Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Stuttgart - Champions League

Real Madrid start their Champions League campaign with a visit from German side VfB Stuttgart on Tuesday evening.

The reigning Champions League victors claimed a 15th title in June when they beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0 in the final at Wembley Stadium, extending their remarkable love affair with Europe's premier competition. Adding to their record will be of paramount importance this term.

Carlo Ancelotti's side have been far from flawless at the beginning of the 2024/25 campaign, despite starting with victory in the UEFA Super Cup in mid-August. Injuries and some subpar displays have contributed to two slip-ups in La Liga already as Madrid trail Barcelona at the top of the table.

However, Ancelotti is starting to see some key figures return and here's how he could line his side up against Stuttgart midweek.

Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Stuttgart (4-2-3-1)

GK: Thibaut Courtois - A strong performance from Courtois helped Madrid keep a third clean sheet of the season at the weekend following a 2-0 win over Real Sociedad. Despite making just two saves, he prevented 0.9 goals according to the stats.

RB: Dani Carvajal - Could be rested midweek with Lucas Vazquez waiting in the wings but the veteran is likely to make his 90th Champions League appearance. He may be tasked with keeping the lively Rennes loanee Fabian Rieder quiet.

CB: Eder Militao - After an injury scare over the international period, Militao was passed fit for the weekend trip to San Sebastian and earned himself another shutout. Only Luka Modric saw more of the ball than the Madrid centre-back on Saturday.

CB: Antonio Rudiger - Another solid showing from Madrid's leader at the back helped the capital side keep the likes of Umar Sadiq and Sheraldo Becker quiet at the weekend. He will be tested by the in-form duo of Deniz Undav and Ermedin Demirovic on Tuesday.

LB: Ferland Mendy - The left-back faces little competition from Fran Garcia on a weekly basis and will start as part of a back four on Tuesday against a Stuttgart team that sparkle in wide areas.

DM: Federico Valverde - The model of consistency for Madrid and the Uruguayan has already been exceptional this term. If Aurelien Tchouameni returns at the base of midfield, Valverde will be offered more attacking freedom against Stuttgart.

DM: Aurelien Tchouameni - After missing the weekend clash in San Sebastian with a minor injury, Tchouameni should make his comeback on Tuesday. The Frenchman is always key in screening a well-organised back four.

RW: Rodrygo - The Brazil star was benched at the weekend but a long-term injury to his replacement Brahim Diaz means that he is guaranteed to return against Stuttgart. The dynamic winger was likely to return anyway and will prove a handful for attack-minded left-back Maximilian Mittelstadt.

AM: Arda Guler - While Jude Bellingham could return midweek after missing the last six matches for club and country, Ancelotti will be eager to avoid rushing the England star back into the fold. That could benefit Guler, who impressed when starting against Real Sociedad.

LW: Vinicius Junior - Both of Vinicius Jr.'s La Liga goals have come from the penalty spot this season but he often saves his best performances for the Champions League. A front-runner for the 2024 Ballon d'Or, the Brazilian shone against Real Sociedad last time out.

ST: Kylian Mbappe - Having added to his La Liga tally at the weekend, Mbappe will be keen to open his Champions League account in a white shirt. The superstar did score in the UEFA Super Cup victory over Atalanta.