Brestvs.Real Madrid

The Brazilian attacker - who was also suspended for the weekend's success over Real Valladolid in La Liga - picked up his third yellow card of the UCL season in the 5-1 thrashing of Red Bull Salzburg on matchday seven.

Vinicius is expected to be one of four absentees for Real Madrid at the Stade Francis Le-Ble, as Eduardo Camavinga (hamstring), Dani Carvajal (knee) and Eder Militao (ACL) are still on the mend from injuries.

Brahim Diaz was the beneficiary of Vinicius's ban at the weekend, but given the tight turnaround, Ancelotti could tinker with his system and give Arda Guler a chance to impress on the wing this week.

The Turkey international should link arms with Rodrygo and Kylian Mbappe in an otherwise unchanged attack, while Jude Bellingham continues to act as the most advanced midfielder.

Los Blancos' changes should not be limited to the final third, as a fresh-legged Luka Modric could captain the side from the middle of the park, while Aurelien Tchouameni might also move back to the base of the engine room.

The Frenchman deputised in defence at the weekend, but Lucas Vazquez and Ferland Mendy could now return to the full-back areas; the former's inclusion would allow Raul Asencio to shift across to the centre, although a fit-again David Alaba is another option.

Real Madrid possible starting lineup:

Courtois; Vazquez, Asencio, Rudiger, Mendy; Modric, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Guler, Mbappe, Rodrygo

Written by

Ben Knapton