Jose Mourinho set to make major Real Madrid lineup changes against AEK Athens – report

Jose Mourinho set to make major Real Madrid lineup changes against AEK Athens – report Real Madrid will look to continue their impressive winning run when they face AEK Athens in the UEFA Champions League tonight. Los Blancos travel to Greece with six consecutive wins, hoping to extend that run to seven and maintain their momentum. However, Jose Mourinho is preparing to make significant changes to his starting line-up, with several regular starters set to be rested. Mourinho has already left Arda Guler and Aurelien Tchouameni out of the travelling squad, choosing to rest them ahead of the weekend. Mourinho planning major defensive and midfield reshuffle According to COPE (h/t Madrid Xtra ), the Portuguese manager is planning extensive rotation, with Alvaro Carreras, Antonio Rudiger and Denzel Dumfries set to start in defence. The German international is expected to partner Dean Huijsen, giving Konate some much-needed rest. Meanwhile, the midfield is also set for similar changes, with captain Valverde returning alongside Eduardo Camavinga. Fede Valverde is expected to return in midfield against AEK Athens. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) The Frenchman deserves to start this game, having impressed with his recent opportunities, and will be keen to prove a point. Meanwhile, Bernardo Silva, who has performed exceedingly well in recent weeks, is likely to get some rest. Brahim Diaz set for rare starting opportunity In attack, Brahim is expected to replace Guler on the right, giving Mourinho a like-for-like replacement. The Moroccan is a creative, playmaking presence, much like the Turkish international, and has been waiting patiently for his chance. Meanwhile, Vinicius Jr. is almost certain to start on the opposite flank, having missed the last few domestic games through suspension. Vinicius is set to return to the starting XI against AEK Athens. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images) This would see Yan Diomande get a breather after a run of regular minutes, as Mourinho looks to distribute the workload. The most intriguing question concerns the striker’s position and whether Mourinho will finally give Kylian Mbappe a rest. It is about time the manager gave Carlos Espi a chance to start a game for Los Blancos . Could this be the night? Despite all these changes, Real Madrid should be quietly confident of securing victory in Greece, and it remains to be seen how the team performs tonight.