Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Arsenal - Champions League | OneFootball

Real Madrid are preparing for their very first visit to the Emirates Stadium as they face Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.

Synonymous with glory in this competition, Madrid have their work cut out if they're to claim their 16th European crown in Munich. Carlo Ancelotti's side are star-studded but vulnerable, and a sturdy Gunners outfit buoyed by the return of Bukayo Saka will fancy their chances despite their historical lack of continental success.

Madrid are leaning on heritage and knowhow over these two legs, with a second leg on home soil working in their favour.

Here's how Real Madrid could line up for Tuesday night's first leg in north London.

Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Arsenal (4-2-3-1)

Antonio Rudiger avoided a suspension from UEFA / Angel Martinez/GettyImages

GK: Thibaut Courtois - Courtois has been sorely missed post-international break, but he returned to training over the weekend and is now a sure bet to return to Ancelotti's starting XI.

RB: Federico Valverde - Reports out of Spain suggest there's some doubt as to where Valverde will start on Tuesday night, but the Uruguayan has had plenty of success at right-back in the new year. He was excellent over two legs in the round of 16.

CB: Raul Asencio - Asencio earned a rest at the weekend and is expected to return to the Madrid starting lineup in north London.

CB: Antonio Rudiger - Rudiger's penalty thrust Madrid into the last eight, and UEFA opted against suspending the German for his antics after the final whistle at the Metropolitano.

LB: David Alaba - Alaba has almost exclusively played at centre-back in the Spanish capital, but Ancelotti has reportedly tested the Austrian in his old function ahead of the first leg.

CM: Eduardo Camavinga - Camavinga was once a man for the big occasion at Madrid, starring in the club's run to European glory in 2022. But the Frenchman has struggled for consistency and rhythm since. This is a big night for the midfielder.

CM: Luka Modric - With Aurelien Tchouameni suspended and Dani Ceballos only just recovering from injury, we should see the masterful Modric patrolling central midfield.

AM: Jude Bellingham - Bellingham returns to English shores and for his first outing at the Emirates. He'll see plenty of compatriot Declan Rice in the middle of the park over these two legs.

RW: Rodrygo - The Brazilian has appeared off the bench in back-to-back games after the international break, but Rodrygo won't be left out of Ancelotti's team for the third-straight fixture. The winger scored a wonderful goal at the start of their round of 16 tie with Madrid's crosstown rivals.

ST: Kylian Mbappe - The French forward will surely look to veer away from compatriot William Saliba and target whomever Mikel Arteta opts to replace Gabriel with. Jakub Kiwior struggled mightily against Leroy Sane last season, and Mbappe will doubtlessly smell blood if the Pole is included in the Arsenal XI.

LW: Vinicius Junior - Vini Jr was on the scoresheet on Saturday as he equalled Ronaldo's 104-goal haul for Los Blancos. The Brazilian relishes these sorts of occasions, but the sturdy Jurrien Timber represents a stubborn test.