Expected XI RB Leipzig-Real Madrid: Carlo Ancelotti's defense recovery while Jude Bellingham misses out

Real Madrid They return to European action against RB Leipzig at 21:00 CEST tonight, and will do so with La Liga firmly in control, five points clear of Girona, ten clear of Barcelona and 13 on Atletico Madrid. They will be without Jude Bellingham in Germany though.

Carlo Ancelotti is set to stack the midfield according to Brand, making just one change from the side that beat Girona 4-0. Nacho Fernandez is back from injury, and will return to central defense in his mind, with Aurelien Tchouameni entering the midfield, in place of Jude Bellingham. It seems more likely that Fede Valverde will push further.

AS Diary differ, I believe Ancelotti will go for a more orthodox Bellingham replacement in Brahim Diaz. They saw Nacho return as well, but in place of Lucas Vazquez, with Dani Carvajal moving to right back. Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao, David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger remain on the injured list with Bellingham. Young defenders Jacobo Ramon and Alvaro Carrillo were called upon if Ancelotti needed them.

RB Leipig enters the match without any major injury problems, and is expected to field a team with plenty of attacking talent as well. Marco Rose will probably go with a 4-4-2 with Benjamin Sesko and Lois Openda up front. Behind them, Dani Olmo and Xavi Simons will also provide a lot of creativity. Their defensive problems are the big concern for the Bundesliga, however, with 10 goals conceded in their last four games, and just one clean sheet in their last 16 games.