FC Sheriff to lose the battle but draw some blood
Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid will naturally be overwhelming favourites when Transnistrian outfit FC Sheriff Tiraspol come to the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday night, but must be wary of the threats the Champions League group stage debutants possess. Shakhtar Donetsk already discovered that to their peril in the first gameweek. Read our preview here:
Júnior senior
Perhaps coming of age (and still only 21), Brazilian forward Vinícius Júnior has been the standout performer in attack not called Karim Benzema for Los Blancos this term, even with the presences of the returning Gareth Bale and Eden Hazard for company. Though individually and collectively found wanting in the weekend stalemate with Villarreal, he has nevertheless crashed in five goals in six La Liga appearances in 2021/2022, and the way Benzema can bring the wider players into proceedings, coupled with his own skill, should continue to be a big boon. Elsewhere, Hazard might start on the right side, and Toni Kroos is unlikely to be risked for the fixture. Marco Asensio is set to continue to deputise.
Cristiano's second fiddle
Though not a 'fairytale' by any stretch of the imagination, it's remarkable with how skewed the current format of UEFA's elite club competition is that a side ostensibly from Moldova can make it as far as the lucrative group stage, and Zholto-chornyye have already proven they're not here to make up the numbers. Ukrainian head coach Yuriy Vernydub enjoys a win record of over 80%, and whilst that's bound to be affected slightly by their participation here, it's still peerless. Cristiano, a 28 year old Brazilian left-back who had hitherto struggled to find a permanent home, has most certainly made Tiraspol his, and provided assists for both goals against Shakhtar. How much freedom he's given on Tuesday night remains to be seen, but he can probably count on Hazard not helping out defensively. The 4-3-3 shape will be maintained, but striker Jasurbek Yakhshiboev might cut an isolated figure for large stretches of play.
Entry Hazard
Chances are going to be few and far between for the visitors, but the hosts are depleted in full-back areas, and only Casemiro can be said to be defensively adept in midfield. Real undoubtedly have far more quality on paper, but might have to score twice to win. Casumo have odds of 3.20 for Madrid to win with both teams scoring.
