Real Madrid predicted lineup vs PSG - Champions League
By Tom Gott
Real Madrid head to France on Tuesday for the first leg of their Champions League last 16 clash with Paris Saint-Germain.
There's an obvious narrative for this one surrounding the future of Kylian Mbappe, who has been widely tipped to join Real at the end of the season. But from a purely footballing perspective, this is a battle of two of the game's top sides. Buckle up.
Real's hopes hinge on the fitness of Karim Benzema. The striker has been out with a hamstring injury but has travelled with the team and will face a late fitness test to see whether he can start.
Here's how Carlo Ancelotti could set up...
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Thibaut Courtois (GK) - An absolute superstar this season. Might be the best goalkeeper on the planet right now.
Dani Carvajal (RB) - Real chose to stick with Carvajal instead of bringing through Achraf Hakimi, who is now excelling in Paris after a brief spell with Inter.
Eder Militao (CB) - Militao has upped his game to new heights this season but might have to find a new level if he wants to win this trophy.
David Alaba (CB) - His big game experience will be key to Real's hopes of keeping PSG's star-studded front line at bay.
Ferland Mendy (LB) - Marcelo looked miles off the pace as he was torched by Samu Chukwueze at the weekend. Fortunately, Mendy is back fit and ready to take his spot.
2. Midfielders
Casemiro (DM) - In some pretty decent form right now and will need to bring that level here.
Luka Modric (CM) - Rested for the majority of the weekend's 0-0 draw with Villarreal, Modric should have enough in his legs.
Toni Kroos (CM) - The final part of the trusty trio. When all three are fit, all three play.
3. Forwards
Gareth Bale (RW) - Played most of the Villarreal game and was his side's biggest threat for the most part. Deserves another start, this time in his favoured position.
Karim Benzema (ST) - There is optimism that Benzema will be back from his hamstring injury in time. Ancelotti will wait until the last possible second to make this call.
Vinicius Junior (LW) - Often linked with PSG, Vinicius will be excited to get Benzema back alongside him.