Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Sheriff - Champions League
By Sean Walsh
Real Madrid host Moldovan champions Sheriff in the Champions League on Tuesday night with the chance to make it two wins out of two in the group stage.
Los Blancos picked up an impressive victory on the road at Inter last time out, snatching a 1-0 win at San Siro and putting themselves in a great position to qualify for the knockout stages already.
They've quietly put together a strong run of results in recent weeks, with their weekend draw at home to Villarreal in La Liga the only notable blemish.
Carlo Ancelotti has plenty of injury concerns on his mind, and so could look to protect his most vulnerable stars - here's how Real Madrid could line up on Tuesday night.
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Thibaut Courtois (GK) - Doesn't appear that Ancelotti is buying into rotating his goalkeepers in the Champions League so expect the big Belgian to start between the sticks.
Lucas Vazquez (RB) - Midfielder Fede Valverde played at right-back at the weekend, but expect winger Vazquez to spare him that role for a second game running.
Eder Militao (CB) - Has finally nailed down a starting place, though this is likely because the club only signed one replacement for Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane.
David Alaba (CB) - Here he is, the replacement for Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane.
Nacho (LB) - Sometimes a centre-back, sometimes a left-back, sometimes a benchwarmer. Nowadays a key starter, thanks to Ferland Mendy and Marcelo's injuries.
2. Midfielders
Casemiro (DM) - Expecting a monster shift to allow his two midfield partners to thrive.
Eduardo Camavinga (CM) - Quietly impressed since his arrival from Rennes, and should get a good chance to further showcase his talents here.
Marco Asensio (CM) - Fired his way back into the headlines with a brace against Mallorca recently, and should keep his place despite a quiet showing against Villarreal.
3. Forwards
Eden Hazard (RW) - Ousted from the starting XI due to the brilliance of Real's Brazilians this season, but could get a chance to start on Tuesday.
Karim Benzema (ST) - No player has had a better start to the 2021/22 season than the Frenchman. He's peaking again and could run riot if afforded another start.
Vinicius Junior (LW) - Forming a deadly duo with Benzema - they've come a long way since the striker told Real teammates to stop passing Vinicius the ball.