Real Madrid (A) - Tues 9th April, 20:00 | CL | Pre-Match Thread

[Turner92]

Rico Stones Dias Alanji is fine that’s 3/4 of the back line our best defenders stick Bernardo infront of Rico to help him out with his work rate

 

[bert38]

Ederson/Ortega (not fussed which)

Lewis
Dias
Stones
Akanji

Kovavic
Rodri

Foden
KDB
Grealish

Haaland


Main worry is Rico against Vinicius but he won’t stop or tire. Other option is Akanji right back (preferred) but then who left back? Bernie? Didn’t work amazingly away at Arsenal last season (booked and targeted most of the game) but wouldn’t be terrible if they’re going to let us have the ball.

Of course there is a scenario where Rodri plays centre back…but then who plays full backs? I can’t see Lewis playing against their winger, but really bereft of options.

 

[Jonas.shaffer]

I've got complete faith in Rico if he is to start. I think he's a far more competent defender than most seem to believe.

 

[bert38]

Of course there is a scenario where Rodri plays centre back…but then who plays full backs? I can’t see Lewis playing against their winger, but really bereft of options.

Personally Akanji Stones Dias Gomez is better balanced and equipped to deal with them-pep doesn’t trust Gomez though.

 

[SSL2]

 

[Haaland94]

Has to be Bernardo at RB. Rico is not a defender and can't handle most of the wingers in the PL. How do people think he is ready for Vinicius is beyond me. They would rip us apart on that side.

 

[clarion]

I don’t see us playing the same tactics in defence like we did with Palace. Madrid will punish us in transition and over the flanks. Kova will play.

 

[Trickyblues]

Has to be Bernardo at RB. Rico is not a defender and can't handle most of the wingers in the PL. How do people think he is ready for Vinicius is beyond me. They would rip us apart on that side.

Bernardo isn’t a defender either so your logic is flawed lmaooo

 

[shemnel]

Real have played one game since 16th March, on the 31st March, so they've plenty of rest in their legs.

we've got a little bit of momentum but this is the 4th match in 9 days....

A draw would be very acceptable, let's get to it Blues. I trust anyone who Pep trusts, at this stage.

 

[Gorbachev]

If Rico plays, Bernardo is definitely playing to help him out.

If Grealish plays, one of Foden or De Bruyne is getting dropped.

I cannot see Pep going with De Bruyne and Foden centrally with Rodri in a 3. Fair play if Pep does, that would be brave.

Maybe Pep knows we are trash defensively and will just say sod it let's go all out and outscore them