Arda Guler will return to the starting line up when Real Madrid takes on AS Monaco at the Bernabeu in the Champions League on Tuesday, with new head coach Alvaro Arbeloa maintaining the same attack.
The Turk was benched for Saturday’s 2-0 win over Levante, but came off the bench at half time to silence the historic boos at the Bernabeu aimed not just at the team, but also individual players such as Vinicius Jr., Jude Bellingham and Fede Valverde.
In his first Champions League match as head coach, after taking over from the fired Xabi Alonso last week, Arbeloa won’t shield those stars in question and fields them once more from the outset.
On the front line, a Vinicius Jr. – who reportedly wants to leave because of his rough treatment – is the left winger, while Gonzao Garcia is on the right.
Down the middle, Kylian Mbappe is the central number 9, and stated that he didn’t appreciate jeers being aimed at individual names instead of all the group together at the weekend.
“I understand the fans,” Mbappe said at a prematch press conference on Monday. “Before I was a player, I was a young guy who watched football, was critical and gave his opinion. I completely understand the booing, but if they’re going to do it, they should boo the whole squad, not just a few players. We’re all playing poorly.”
Arda Guler returns in midfield for Real Madrid
As for Guler, he’s on the right hand side of midfield where Bellingham started against Levante, and has the Englishman to the left while they’re supported by pivot Aurelien Tchouameni while Eduardo Camavinga is benched.
Back in defense, Alvaro Carrera is ruled out paving the way for Fran Garcia to play at left back, while Valverde lines up on the opposite flank.
Once more, it’s a central pairing of Raul Asencio and Dean Huijsen in central defense helping to protect Thibaut Courtois’ goal.
What Real Madrid coach Arbeloa said
“I know what the Bernabeu crowd is like. I’ve told the players. If there is someone fair, it is the Bernabeu crowd. Let them see the game they like, we are working on it.
“We know that they will be on our side. The public wants to see its team. We are aware and looking forward to playing tomorrow. We are convinced of this.”
Real Madrid is faring well in the Champions League
At present, Real Madrid occupies seventh place in the Champions League’s league phase rankings, meaning it is in line for automatic qualification to the knockout phase as things stand.
A win against Monaco would help maintain that status, with just one fixture remaining after tonight’s clash.
Real Madrid vs. AS Monaco Line Up: Courtois; Fran, Huijsen, Asencio Valverde; Tchouameni, Bellingham, Guler; Vinicius Jr., Mbappe, Gonzalo
