Rudiger to replace Camavinga | Predicted Real Madrid line-up against Manchester City | OneFootball

After an exciting first leg at the Etihad Stadium last week, Real Madrid and Manchester City lock horns at the Santiago Bernabeu today evening in their playoff decider in the Champions League.

The hosts will go into the game as the favourite with a 3-2 lead on their side although considering Pep Guardiola’s record against them as well as City’s quality, it will be a game that starts out with the visitors having a big chance to progress nonetheless.

Los Blancos have been bolstered by the returns of Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba and Lucas Vazquez, all of whom missed the first leg. With that said, here is a look at the home team’s potential starting eleven.

Goalkeeper – Thibaut Courtois

Courtois is expected to keep his place between the sticks ahead of Andriy Lunin.

Right Back – Federico Valverde

Though he has made the squad, Vazquez is not fully fit so Valverde is expected to play at right back.

Centre Back – Antonio Rudiger

Rudiger is arguably Real Madrid’s best defender and will make a quick return to the starting eleven in the heart of the backline.

Centre Back – Raul Asencio

Asencio has been in brilliant form over the last few weeks and having become indispensable in the back four, he is likely to partner Rudiger in central defence.

Left Back – Ferland Mendy

Mendy rested at the weekend against Osasuna after featuring in the first leg last week, so he could return to the fore at left-back for the second leg too.

Defensive Midfielder – Aurelien Tchouameni

Tchouameni could return to his preferred role at number 6 with Rudiger fit to play at centre back, replacing Eduardo Camavinga in the process.

Right Midfielder – Jude Bellingham

Though he will play a free-roaming role, Bellingham will deployed as the right midfielder on paper as he looks to replicate last week’s superlative performance.

Left Midfielder – Dani Ceballos

Ceballos did not feature against Osasuna after a laborious performance in the first leg, in which he also assisted the team’s first equaliser. He will be back in the starting eleven for Real Madrid once more.

Right Winger – Rodrygo Goes

Rodrygo has scored three goals and provided one assist in his last three meetings against Man City at the Bernabeu. He will start again on the right flank as he hopes to better his amazing record against them.

Striker – Kylian Mbappe

Mbappe has been on target in the last three matches for Real Madrid in all competitions and will be a nailed on starter for tonight’s game too.

Left Winger – Vinicius Junior

Madrid’s big game superstar, Vinicius, will play on the left wing as he looks to be decisive in the Champions League yet again after a Man of the Match at the Etihad in the first leg.