MX23RW : Friday, October 5 11:19:10

How Real Madrid could line up against CSKA Moscow

Sports Mole predicts how Real Madrid could line up for their Champions League group-stage clash against CSKA Moscow.

Real Madrid will be looking to return to winning ways on Tuesday night when they take on CSKA Moscow in their second Champions League outing of the season.

Los Blancos were thrashed 3-0 by Sevilla and then held to a goalless draw by Atletico Madrid in their last two outings, taking the gloss off what had been a solid start to life at the Bernabeu for Julen Lopetegui.

Following on from their straightforward victory over Roma in their opening Champions League fixture two weeks ago, however, Madrid have a chance to take another step towards retaining their European crown for a fourth year in a row.

Ahead of their midweek trip to the Russian capital, Sports Mole looks at how the reigning champions could line up.

Possible RMA XI vs. CSKA

Out: Gareth Bale (adductor), Isco (appendicitis), Sergio Ramos (rested), Marcelo (calf)

Bale failed to re-emerge for the second half of Los Blancos' 0-0 draw against Atletico at the weekend and is not part of his side's travelling party for this Group F clash.

Madrid will also be without Isco as the Spain international was recently diagnosed with acute appendicitis, keeping him out of action for a few weeks, while Marcelo is still feeling the effects of a calf niggle and skipper Ramos has been given the night off.

With places up for grabs either side of Karim Benzema in the forward line, Marco Asensio is expected to be given the nod on the left and Lucas Vazquez on the right, with the latter potentially making his first start of the Lopetegui era.

Versatile defender Nacho is the obvious option to replace Marcelo at left-back, meanwhile, and Keylor Navas is almost certain to return in goal as he appears to be Madrid's designated cup keeper for this season.

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Who will win Tuesday's Champions League clash between CSKA Moscow and Real Madrid?

CSKA Moscow
Draw
Real Madrid
CSKA Moscow
16.4%
Draw
8.2%
Real Madrid
75.4%
Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema celebrates scoring during his side's La Liga clash with Girona on August 26, 2018
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona74211881014
2Real Madrid7421126614
3Sevilla7412167913
4Atletico MadridAtletico733184412
5Real Betis733155012
6AlavesAlaves7322108211
7Espanyol732286211
8Celta Vigo72411210210
9Getafe72326609
10Real Valladolid72326609
11GironaGirona7232810-29
12Valencia715156-18
13Real Sociedad7223910-18
14Villarreal72235418
15Athletic Bilbao6141810-27
16Levante72141114-37
17EibarEibar7214610-47
18Rayo Vallecano6123714-75
19Huesca7124717-105
20Leganes7115612-64

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