Real Madrid Predicted Lineup: Champions League vs Stuttgart
The reigning Champions League holders, Real Madrid, face off against German giants Stuttgart in a friendly match on August 1st, 2023. This match serves as a crucial warm-up for Real Madrid ahead of the UEFA Super Cup against Eintracht Frankfurt on August 10th.
Expected Formation:
Carlo Ancelotti is likely to opt for a 4-3-3 formation, a system that proved highly successful last season.
Predicted Lineup:
Goalkeeper:
- Andriy Lunin: With Thibaut Courtois still nursing a minor injury, Lunin is expected to start between the sticks.
Defense:
- Dani Carvajal: The experienced right-back is likely to start and provide crucial defensive stability.
- Eder Militao: Ancelotti's preferred centre-back pairing will be completed by the reliable Militao.
- David Alaba: Alaba will continue his role as the left-footed centre-back, offering solidity and versatility.
- Ferland Mendy: Back from injury, Mendy is expected to start at left-back, providing attacking width and defensive solidity.
Midfield:
- Federico Valverde: A key figure in Real Madrid's midfield, Valverde will offer energy and dynamism in the middle of the park.
- Eduardo Camavinga: The young Frenchman has impressed in pre-season and will likely feature as the defensive midfielder.
- Aurelien Tchouameni: Completing the midfield trio, Tchouameni will be tasked with dictating the tempo and providing a creative outlet.
Attack:
- Vinicius Junior: One of the most exciting attacking talents in world football, Vinicius is expected to start on the left wing.
- Karim Benzema: The reigning Ballon d'Or winner will lead the line, aiming to build on his phenomenal form last season.
- Rodrygo Goes: The Brazilian winger is a potential starter on the right wing, offering speed, dribbling skills, and goalscoring threat.
Substitutes:
- Antonio Rüdiger: The experienced German defender is likely to feature as a substitute, offering depth and versatility in the backline.
- Dani Ceballos: The Spanish midfielder could be used as a substitute, providing an attacking spark from the bench.
- Luka Modric: The legendary Croatian midfielder is likely to make an appearance off the bench, injecting experience and creativity into the midfield.
- Marco Asensio: The versatile Spaniard will be a valuable option as a substitute, offering goalscoring threat from both wings.
Key Players to Watch:
- Karim Benzema: The French striker will be eager to start the season strong and continue his impressive goal-scoring form.
- Vinicius Junior: The Brazilian winger is a constant threat with his pace and dribbling ability, and he will look to create havoc in the Stuttgart defense.
- Aurelien Tchouameni: The young midfielder is expected to play a key role in controlling the game and dictating the tempo.
Conclusion:
Real Madrid will be looking to use this friendly match as a platform to fine-tune their tactics and build momentum before the UEFA Super Cup. With a strong starting lineup and several talented substitutes, they will be confident in their ability to secure a positive result against Stuttgart.