After falling to a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Eibar at the weekend, Real Madrid manager Santiago Solari will be looking to get his side back on track as they take on AS Roma in the Champions League.
Both sides find themselves locked on nine points at the top of Group G and know that victory would guarantee qualification to the knock-out stages.
With this in mind, here is a look at the best potential Madrid line-up Solari could put out on Tuesday night.
3. Goalkeeper & Defenders
Thibaut Courtois (GK) – Signed in the summer from Chelsea, the Belgium international has displaced Keylor Navas as Real Madrid’s first choice goalkeeper and looks set to retain his place in the Champions League.
Dani Carvajal (RB) – After coming off the bench to feature against Eibar at the weekend, Carvajal’s return from a two month injury lay-off is a welcome defensive boost to Los Blancos.
Raphael Varane (CB) – One of the best central defenders in the game, Varane has been an imposing figure alongside Sergio Ramos and has a fearsome blend of pace and defensive ability.
Sergio Ramos (CB) – Whilst a controversial figure with his on-pitch antics, the Real Madrid captain is still a world-class defender. Now adding penalty-taking duties to his responsibilities after Cristiano Ronaldo’s summer departure to Juventus, Ramos is amongst the highest scoring defenders around.
Marcelo (LB) – The archetypal Brazilian full-back, Marcelo’s combination of skills and technique makes him a vital attacking outlet for the side.
2. Midfielders
Toni Kroos (CM) – With Brazilian defensive midfielder Casemiro ruled out, the Germany international is likely to take up a deeper role against Roma and will be charged with protecting his back four.
Luka Modric (CM) – A World Cup finalist with Croatia, Modric has enjoyed a less than stellar start compared to his own high standards. With the team in general struggling, the former Tottenham midfielder has been unable to dictate the play as he has used to.
Isco (CM) – Whilst not being given a start under new manager Solari just yet, Isco may well find himself be given the opportunity to impress from the off against Roma. An impressive showing against the Giallorossi and the Spain international will believe he can become a prominent figure under his new boss.
1. Forwards
Gareth Bale (RW) – With no Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale was supposed to have become the superstar of this Madrid team. However, after a run of poor form, questions over his future have already begun to surface and it seems like the Welshman has found himself the scapegoat for his side’s poor results.
Marco Asensio (LW) – An incredibly talented young midfielder, Asensio’s versatility has seen him play in numerous positions over his fledgling career. With Bale having cemented his place on the right of Madrid’s front three, Asensio will likely start on the left and act as the creative hub between the Welshman and striker Karim Benzema.
Karim Benzema (ST) – Either the most under-rated or over-rated player in the game (depending on which side you stand on), the French forward has to all intents led the line well this season. With five goals and an assist in La Liga, and a further three in his four Champions League games this season, the striker is now relied upon as one of the main goal-getters for his side.
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