ANGE POSTECOGLOU has sprung a few surprises while naming his team to face Real Madrid.
With Carter-Vickers absent, Joe Hart has taken the armband for the night, which was expected. Starfelt has rejoined the squad and has gone straight back into the starting team, replacing the injured American.
It’s a big risk and a big challenge for Starfelt. In his first game since the Glasgow Derby, he’ll be tasked with keeping the Madrid front three quiet, although he’s helped with the sight of Benzema on the bench.
The midfield three has become the usual. With McGregor still out, Mooy will start with O’Riley playing deeper.
The biggest surprises same on the wings, with Abada and Maeda both starting while Jota and Haksabanovic start on the wings.
Maeda offers a lot defensively and could be of good use tonight. Abada doesn’t really do much tracking back and does leave Juranovic exposed at times.
It’s not the wingers I’d have gone for personally, but with nothing but pride to play for, maybe Postecoglou is looking towards the last few league games before the World Cup.
