right flank after Gonzalo Garcia failed to make much of an impression in the role during the Levante clash.

Kylian Mbappe, who has recovered from his knee problem fully, will continue to spearhead the Real Madrid attack against his former club.

Completing the frontline for Real Madrid will be superstar forward Vinicius Jr., who will be aiming to turn in a brilliant display and win over the Bernabeu crowd again after being booed by the fans for multiple matches in a row now.