CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Q / FINAL | POSSIBLE REAL MADRID STARTING 11 LINE-UP AGAINST GALATASARAY

When it comes to attempting to predict the possible Real Madrid starting 11 line-up against Turkish Club Galatasaray, one has already a few signs & clues to help out for the 2º leg Champions League quarter-final game in Istanbul.

We know beforehand that Sergio Ramos & Xabi Alonso will not be present due to yellow card accumulation suspension. Plus the defender expected to fill the place of vacant Ramos, Pepe, is doubtful as he had to retire from training with a leg muscle complaint. The latest news is that Pepe is almost ruled out barring an almost miraculous recovery in the following hours.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2013

With these fixed elements eliminated from the equation one can speculate a possible starting 11 line- up (team) for Real Madrid. My bet are the following players:

Diego Lopez, Essien, Varane, Abiol, Coentrao, Modric, Khedira, Di Maria, Ozil, Cristiano Ronaldo & Benzema ( Higuain).

There exists a further doubt in the Real Madrid line-up; start with Karim Benzema or Gonzalo Higuain. I am speculating that Benzema will start over Higuain, because Coach Mourinho has put his faith in the past on Benzema in the Champions competition & because Benzema has a more adequate counter-attacking profile & style over Higuain. Said this its my speculation, Coach Mourinho may have 2 – 3 cards up his sleeve which may surprise, like a late & spectacular recovery by Pepe, Arbeloa in for Essien or Higuain in for Benzema.

Finishing, in reference to Galatasary, they will be without their star forward Burak Yilmaz serving suspension. A tough blow for the Turks, but no less dangerous will Galatasaray be in their home stadium where they are hoping to turn the match around from a 0 – 3 deficit from the 1º leg Madrid game. Coach Jose Mourinho has worked his team in not over confiding or underestimating Galatasaray who will start hard. A couple of home goals by the Turks early may make Real Madrid nervous & open the way. Football has a funny way of always turning around the certainties & the expected. 

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