Asencio and Camavinga to start | Predicted Real Madrid line-up against Manchester City | OneFootball

Real Madrid are in action in the first leg of their Champions League play-off against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday, February 11th. The Whites will look to put their best foot forward in England as they look to take a lead with them back to the Santiago Bernabeu for the second leg next week.

Apart from Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba, Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao, who were already confirmed to miss the match, Real Madrid announced the casualty of Lucas Vazquez on Sunday. Therefore, they will be without a natural right back against the defending Premier League champions. That said, here is how they could line-up for Tuesday’s game.

Goalkeeper – Thibaut Courtois

Thibaut Courtois will be in goal for the Champions League match. Last time at the Etihad, Andriy Lunin proved decisive for Real Madrid and the Belgian will hope this time out it is his memorable night.

Right Back – Federico Valverde

Federico Valverde has played as the right back for Real Madrid a number of times, including at Anfield in a Champions League match in 2021. With no natural option in the position, he will be deployed in the back four once more.

Centre Back – Aurelien Tchouameni

Aurelien Tchouameni’s performances at centre back have been widely criticised but the Frenchman put in a commendable display against Atletico Madrid last time out. He will be the central defender once more as Carlo Ancelotti will hope he puts in another good display.

Centre Back – Raul Asencio

Raul Asencio could not have broken through at Real Madrid at a better time. The Spaniard will play in the heart of the backline yet again as he looks to continue his great run of form.

Left Back – Fran Garcia

Fran Garcia played in the Madrid Derby with Ferland Mendy not enjoying the best run of form. The secondary left back could get the nod against City as well following a few good performances under his belt.

Defensive Midfielder – Eduardo Camavinga

Eduardo Camavinga could make his first start since his injury in January. With Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde set to feature in defence, the Frenchman could play the holding midfielder’s role.

Right Midfielder – Jude Bellingham

Jude Bellingham put in a brilliant display at the Etihad Stadium last year when Real Madrid won the quarter-final on penalties and the year before with Borussia Dortmund. He will look to continue his good run of form once more on Tuesday.

Left Midfielder – Dani Ceballos

Dani Ceballos is expected to be preferred to Luka Modric in midfield, simply due to his ability to make passes in behind the backline. If the Merengues play in a low block, his skillset will be vital in getting the best out of the attacking trident.

Right Winger – Rodrygo Goes

Rodrygo is likely to feature as the right winger. Besides being in great Champions League form, Manchester City have faced his wrath by conceding four times in the last five matches to the Brazilian. He will look to extend his record against them this week.

Striker – Kylian Mbappe

Kylian Mbappe has been in terrific form in the league but has yet to impress in the Champions League for Los Blancos. The game against Man City is the perfect opportunity for him to prove his credentials when he leads the line.

Vinicius Junior’s far has been substandard in recent weeks but he loves the big stage, not least in the Champions League. As with Mbappe and Rodrygo, he will hope to make the difference in the first leg at the Etihad Stadium.