- Los Blancos look to move clear from Barcelona and close in on La Liga leaders Atletico
Real Madrid travel to Eibar with the goal of keeping their winning streak going and grabbing three crucial points. Los Blancos have tasted nothing but convincing wins in their last four matches. Now, Zidane’s men look to move further away from Barcelona who dropped points against Valencia, and move in closer to La Liga leaders Atletico.
Team News & Recent Form
After a shaky streak of games in November, Real Madrid have looked great in very tough matches against Sevilla, Gladbach, Atletico and Athletic Bilbao. Los Blancos emerged victorious in all those games and as a result they are tied for third in La Liga with 26 points with Real Sociedad. La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid have three points more and a game less, so winning the three points against Eibar is crucial for Real.
Good news for Zidane is the recovery of many injured players. Luka Jovic, Martin Odegaard and Mariano have all trained with the squad and are available to play. Eden Hazard has also trained with the team after recovering from injury, but he is not yet match fit and has not been called up.
Vinicius Jr, is the other abstentee who will miss the game due to gastroenteritis.
Real Madrid’s form in last five games: WWWWL
Eibar form in in last five games: WDDWD
Eibar have struggled offensively a lot and have managed to score only one goal at home in the last 630 minutes. In fact, they have yet to win a game at home in La Liga. But Eibar coach Sergio Alvarez will miss several of his players tonight and might have to improvise and move players from midfield to defense.
Injuries & Suspensions
Luka Jovic, Martin Odegaard and Mariano Diaz have recovered from injuried and have been called up to the squad. The only absentees from Real Madrid’s squad are Eden Hazard (lacking match fitness) and Vinicius Jr (gastroenteritis). Isco has also picked up a knock in his right ankle and while it’s nothing serious, he has not been called up.
Eibar on the other hand will miss Paulo Oliveira and Rober Correa who are both injured, while Esteban Burgos is suspended.
Potential XI
After experimenting a little at the start of the season, Zidane seems to have found his starting lineup. Small changes are possible, but Zidane will most likely rely on the players that have performed so well in the last four games.
Real Madrid: Courtois; Mendy, Ramos, Varane, Carvajal; Casemiro, Kroos, Modric; Asensio, Lucas Vazquez, Benzema
Eibar: Dimitrovic; Arbilla, Bigas, Sergio, Rozo; Bryan Gill, Diop, Exposito, Inui; Muto, Kike
Prediction
A struggling Eibar side go against a Real Madrid who have played great in their last four games. On paper, Real Madrid is the clear favorite, however, Los Blancos have struggled against smaller teams so far in La Liga and played much better when the competition is closer to their level. Zidane’s men can’t get complacent and need to stay focused to grab the three crucial points.
Final prediction: Eibar 0-2 Real Madrid
