Match Preview

LaLiga is back underway this weekend as Real Madrid return to action at home to host Huesca.

Real Madrid won their first and only match under the returning Zinedine Zidane two weekends ago. The club has had some significant time to rest with the international break bringing a pause to league action.

Real still find themselves in third trailing both Barcelona and Atlético, now five points behind the second spot. Huesca are at the very bottom of the league table, 7 points behind to get out of the relegation zone.

Real want to stay in a Champions League spot position, Huesca want to get out of relegation if possible. It will be interesting to see how both sides look coming off a long halt in action.

Injuries/Suspensions

Real Madrid have added Thibaut Courtois to the injury list with a sustained hamstring injury. Modric, Kroos, and Asensio are all out of the released squad, most likely to rest after the international break. Carvajal remains out with his own injury as well. Marcos Llorente returns from injury.

Huesca remain without Luisinho, Gonzalo Melero, Pablo Insua, and Carlos Akapo.

Huesca suffer the lone suspension with winger David Ferreiro missing.

Potential XIs

Real Madrid

Navas; Odriozola, Varane, Ramos; Marcelo; Valverde, Casemiro, Ceballos; Bale, Brahim, Benzema

With Courtois out, the decision to start Navas in net is uncontested.

With Modric, Kroos, and Asensio not featuring in Sunday’s squad, it’s an opportunity for Zidane to see what he has with some of his younger players and give them a chance to prove themselves for this club.

Huesca

Santamaría; Miramón, Pulido, Mantovani, Dieguez; Gallar, Herrera, Gomez, Juanpi; Avila, Gallego

Prediction

Real Madrid-Huesca 3-0

This should be a winnable match for Real Madrid since this is the worst team in the league this season. There’s really no excuse for losing to Huesca, even with several starters missing, especially when Real beat them earlier this season on the road already.

The youngsters that may possibly feature for Zidane need to prove they belong and are worthy of a spot in the squad moving forward. It’s also a good opportunity for them to even see the pitch, especially someone like Brahim, since they haven’t featured all that much this season.

At home, Real should be able to come away with the three points for their fans. While no win is ever guaranteed, these are the kinds of matchups Real should not be struggling with at all.

Hopefully, the club can take away a win and get back on track with Zidane after the international break and secure that Champions League spot moving forward.