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“Xabi Alonso,” the coach of Real Madrid, faces a significant challenge in determining the appropriate lineup to face Manchester City in the Champions League, due to the severe shortage in the team’s ranks.
The Spanish newspaper “AS” mentioned that Real Madrid returns to the Champions League competitions amidst unstable atmospheres, especially after its recent loss in the league against Celta Vigo at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.
“Xabi Alonso’s” team is still suffering from fluctuating levels, and is preparing to host Manchester City, who enter the match with high spirits, thanks to the strong performance provided by “Haaland.”
This match is considered a new chapter in the series of confrontations that have become one of the most prominent European competitions in recent years, which “Real” clearly decided in its favor last season.
But the current data indicate that the royal team’s task will be more difficult this time, given City’s high readiness, in addition to the difficult circumstances the royal team is going through, which include a decline in performance and results, and the high number of injuries, especially in the defense line.
Real will miss six defenders out of ten on the list against City, namely: “Husein”, “Alaba”, “Carvajal”, “Alexander Arnold”, “Militao” and “Mendy”.
Forced choices
Accordingly, “Xabi Alonso” will be forced to rely on “Rudiger” and “Asensio” in the heart of the defense, as they are the only available defenders. In the right-back position, there is no ready player, which will force him to include “Fede Valverde” in this position again, while “Carreras” will occupy the left-back position.
As for goalkeeping, there is no doubt that “Thibaut Courtois” will be essential.
In midfield, expectations indicate that “Alonso” will continue to rely on the 4-4-2 plan that achieved good results against Athletic Bilbao in San Mames, although he does not have the same elements currently.
With the continued absence of “Camavinga” and the return of “Valverde” to defense, “Dani Ceballos” and “Aurelien Tchouameni” will occupy the midfield positions, while “Arda Guler” and “Bellingham” will play in the advanced midfield positions.
In attack, “Vinicius Junior” will remain essential, while waiting to determine the identity of the player who will participate with him.
“AS” indicated that the normal situation requires “Kylian Mbappe” to be essential, but the French player suffered a broken finger during the match against Celta Vigo, in addition to suffering from muscle pain.
Real Madrid did not announce its list yesterday, Tuesday, waiting for his condition to improve today, Wednesday, but “Mbappe’s” participation seems difficult, and if he is not ready, “Gonzalo Garcia” will take his place.
Real Madrid’s expected line-up against Manchester City
Accordingly, the likely formation of Real Madrid against City, according to the Spanish newspaper’s expectations, is as follows:
Goalkeeper: “Thibaut Courtois”.
Defense: “Fede Valverde”, “Asensio”, “Antonio Rudiger”, “Carreras”.
Midfield: “Arda Guler”, “Ceballos”, “Tchouameni”, “Bellingham”.
Attack: “Vinicius” and (“Gonzalo Garcia” or “Mbappe”).
