Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Celtic - Champions League
By Tom Gott
After a slip-up against RB Leipzig last time out in Europe, Real Madrid need three points at home to Celtic on Wednesday if they are to guarantee their spot as group winners.
Carlo Ancelotti's men come into this one point ahead of Leipzig, who are away at Shakhtar, and still have their fate in their own hands, but the boss also needs to juggle a hectic schedule and mounting injury list when it comes to his team selection.
Here's the lineup he could opt for.
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Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Celtic (4-3-3)
GK: Thibaut Courtois - The Belgian blasted his teammates for a perceived lack of effort in the Leipzig loss, claiming goalkeepers can always see which defenders aren't on their game. He's yet to keep a clean sheet since returning from a back injury.
RB: Lucas Vazquez - Expect the ageing Dani Carvajal to be given a rest for this one, meaning Vazquez should get the nod.
CB: Eder Militao - Rested against Girona at the weekend, Militao will be fresh and ready to return to the starting lineup.
CB: Nacho Fernandez - The versatile Nacho is always ready to fill in wherever Ancelotti needs him.
LB: Ferland Mendy - Left-back depth has been a real issue for Ancelotti, who regularly resorts to using his centre-backs out wide because of a lack of alternatives to Mendy.
DM: Toni Kroos - Now suspended for the next La Liga game, expect Kroos to start here and take his rest at the weekend.
CM: Dani Ceballos - Aurelien Tchouameni is not fully fit and may only make the bench, meaning it could be over to Ceballos to start.
CM: Eduardo Camavinga - Now looking like a nailed-on starter for France at the World Cup following Paul Pogba's injury, questions have been asked over whether young Camavinga is capable of playing 90 minutes at such a high level.
RW: Marco Asensio - Asensio appears to be quietly playing his way back into Ancelotti's thoughts and reports suggest a new contract offer could be coming his way.
ST: Rodrygo - Karim Benzema continues to struggle with muscle fatigue and is unlikely to be risked here, so striker Rodrygo should return.
LW: Eden Hazard - Recent reports have linked Hazard with a return to England with relegation-threatened Aston Villa, such is the extent of his fall from grace. A big performance is a must for the Belgian.
