Perennial Champions League victors Real Madrid will be in the knockout stages of the competition in 2024 and will enter the round of 16 draw as one of the eight seeded teams should they avoid defeat on Wednesday.
The La Liga behemoths host Napoli on Matchday 5 in what should be another enthralling encounter between the two sides. Madrid won a back-and-forth contest 3-2 at the start of October to set them up nicely in Group C.
Carlo Ancelotti will be hoping his side secure top spot in midweek and here's the lineup he could deploy for Napoli's visit.
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Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Napoli (4-3-1-2)
GK: Andriy Lunin - With Kepa Arrizabalaga set to be out for another couple of weeks, Lunin will once again deputise. The Ukrainian has impressed in the Spaniard's absence.
RB: Dani Carvajal - Lucas Vazquez is the only suitable alternative to Carvajal and Ancelotti has rarely turned to the converted winger at the start of 2023/24.
CB: Antonio Rudiger - Rudiger's duel with Napoli hitman Victor Osimhen will once again be an intriguing sub-plot on Wednesday night.
CB: David Alaba - The Austria international was an unused sub at the weekend which suggests he was rested ahead of this Champions League clash.
LB: Ferland Mendy - There have been question marks surrounding Madrid's left-back position, but Mendy seems to have won the starting job over Fran Garcia.
DM: Toni Kroos - Kroos will see plenty of game time in the holding role after Eduardo Camavinga joined Aurelien Tchouameni on the sidelines. Both Frenchmen won't feature again in 2023.
CM: Luka Modric - The veteran midfielder should enjoy a significant uptick in minutes, too. Fortunately, Modric remains a majestic performer in the middle of the park.
CM: Federico Valverde - Madrid's injuries mean the indestructible Valverde has become all the more pivotal for Ancelotti in midfield. His stunning strike proved to be the difference in the reverse fixture.
AM: Jude Bellingham - Bellingham returned from a shoulder injury at the weekend and got on the scoresheet in Madrid's 3-0 win over Cadiz. The Englishman has sparkled in this competition so far.
ST: Rodrygo - The Brazilian started to come into his own before the November break, and he produced his best performance of the season at the weekend. Rodrygo scored twice in Madrid's La Liga victory.
ST: Joselu - With Vinicius Junior sidelined for the remainder of 2023 with a thigh injury, Joselu will enjoy plenty of starts alongside the red-hot Rodrygo.
