Asencio, Rodrygo start in a 4-2-3-1 – How Real Madrid can line up against Arsenal | OneFootball

Real Madrid will be back in action tonight as they take on Arsenal in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie at the Emirates Stadium.

The Spanish capital club suffered a shock 1-2 defeat at the hands of Valencia in La Liga earlier this week and are under intense pressure heading into the match against the Gunners.

Carlo Ancelotti, in particular, is facing a lot of criticism for some of his decisions and will be under the scanner at the Emirates, as an early elimination from the competition could lead to a departure at the end of the season.

Real Madrid have recovered Thibaut Courtois from injury which will come as a boost, but Aurelien Tchouameni misses out due to suspension for accumulation of cards.

Dani Ceballos and Ferland Mendy have also not recovered from their injuries while Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao remain long-term absentees.

Here’s how Real Madrid could line up at the Emirates to take on Mikel Arteta’s men in tonight’s blockbuster encounter.

Defence

Thibaut Courtois should start tonight for Real Madrid after not featuring in any of the team’s matches after the international break. He will replace Fran Gonzalez, who had a debut to forget against Valencia over the weekend.

Meanwhile, in defence, there are expected to be multiple alterations. For starters, Raul Asencio should step into the team after being surprisingly left out at the weekend. He will partner Antonio Rudiger at the heart of the Merengues’ backline.

In a surprise move, David Alaba is in line to start at left-back as Carlo Ancelotti has some doubts about Fran Garcia while Eduardo Camavinga will be needed in midfield.

David Alaba to start at left-back. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

There has been talk of Federico Valverde getting the nod at right-back, but the manager is likely to utilise the Uruguayan in midfield as well, meaning Lucas Vazquez will retain his place.

Midfield

With no Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga becomes pretty much a guaranteed starter at the base of the Real Madrid midfield unit. His energy and physicality will come in handy against Arsenal, but the Frenchman must focus on staying disciplined.

Meanwhile, Federico Valverde is expected to partner the youngster in the middle of the park ahead of club captain Luka Modric, who will likely come on in the second half. The Croatian veteran could be in for a hostile reception from Arsenal fans given his past with Tottenham.

Jude Bellingham, on his return to England, will slot in as the attacking midfielder and look to provide a goal threat for Los Blancos.

Attack

There will be one significant change in attack for tonight as Rodrygo Goes, who has an excellent record in the UEFA Champions League for Real Madrid, should replace Brahim Diaz in attack.

Kylian Mbappe, who has been in fine form in recent weeks, will continue as the centre-forward for the reigning champions while Vinicius Jr. will retain his place on the left flank.

The Brazilian international has come under scrutiny for his disappointing displays recently and will need to step up in a big way at the Emirates.

Youngsters Endrick and Arda Guler will be options from the bench along with Brahim.