Vinicius, Tchouameni start in a 4-2-3-1 – How Real Madrid can line up against Olympiacos | OneFootball

After three matches without a victory, Real Madrid will be aiming to bounce back to winning ways when they take on Olympiacos in the UEFA Champions League Matchday 5 tonight.

The Merengues’ winless streak began in Europe as they lost 1-0 to Liverpool earlier this month, following which they were held to back-to-back draws by Rayo Vallecano and Elche in La Liga.

However, things will not be easy for Real Madrid, considering how they are under immense pressure and there are constant murmurs about dressing room unrest. Adding to it, is the fact that the Spanish giants have never won a game in Greece.

Moreover, Xabi Alonso finds himself going into the game with only one fit centre-back in Raul Asencio as Dean Huijsen, Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao, and David Alaba are all unavailable.

Dani Carvajal and Franco Mastantuono are also ruled out, while Thibaut Courtois also misses out due to gastroenteritis, which is another major blow for the visitors.

There will be some changes made to the team that took the field against Elche in La Liga over the weekend. Here’s how Alonso could set his Real Madrid team up against Jose Luis Mendilibar’s Olympiacos outfit tonight.

Defence

With no Thibaut Courtois, Andriy Lunin becomes the obvious starter in goal for Real Madrid. The Ukrainian international will be making his first appearance of the season and will hope to mark it with a clean sheet and a victory.

Meanwhile, in defence, Raul Asencio is a guaranteed starter. As for his partner, Xabi Alonso does not have many choices, and could deploy Alvaro Carreras as a makeshift centre-half against Olympiacos, with the left-back having played in the position a few times already.

As for the full-back positions, Trent Alexander-Arnold is a certain starter at right-back but needs to step up after disappointing performances. Fran Garcia will slot in on the left side with Carreras moving to centre-back.

Ferland Mendy will remain an option on the bench.

Midfield

Back and ready to start. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The only positive news on the fitness front heading into the game for Real Madrid is that Aurelien Tchouameni has recovered from his injury and is back in the squad.

While the French international could be an option at centre-back, he brings more value to the team in midfield, and as such, should start in his preferred role against Olympiacos.

Tchouameni will be partnered with Federico Valverde in the double pivot for Real Madrid, with the Uruguayan returning to the team after being left out against Elche.

Jude Bellingham, who scored and assisted a goal apiece over the weekend, will continue as the lone attacking midfielder for the Spanish capital giants.

Attack

There will be a couple of notable changes in the attacking unit as well tonight, as Real Madrid megastar Vinicius Jr. is set to return after being benched at the weekend.

The Brazilian international will occupy his usual spot on the left flank, while Brahim Diaz is in line for a rare starting berth on the right wing, ahead of Arda Guler.

Kylian Mbappe will be the man leading the attack for Real Madrid, and the Frenchman will be hoping to find the back of the net after going three games without a goal.