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Match Preview
Now with the international break out of the way, Real Madrid can return and focus on the league. Only four points below second-place Atletico Madrid, a win this weekend against La Liga bottom-feeders Las Palmas could help Madrid climb one step closer to becoming the league’s runner-up.
With a crucial Champions League match this upcoming Tuesday against Juventus, the idea of Zinedine Zidane starting a rotated squad does not seem farfetched.
As stated on Friday, French striker Karim Benzema will wear the captain’s armband against Las Palmas. Perhaps, this new burden will give Benzema the confidence he needs to help Madrid carry out the rest of the season on the right foot.
Other squad news includes Dani Carvajal’s suspension and Sergio Ramos’ birthday. Carvajal is sitting on a one-match suspension that will render him out this weekend. As for Sergio Ramos, he will have the weekend off after celebrating his 32nd birthday on Friday.
Another major exclusion on the squad this weekend is none other than Cristiano Ronaldo.
This Saturday will be a great opportunity for on-the-fence rotation players to make a lasting impact on both the fans and Zidane.
Injuries
Real Madrid is in the clear this week as the club currently fields zero injuries.
Potential XIs
Real Madrid
Navas; Theo, Nacho, Varane, Achraf; Modric, Casemiro, Kovacic; Bale, Benzema, Vazquez
Las Palmas
Chichizola; Navarro, Aguirregaray, Garcia, Macedo, Castellano; Aquilani, Gomez, Momo, Halilovic; Calleri
Prediction
3-1 Real Madrid-Las Palmas
Nothing too spectacular will come out of this weekend’s game. There is no way Real Madrid can win the league, but they still can win the Champions League. Zidane’s move to rest star players and rotate his lineup was a smart decision.
The match against Las Palmas is not what matters. What matters is next week’s game against Juventus.
Las Palmas has yet to win a game since February 5 and has yet to score more than one goal in a match since January 20. The club is tanking, and it would be wise for Madrid to continue the process.
Having scored six in their last match against Girona, it would not be surprising to see Real run up the score.
HOW TO WATCH, STREAM LA LIGA
Date: 3/31/2018
Time: 18:30 CET, 12:30 EST, 09:30 am Pacific.
Venue: Estadio Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria, Spain.
Available TV: BeIN Sports (USA), BeIN La Liga (Spain).
Available Streaming: BeIN Sports (USA),Fubo.TV (EVERY Real Madrid game with a high-quality and legal stream, click here to sign up and benefit from a winter discount for new members and Managing Madrid readers).