Match Preview
Real Madrid return to action on Saturday after another international break, where they will travel to the Ipurua and take on Eibar. Real have won every match so far under new manager Santiago Solari. They have also won their last four matches at the Ipurua as a club.
Real are currently in sixth in the LaLiga table, four points in back of league-leader Barcelona. Eibar are thirteenth in the league, five points behind Real Madrid.
With such a good record on the road against Eibar, Real should be able to capture another three points under Solari and keep the win train rolling.
Injuries/Suspensions
While several of Real’s players have returned to training/injury, there are some new ones on the injury list to replace them. Nacho is reportedly out about two months after sustaining a ligament injury against Celta. Casemiro was also injured in that match and will miss around three weeks.
Reguilón is also out with a hamstring injury, though he will likely be back next weekend. There are no suspensions for Real.
Eibar will still be without Pedro Leon due to a foot injury. They also will be without Pape Diop and Anaitz Arbilla due to suspension.
Potential XIs
Real Madrid
Courtois; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Modric, Ceballos, Kroos; Bale, Asensio, Benzema
Carvajal, Varane, and Marcelo are the three players that have returned from rather long injuries. All three could likely play, with Nacho and Reguilón now out there’s even less options to fill in.
With Casemiro out now, Solari has a decision to make in his place. He could start Ceballos, although Isco is a good option as well.
Eibar
Riesgo; Peña, Oliveira, Moreno, Angel; Escalante, Fernandez; Orellana, Jordán, Cucurella; Charles
Prediction
Real Madrid-Eibar 3-1
Real Madrid have historically scored quite a bit at the Ipurua, this match may not be too different. Real need the three points to keep up with the rest of the pack trying for the top spot in LaLiga.
It’s been a really competitive season so far, especially when Real struggled coming out of the gates under Lopetegui. They need to keep playing well under Solari now that he is the full-time manager of the club. With some new injuries to the squad as well, it’s even more important that they continue to play well through them.
A win in this match would have Real sitting pretty for the upcoming week, especially if some of the teams ahead of Real in the table can drop some points this weekend.