The eyes of the football audience will shift to the Champions League once again this week, as Real Madrid and PSG make the trip to Germany to take on Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, respectively, for the semi-finals matchup.
The Madrid game at the Allianz Arena, especially, is expected to be a cracker-and-a-half. The two sides have met each other more than any other tie in Champions League, and a lot of expectations are on this tie to potentially decide the eventual winner of this season.
However, both teams are facing some uncertainties in their squad. Munich, for example, might not have Jamal Musiala, Matthijs de Ligt, and Kingsley Coman available for this game, while Leroy Sane is a doubt as well.
As for Real Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti could make some surprise changes to his starting lineup tonight.
While Aurelien Tchouameni started the first-leg clash against Manchester City as a centre-back, he was unavailable for the return fixture, which gave way to Nacho to take his place alongside Antonio Rudiger.
The Spaniard was at the top of his game, and made no mistakes during the tie as Madrid progressed on penalties.
Carlo Ancelotti could stick to Nacho for the first-leg tomorrow, as he lines up alongside Antonio Rudiger in defence, who will be responsible for keeping a keen eye on a certain Harry Kane.
These two are expected to guard Andriy Lunin in goal, who was rested against Real Sociedad on the weekend.
Meanwhile, with Daniel Carvajal suspended, Lucas Vazquez would get the nod to start as the right-back, with Ferland Mendy the likeliest to assume responsibilities on the left side of the back-four.
The latter is coming off an incredible Man of the Match performance vs Barcelona last weekend, scoring and assisting one, while also winning a penalty.
This back-four selection would open the doors for Aurelien Tchouameni to start in midfield, in his preferred no. 6 role, while Federico Valverde flanks him on the right side.
One of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos will get the nod to take the final spot in the trident, and we expect the former to be chosen tomorrow, owing to his performance vs Barcelona and Man City.
Ancelotti does not have the privilege of shuffling around the attack as much as the defence and midfield, and neither would he want to make too many changes to an offensive strategy that is clearly working.
As such, Jude Bellingham will be given the license to operate in his usual false 9/no. 10 role, playing ahead of the midfield.
Vinicius Jr will resume duties as the left-sided forward, as Thomas Tuchel pointed out, while Rodrygo will complete the lineup as the furthest man forward.
Brahim Diaz and Joselu are options that Ancelotti can rely on in the second-half, especially against tiring legs. Similarly, Eduardo Camavinga has been on an impressive run of form, and will definitely get some minutes.