3-5-2 or 4-3-3? Real Madrid Predicted Lineup to Face Napoli in the Champions League 

UEFA Champions Leauge Round of 16, First Leg; Wednesday, 15th February; Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid; KO: 7:45 pm GMT (1:15 am on Thursday, IST)

The Champions of Europe and the hot favorites to win the Spanish domestic title this season, Real Madrid, will start their Champions League journey this year with their first fixture of the knockout stage on Wednesday. They welcome Italian giants Napoli to the Bernabeu this week in what is expected to be a high-octane encounter. The Italian outfit are currently in the 3^rd place in the domestic points table 9 points away from the top and have been playing some good football. They are expected to put up a fight in Spain in against one of the inform sides in Europe. Real Madrid are fresh from a 3- 1 victory over Osasuna at the weekend and will hope to start their campaign this year with a victory in this first leg. Here is the predicted lineup Zinedine Zidane might field for this tie:

Team News:

Star winger Gareth Bale is not too far away from getting back to action after injury but this game comes a bit too early for his liking. He will the only player missing this game, alongside Danilo who is also absent.

Expected lineup (4-3-3):

Keylor Navas:

The first choice shot-stopper for Zidane, Navas, is expected to start this game at the Bernabeu this week.

Daniel Carvajal:

An unused sub in the previous game, Carvajal should be back in the starting XI for this tie.

Raphael Varane:

Having put in a super performance at the weekend, Varane should keep his place in the side for this tie.

Sergio Ramos:

The Spanish star has been in sublime form this season and is an important part of the squad for Zidane this season.

Marcelo:

The Brazilian is among the best in the business at the moment and is expected to start this game for Real Madrid as a left-back.

Luka Modric:

The former Spurs man is now one of the most important parts of the puzzle for Real and should keep his place in the midfield.

Casemiro:

Though not exactly the first choice for Zidane, Casemiro, is the best player available in this position for the manager who should stick with him.

Mateo Kovacic:

Just got a couple of minutes under his belt at the weekend and should be fresh enough to start this game against Napoli.

Lucas Vasquez:

The youngster has been prolific this season for Real and he got less than 20 minutes at the weekend and should start this game.

Karim Benzema:

The French striker is finding some form recently, and is expected to be the biggest goal scoring threat for Napoli in this game.

Cristiano Ronaldo:

After having a good game at the weekend, the Portuguese star will now hope to take Real to a victory in this Champions League tie.