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

Real Madrid will be aiming to secure their place in the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League when they take on Manchester City in the knockout playoff second leg on Wednesday at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Having finished outside the top-eight in the league phase, Los Blancos are having to go through the playoffs to progress in Europe’s premier competition of which they are reigning champions.

As such, a premature exit will not go down well, meaning there is no margin for error for Carlo Ancelotti & co. Thankfully for them, Real Madrid go into the game with a slender advantage, having beaten City 3-2 in the first leg.

Furthermore, the return of players like Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba, and Lucas Vazquez for the game provides the manager with more options in defence.

Manchester City’s form this season has been very inconsistent, but they do come into tomorrow’s contest on the back of a thumping win over Newcastle United in the Premier League.

Ahead of the blockbuster encounter at the Santiago Bernabeu, let’s take a look at how Ancelotti is likely to set his Real Madrid side up against Pep Guardiola’s team.

Defence

As mentioned earlier, Real Madrid have been boosted by the return of three defenders – Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba, and Lucas Vazquez – all of whom missed the first leg through injury problems.

Of the three, though, only Rudiger is expected to walk right into the starting XI, as he gets set for another battle against Erling Haaland. Raul Asencio should retain his place as the second centre-back after his solid displays in recent games.

Meanwhile, Ancelotti confirmed that Vazquez is still not ready to start despite his return, and as such, we can expect Federico Valverde to get another start as a makeshift right-back, with the Uruguayan impressing in the role in the last two games.

Ferland Mendy is expected to start on the left side of the defence ahead of Fran Garcia while Thibaut Courtois will continue guarding the goal.

Midfield

Back in midfield tomorrow? (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Rudiger’s availability frees up Aurelien Tchouameni to return to his natural habitat in the centre of the park, at the expense of Eduardo Camavinga.

The Frenchman is going through a resurgent run after facing some stern criticism and will be eager to make an impression in midfield.

Valverde’s positioning at right-back means that Dani Ceballos, who is enjoying his best run at Real Madrid, is expected to partner Tchouameni in the double pivot for Real Madrid against Pep Guardiola’s brigade.

Jude Bellingham will undoubtedly be the attacking midfielder for the Merengues. The 21-year-old, who scored the winning goal in the first leg, will be hoping to redeem himself after his red card against Osasuna cost the team in La Liga last weekend.

Attack

Rodrygo Goes enjoys a healthy record against Manchester City and will return to the starting lineup tomorrow night, with the aim of adding to his tally vs. the Premier League champions.

The other two attacking positions will certainly occupied by the megastar duo of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr.

Brahim Diaz, Endrick, and Arda Guler will be options off the bench for the home team.