- Match preview, recent form, injuries and suspensions and more
Real Madrid are in good form and seem to have overcome the troubles that arose in the month of November. Zidane’s men have managed to get a few important wins against Sevilla Borussia Monchengladbach and most recently against Atletico Madrid in the Madrid Derby.
Los Blancos play in the middle of the week because of the Copa del Rey final which will be held in January.
Due to the hard schedule, Zidane is expected to rotate tonight and we might see him rest some key players, although injuries keep his options really limited in midfield.
Athletic Bilbao have struggled in La Liga this year and are currently in 13th place in La Liga. They have failed to win all of their last five away matches so far.
Recent Form
Real Madrid’s recent form is great. Los Blancos have found their rythm and have defeated and outclassed tough opponents like Sevilla, Gladbach and Atletico Madrid. This has seen them rise to the third position in La Liga and qualify to the Champions League round of 16 as group leaders after a rough start.
Real Madrid form in their last five games: WWWLL
The two defeats come from Alaves and Shakthar but since then Real Madrid have found their form and look unbeatable.
Athletic Bilbao on the other continue to struggle. At the moment they are 13th in La Liga and just three points separate them from last place Osasuna.
Bilbao’s form in their last five games: DLDWL
The only win in their last five games was the 4:0 win against Real Betis at home. Other than that, Bilboa have drawn against Valencia (2:2) at home and Getafe away (1:1). Meanwhile their losses have come against Valladolid away (2:1) and Celta Vigo at home (0:2).
Injuries & Suspensions
Real Madrid will be without the suspended Casemiro, who picked up his 5th yellow card against Atletico Madrid.
Luka Jovic, Eden Hazard, Martin Odegaard and Mariano are all out with injuries.
Athletico Bilbao will miss defender Peru Nolaskoain due to injury.
Potential XI
Since this is Real Madrid’s 5th match this month, Zidane is expected to rotate and players like Nacho, Marcelo and Isco may make an appearance. Zidane is quite unpredictable, but there have been many rumors today suggesting that at least two of those will start.
Real Madrid: Courtois; Marcelo, Ramos, Nacho, Carvajal; Kroos, Valverde, Modric, Asensio, Lucas Vazquez, Benzema.
Athletic Bilbao: Simon, Capa, Nuñez, Martinez, Yuri, Garcia, Lopez, Garcia, Williams, Muniain, Villalibre.
Prediction
Real Madrid look to keep their momentum alive and will do anything possible to win this one. It all depends on how much Zidane is willing to risk with his rotations.
Score prediction: Real Madrid 2:1 Athletic Bilbao
