Vinicius, Rudiger start in a 4-2-3-1: How Real Madrid can line up against RB Leipzig

Vinicius, Rudiger start in a 4-2-3-1: How Real Madrid can line up against RB Leipzig Real Madrid lock horns with RB Leipzig later tonight in the UEFA Champions League at the Santiago Bernabeu aiming to register their third win in the competition this season. The Merengues began their European journey with a hard-fought home win against Inter Milan, before securing a comeback 4-3 victory over AS Roma last week in Italy. The target for Jose Mourinho & co. will be build on their weekend win against Sevilla in La Liga and pick up another win and take another step forward towards direct qualification to the Round of 16 of the Champions League. RB Leipzig come into the game on the back a serious 6-1 thrashing at the hands of Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga and their form this season under Martin Demichelis has been far from consistent. But they will be eager to prove a point at the Bernabeu. Real Madrid go into the game with only three absentees as Rodrygo Goes and Raul Asencio are unavailable due to fitness issues, whereas Ferland Mendy is not registered in the competition. Vinicius Jr., who missed Sunday’s league game vs Sevilla due to a four-match suspension, is available for the game as his ban does not apply in the Champions League. Here’s how Real Madrid could take the field against Leipzig, with Mourinho keeping an eye on the weekend El Clasico as well. Defence Thibaut Courtois is the undisputed starter in goal for Real Madrid. Close to signing a new contract with the club until 2028, the Belgian shot-stopper will hope to secure a clean sheet tonight. Rudiger to return to the lineup. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images) In defence, there may be a couple of changes as Antonio Rudiger , who was not in the lineup against Sevilla, could return at the expense of Dean Huijsen. Ibrahima Konate has become a permanent fixture since his arrival in the summer and is expected to retain his place. As for the full-back positions, Denzel Dumfries is set to get the nod on the right hand side, freeing up captain Federico Valverde to play further up the pitch. Marc Cucurella will hold on to his spot on the left ahead of Alvaro Carreras. Midfield Mourinho decided to try Arda Guler in the double pivot against Sevilla and the move worked a treat, with the Turkish international providing the creativity from the centre that the team was sorely missing. As such, the young playmaker is once again expected to operate in the middle of the park, alongside Aurelien Tchouameni , who will add the defensive security and physicality. Guler will play in the double pivot. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) Jude Bellingham will continue to operate as the attacking midfielder for Los Blancos , although it will not come as a surprise to see him and Guler switch positions regularly to unsettle the opponents. Attack Mourinho has already confirmed that Vinicius Jr. , who remains suspended in La Liga, will start tonight. The Brazilian will reclaim his spot on the left side, potentially at the expense of former RB Leipzig man Yan Diomande, who could be preserved with an eye on the Clasico . On the right side of the attacking unit, captain Federico Valverde could get the nod with Mourinho using this game to test him in a different role ahead of the weekend clash against Barcelona. Kylian Mbappe will remain the undisputed starter in the centre-forward position, with the likes of Endrick and Carlos Espi again expected to feature off the bench.