Carlo Ancelotti will make multiple changes to the Real Madrid starting lineup against Union Berlin in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday.
Real Madrid will look to complete a perfect group-stage campaign when they lock horns with Union Berlin at Stadion An der Alten Forsterei on Tuesday night. And Carlo Ancelotti does not have any new issues hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
The Italian tactician has picked a full-strength travelling squad to take on Union Berlin, with only the injured players unavailable. Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal, Arda Guler, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, and Vinicius Junior remain unavailable.
Ancelotti spoke about possible rotations during his pre-match press conference, with Nico Paz among the youngsters under consideration. Meanwhile, he confirmed a start for Kepa Arrizabalaga, who will replace Andriy Lunin between the sticks.
He said, “My plan is to assess how the guys who played in Seville have recovered and then pick the best eleven from there. If the ones who played aren’t tired, they can play, but if there are guys with fatigue after the Betis game then they will be rested.”
“I won’t be rotating for the sake of it, only if there is a player who’s at risk of having problems due to fatigue. It depends what I see in tonight’s training session, that’s important for me. If we have some tired players, the others will get a chance.”
“Kepa will be our goalkeeper tomorrow. I don’t think it’s unfair to leave someone on the bench because that would make it unfair all the time. Lunin has had a chance to get a run in the team and he did well. He and all of us are delighted to have a goalkeeper we can trust. Kepa didn’t have to show it in the same way as he’s already shown it over his career. Kepa has always done a fantastic job whenever he’s played.”
Kepa will start in the goal, with Real Madrid lining up in a 4-4-2 formation in front of him. The defensive unit should feature Lucas Vazquez, Nacho, David Alaba, and Ferland Mendy, with Antonio Rudiger dropping out.
As for the midfield unit, Dani Ceballos should return, with the Spaniard joining Federico Valverde, Luka Modric and Brahim Diaz in the middle of the park. Finally, Joselu should lead the line alongside Rodrygo, with Jude Bellingham getting some rest.
Predicted Real Madrid XI: Kepa; Vazquez, Nacho, Alaba, Mendy; Valverde, Ceballos, Modric; Diaz; Rodrygo, Joselu
That’s not a good idea…. I think Nico,Vinicius Tobias, Marin, Gonzalo and the other guys that haven’t been given chance should all start the match because we have already gotten the points needed to top the group..