Real Madrid are set to play one of the most important games of this season tonight as they face Manchester City in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.
As has been the case for the last few games, the Merengues would be without several of their key players for this match, including Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Eder Militao, Alvaro Carreras, Rodrygo Goes, David Alaba, and Dani Ceballos.
With all these players absent, Alvaro Arbeloa is expected to go into tonight’s game with the following lineup:
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
The Belgian can once again prove to be crucial for Real Madrid in this game, especially as the Merengues would have to limit the damage from one of the most dangerous attacking lines in Europe to a minimum.
Right-back: Trent Alexander-Arnold
The Englishman would be facing quite a recognizable opponent in this game, and hopefully, he would put in a memorable shift.
Centre-back: Antonio Rudiger
Antonio Rudiger would be another crucial player in the Merengue backline, as he would once again have to contain Erling Haaland.
Centre-back: Raul Asencio
Raul Asencio is expected to partner Rudiger in the center of the defense, especially as Dean Huijsen was not even called up for the match against Celta, and Militao and Alaba are also out.
Left-back: Ferland Mendy
With Alvaro Carreras unavailable for this game, Ferland Mendy is expected to keep his place in the starting lineup.
Defensive Midfielder: Aurelien Tchouameni
Aurelien Tchouameni remains crucial for Alvaro Arbeloa, and he would have a big role to play tonight against midfield as good as that of Manchester City.
Central Midfielder: Federico Valverde
Federico Valverde would also keep his place in the midfield for this crucial game.
Central Midfielder: Eduardo Camavinga
Although he has not played in the last few games, Arbeloa can decide to field a four-man midfield with Camavinga being there to provide extra legs and ball progression.
Attacking Midfielder: Arda Guler
Arda Guler would also keep his place in the starting lineup, and his creativity could prove to be crucial in this match.
Left Winger: Vinicius Junior
Manchester City have been one of the favorite prey for the Brazilian and hopefully, he would once again put on a show in this game.
Center-forward: Gonzalo Garcia
With Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo Goes both out for this match, the youngster Gonzalo Garcia might get to start another big game for Real Madrid.
