Vinicius, Valverde start in a 4-2-3-1: How Real Madrid can line up against AEK Athens

Vinicius, Valverde start in a 4-2-3-1: How Real Madrid can line up against AEK Athens Real Madrid will be eager to extend their recent winning streak when they face off against AEK Athens in the UEFA Champions League later today. The Merengues have stitched together a six-match winning run across all competitions since the last international break, which includes victories over the likes of AS Roma, Barcelona, and RB Leipzig. Jose Mourinho & co. have won each of their three matches in the Champions League so far, and will be intent on adding another one tonight and take a step forward towards securing a top-eight finish. Leading up to the match, Real Madrid have welcomed captain and key midfielder Federico Valverde back into the squad after he was rested for the weekend La Liga clash against Racing Santander. Meanwhile, Arda Guler and Aurelien Tchouameni have not travelled to Greece , with Mourinho opting to rest the pair. Vinicius Jr., who is serving a four-match ban in La Liga, is available for selection and returns to the squad. And, here’s how Real Madrid are expected to take the field today against the Greek giants as they aim to extend their 100 percent record in Europe. Defence Thibaut Courtois is the undisputed starter in goal and will continue to occupy the position after returning to the lineup against Racing Santander, following his absence from the Clasico . Multiple changes are expected in the defensive line, with Denzel Dumfries expected to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold in the right-back position. Alvaro Carreras set to replace Marc Cucurella. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images) Meanwhile, on the opposite flank, Alvaro Carreras is set to get an opportunity on the left side, ahead of Marc Cucurella. Antonio Rudiger is in line for a start at the heart of the defence, replacing Ibrahima Konate as Dean Huijsen’s partner at the back. There may be some useful minutes for Eder Militao later on in the match. Midfield With Aurelien Tchouameni being rested, Eduardo Camavinga is set to take his place in the Real Madrid midfield double pivot. The French international made a notable impact after coming on as a substitute against Barcelona and will be intent on leaving a lasting impression in a rare start. Partnering Camavinga in the centre of the park will likely be captain Federico Valverde , who will return to his natural habitat in midfield after featuring prominently at right-back in recent matches. As for the attacking midfield position, there is simply no looking past English superstar Jude Bellingham . Attack Under pressure to perform. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images) With Vinicius Jr. available for selection, the Brazilian international will get an opportunity to start on the left flank. The 26-year-old attacker will need to put his best foot forward, given that Yan Diomande has impressed heavily in his absence. On the right wing, Brahim Diaz is likely to be in line for a rare starting opportunity in the absence of Arda Guler. The Moroccan has proven himself to be a handy utility player and will want to use his opportunity to make a case for more regular involvement. Completing the Real Madrid attacking lineup against AEK Athens will be superstar forward Kylian Mbappe , meaning Carlos Espi and Endrick will again have to settle for a place on the bench.