Real Madrid takes on Chelsea in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday. In the midst of speculation about a surprise return to the Stamford Bridge dugout as the Blues’ administration searches for a new permanent head coach, wily Real Madrid manager Ancelotti has a fab five on his radar as he attempts to add to his gleaming continental trophy record. When Liverpool roared into a 2-0 lead at Anfield during their last-16 first leg, the four-time Champions League winner typically showed no signs of panic, as Los Blancos stunned the Anfield crowd by scoring five goals without reply before a slender 1-0 win at the Bernabeu got the job done with minimal fuss.
Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Chelsea (4-3-3)
GK: Thibaut Courtois – The former Blue isn’t exactly a popular character among Chelsea fans, and he’ll be eager to get one over on his former club.
RB: Dani Carvajal – With speculations claiming that Real Madrid wants Chelsea’s Reece James to replace Carvajal, the veteran should view this tie as an opportunity to establish himself.
CB: Eder Militao – Militao should be able to return to the starting lineup after resting for the Villarreal game.
CB: David Alaba – When called up early in the week, Alaba usually gets the nod over former Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger.
LB: Nacho Fernandez – Nacho dominated Mohamed Salah in the previous leg and deserves another chance.
DM: Toni Kroos – Because Aurelien Tchouameni is out, anticipate the veteran Kroos to take his place at the base of the midfield.
CM: Luka Modric – Ancelotti rested Modric against Villarreal to prepare him for this game.
CM: Eduardo Camavinga – Camavinga’s position on the pitch is tough to predict. He may be seen as a left-back, but he is most often found in midfield.
RW: Federico Valverde – His altercation with Alex Baena may have an impact on his participation, but if Ancelotti decides to call on the Uruguayan, he’ll most likely hand out this berth on the right flank.
ST: Karim Benzema – This season, Benzema has struggled with consistency, but when he gets everything right, there isn’t a defense on the planet that can stop him.
LW: Vinicius Junior – Vinicius may be dreading this one after previously naming Reece James as one of his hardest opponents.
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