Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid squad strength revealed ahead of Celtic clash

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Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti is expected to play a full-strength starting 11 as they prepare to take on Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic squad.

However, the current European champions look set to be without Ballon D’Or winner Karim Benzema from the outset, with the striker starting from the bench, according to reports.

The Spanish giants come into this evening’s game having already qualified for the last 16 of the competition, as was the expected outcome in Group F.

However, as we head into matchday six of the group stages, 1st place is still up for grabs between Carlo Ancelotti’s side and German opponents RB Leipzig.

After slipping up in their last two matches, versus the German side and Shakhtar Donetsk, Real find themselves in a position of needing all three points to secure top spot tonight.

So, whilst it might be a ‘dead rubber’ fixture for Ange Postecoglou and his players, there is still something up for grabs for Madrid.

According to reports from Spanish media outlet Diario AS, Ancelotti is expected to go with his full strength starting 11 that is available this evening.

However, it is also believed to be extremely unlikely that we will see world-class striker and French international Karim Benzema from the start.

For several weeks, the award-winning forward has been nurturing an injury, and he is only expected to be used in the case of emergency at the Bernabeu.

Ange Postecoglou’s squad set to experience full strength Madrid side at the Bernabeu.

Going into the final group game, many Celtic supporters were hoping that it would be Ange Postecoglou’s side playing for something on matchday six and Madrid resting a few superstar names after securing their place out the group.

However, those roles have been reversed due to the Bhoys’ disappointment in Europe this campaign and a few slip-ups from this Madrid side.

So, we are now set to go up against a full-strength Real Madrid side, barring Karim Benzema, who is also in contention off the bench.

Whilst that was always going to be an extremely difficult task, I am sure it is one the Celtic boss is relishing, seeing his team go up against some of the best players across the globe.

Real Madrid are the clear favourites going into this one, and many will be expecting them to walk all over this Celtic side tonight.

However, Postecoglou won’t allow that to happen to his squad, and the 57-year-old will be hoping to see a bit of fight, similar to the Bhoys’ opening group stage game in September.

In other news, “I don’t have to prove myself”; Ange delivers class response to Celtic motivation question.