Following an easy victory in La Liga over the weekend, Real Madrid takes a trip to Athens, where the men in white will take on last season's Greek champions AEK Athens in a bid to extend their winning streak in the ongoing edition of the UEFA Champions League.
Real Madrid are placed 5th in the UEFA Champions League table with 3 wins out of 3, while Athens are 27th, which might prompt Jose Mourinho to play a rotated squad tonight.
That being said, here is how Real Madrid are expected to line up against AEK Athens.
GK: Thibaut Courtois
The Belgian returned to the side against Racing Club after recovering from the flu, where he was relatively relaxed and kept a clean sheet. However, in the UCL this season, Courtois has been unable to keep clean sheet – a stat he would like to change tonight.
RB: Denzel Dumfries
Trent Alexander-Arnold had a relatively quiet game over the weekend, which might lead Jose Mourinho to start the Dutch full-back on the right.
CB: Antonio Rudiger
One of the changes likely to be made to the starting line up with Ibrahima Konate expected to be rested following a consistent run of games.
CB: Dean Huijsen
After a below-average season under Xabi Alonso, the Spaniard has seemingly turned his stint at Real Madrid around under Jose Mourinho's and has led the defence – as one particular Spanish number 4 did back in the day for Los Blancos.
LB: Alvaro Carreras
He has shown positive signs whenever given the opportunity this season. Did not feature in the last two league fixtures, which means he will offer a pair of fresh legs after being well rested.
CM: Eduardo Camavinga
The Frenchman vowed to fight for his place in the team after being linked to several clubs in the summer transfer window. Has been at his best whenever he has featured this season.
CM: Bernardo Silva
Scored his first goal for the club against RB Leipzig and is in line to make his fourth consecutive start as Aurelien Tchouameni and Arda Guler are rested for this fixture.
RW: Brahim Diaz
Provided an assist in the last UCL match against Leipzig. Expected to make just his 3rd start in Real Madrid colours this season and would be eager to make an impact.
CAM: Jude Bellingham
With no Arda Guler to count on, the Englishman is in line to start yet again. Yet to record a goal or assist in the Champions League this season, tonight offers Jude the best chance.
LW: Vinicius Junior
Jose Mourinho has already announced the Brazilian's place in the playing eleven. He has been a complete shadow of himself this season. Hopefully, Vini is involved on the attacking front tonight and regains his confidence to an extent.
ST: Kylian Mbappe
3 matches, 3 goals in the UCL so far and 15 goals overall this season. The Frenchman has scored in 5 consecutive Champions League matches and will look to score in his 6th tonight and equal his best scoring streak in the competition.
