Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid: Yannick Carrasco in behind Antoine Griezmann? And who will Diego Simeone play at right-back, to deal with Cristiano Ronaldo?
ATLETICO MADRID face their city-rivals for a third consecutive season in the Champions League.
Under Diego Simeone, only Real Madrid have been able to stop the Rojiblancos — with two of the meetings coming in finals.
Atletico Madrid have major injury concerns ahead of clash with Real MadridGetty Images
A clash in the last four means they have now met at every possible stage.
Simeone is obsessed with winning the Champions League and, should his side finally beat Los Blancos, they will have to do it the hard way.
Three of Atletico’s first-choice defenders are out, while attacker, Yannick Carrasco is a major doubt.
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Right-back
Jose Gimenez will miss the clash with Real Madrid and that is a major blow for AtleticoEPAExperience right-back Juanfran will not be available against Real MadridGetty Images
The Argentine has insisted he already knows 100 per cent who will start at right-back — but this will surely be his biggest call.
Juanfran and Sime Vrsaljko had both made that position their own at various points throughout the season.
However, both miss this clash due to injury.
Stefan Savic could start at right-back, but his lack of pace is an issue for AtleticoGetty Images
In their absence, Jose Gimenez had been deployed in the right full-back slot — and held his own.
But, he too will miss out and that leaves Simeone with a real problem given Real Madrid’s strength down the left flank.
Left-footed Lucas Hernandez is another option at right-backReutersThomas Partey could be the surprise name Atletico choose to face Cristiano RonaldoGetty Images
Former Manchester City flop, Stefan Savic have excelled at the Vicente Calderon and has filled in at right-back before.
However, his lack of pace could be an issue.
Lucas Hernandez is notably quicker, but is a very left-sided player, which means Thomas Partey could step in.
His strong and extremely fit, but has a distinct lack of experience at this level.
Midfield positions
Nico Gaitan could come in for Yannick Carrasco against Real MadridGetty ImagesKoke will be pushed further up as Atletico Madrid look to pack midfieldGetty Images
Simeone will pack the midfield and set up a narrow team — with Real Madrid’s danger coming from the flanks.
They will expect Diego Godin and the rest of the Atletico defence to deal with any incoming crosses.
Gabi and Saul Niguez will sit deep with Koke pushed further forward, flanked by either Carrasco or Gaitan.
That way, there will always be at least four Atletico players near the ball, crowding out Luka Modric, and stopping him from feeding Real Madrid’s attackers.
Who partners Griezmann?
Yannick Carrasco could come back to face Real Madrid, but there are doubtsEPAKevin Gameiro scored twice in Atletico’s 5-0 victory over Las PalmasReuters
Another tough call.
Carrasco’s absence would be a massive blow — the Belgian has been superb this season.
Diego Simeone has big calls to make on his selection across the parkReuters
But Simeone could throw in Nicolas Gaitan, who impressed in the 5-0 win over Las Palmas, in place of Carrasco.
The Argentine has been compared to Arda Turan, in his Atletico prime.
Fernando Torres is expected to start on the bench with Gameiro’s two-goal showing at the weekend, likely to see him given the nod.
PREDICTED LINE-UP: Jan Oblak; Lucas Hernandez, Diego Godin, Stefan Savic, Filipe Luis; Gabi, Saul Niguez; Koke, Yannick Carrasco; Kevin Gameiro, Antoine Griezmann.
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