As per Madrid Universal, Carlo Ancelotti has already decided upon his Real Madrid lineup vs Man City, for the away 2nd leg. It is believed that only change will be made from their reverse fixture, with Nacho Fernandez coming back into the starting lineup. Let’s take a look at how Real Madrid could lineup, with this in mind…
For the full match preview, click here.
Rumoured Real Madrid lineup vs Man City: Nacho returns to defence
GK – Andriy Lunin. Neither goalkeeper covered themselves in glory in the opening round of this fixture but Lunin has been a worthy replacement for the injured Thibaut Courtois.
RB – Dani Carvajal. Boasting plenty of experience in high-stakes matches like this one, Dani Carvajal unsurprisingly operates the right-hand side of the defence.
CB – Antonio Rudiger. Rudiger was one of Real Madrid’s best players in the 1st leg. Despite conceding three goals, the German did well to isolate Erling Haaland and he will have a similar role in this one.
CB – Nacho Fernandez. Aurelien Tchouameni is suspended and Eder Militao is still in the early days of his injury recovery, so the captain Nacho Fernandez is expected to return to the starting lineup after starting at the weekend.
LB – Ferland Mendy. Played the entire 90 minutes at the weekend but his stamina is impressive, so Mendy will start again in midweek.
CM – Eduardo Camavinga. Came off the bench for around half an hour at the weekend, so he will be fresh to play in the 2nd leg against Man City. Camavinga had an okay performance in the opening round but he will hope to have more of a mark on this game.
CM – Toni Kroos. The Germany international was completely rested at the weekend so he will be fresh to start in this one. Against Mallorca, Luka Modric impressed in the midfield but Kroos will have the advantage of starting from the opening whistle against Man City.
CM – Federico Valverde. Fede scored a wonder goal in the reverse fixture so if he scores another one even half as impressive, he will be satisifed. The Uruguay international has been a mainstay in the Real Madrid lineup this season so having played the full 90 in two matches last week, he is expected to do the same against Man City on Wednesday evening.
