Match Preview

Real Madrid are back in action for LaLiga on Saturday when they make the trip to the Mendizorroza to take on Alavés. Real won both league matches against Alavés last season. It’s been a bit bleak for Real lately as they haven’t scored a goal in their last 3 total matches.

Despite this disappointing slump, they remain even with Barcelona atop the league table with 14 points apiece. Alavés are tied with Espanyol for 6th with 11 points, which means a win for them against Real would put them tied. Alavés lost their last match against Levante.

Not only have Real been unable to score these past couple of weeks, they are racking up a lot of injuries as well. They did receive a boost as Bale and Ramos are back in training and will likely feature in some fashion on Saturday.

Real certainly need a win this weekend, not only for the points but because they really need a win. The more they fail to score and win, the more doubts that will be had about the outlook of this season. Even with all the injuries, Real can make this weekend a huge positive and confidence gain.

Injuries/Suspensions

Isco remains out after his appendicitis surgery. Marcelo is also still out of action with a muscle injury. And recently added to the list is Carvajal, who will be out significantly because of a calf injury.

Alavés are without Rodrigo Ely, who remains out until early next year.

There are no suspensions for Saturday’s match.

Potential XIs

Real Madrid

Courtois; Odriozola, Varane, Ramos (?), Nacho; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos; Bale (?), Asensio, Benzema

Since Navas started against CSKA in the Champions League, Courtois will likely start as he has in LaLiga action. With Carvajal out potentially for a month or two, this is Odriozola’s opportunity to get some time at right back. Ramos is questionable since he just returned to training; though he may start, if he doesn’t Nacho will likely shift over and Reguilón will start at left back again.

Bale is also just returning to the squad, like Ramos he may start but if not then Vasquez or even Mariano may start in favor. With Benzema slumping, Lopetegui likely wants him to break out, though there is perfect justification if Mariano starts at striker against Alavés.

Alavés

Pacheco; Aguirregabiria, Laguardia, Maripán, Duarte; Ibai, Pina, Manu Garcia, Burgui; Sobrino, Guidetti

Prediction

Real Madrid-Alavés 2-1

Traveling to the Mendizorroza is never easy, Saturday will likely be no different. Real really do need a win, they’re not going to be tied forever if they keep failing to capture 3 points because at some point you do expect Barcelona to break out of their recent form in LaLiga.

A road win in a tough stadium is just what the club needs to get a little more hopeful about their play, especially with all the injuries to the starters currently. And while the predicted score is low in goals, there’s hope that it doesn’t come true and Real can break out of their goal slump as well in this match.

If Real and Barcelona remain even through most of this month, El Clasico on the 28th becomes a lot more interesting. Hopefully Real can get a much needed win in an unfriendly stadium and turn their recent form completely around.