Open Thread: October 16, 2020.

Hola Madridistas!

The Open Thread/Daily Merengue is a place where you can discuss anything and everything related to football. Feel free to discuss the topics presented here, or start your very own discussions! The Open thread will be posted every day by one of the mods: Valyrian Steel, Felipejack or Oscnar.

More about Mayoral and Jovic.

Mayoral has corrected his previous comments, stating that he and Zidane never talked about Jovic. The controversy did not end there however. Jovic was asked about Mayoral’s comments and the Serbian replied that he had no comment and to ask the club about the matter.

The end of the international break.

An international break always causes concern that players might return injured from their national team duties. It seems the only issue in this international break was Courtois, who felt a muscular discomfort and left Belgium’s national team early as a precaution. As already mentioned, Courtois is fine and will be available to face Cádiz. Further, Kroos, who didn’t play the last couple of games for Real Madrid, was able to play for Germany and is fit for the next game. This is very good news, as few players are unavailable due to injuries - Mariano, Militao, Hazard, Carvajal and Odriozola. It will be interesting to see how Zidane will approach the upcoming schedule, as the team will play 7 games in 21 days.

Final preparations before Cadiz.

The internationals are back and worked out under the strict healthcare rules imposed in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hazard, Carvajal, Odriozola and Mariano worked out on the indoor facilities. Real Madrid will take on Cadiz at the Alfredo Di Stéfano on LaLiga match day 6 (Saturday, 6:30pm CEST).

Other notable games around La liga and Europe to keep an eye on.

Getafe vs Barcelona - In a remarkable move, Getafe have confirmed they are dropping the first four letters of their name for a one-off occasion around the game so that they are called “Fe CF” – which translates into English as “Faith FC.” The Catalans will be without goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen and Jordi Alba as they continue to recover from their injuries.

Celta vs Atletico Madrid - Having already drawn 2 games Atleti will be looking to get back to winning ways to keep pace with their crosstown rivals.

Everton vs Liverpool - Usually the Merseyside derby is quite a predictable affair, however under Carlo Ancelotti, Everton sits atop the premier league and will look to get their first win in a decade against last year’s champions. Liverpool meanwhile are coming off a heavy loss to Aston Villa. The game will take place at Goodison Park.

Manchester City vs Arsenal - Another blockbuster clash in the premier league at the Etihad. The game could mark the return of Sergio Aguero from a knee injury that sidelined him for many months.

Inter vs Milan - The Milan Derby sees a resurgent AC Milan face their first real test, having won all 3 games in the league thus far. Inter meanwhile have added quality depth in midfield with the signings of Arturo Vidal and Radja Nainggolan as well as speed on the flanks with Achraf Hakimi and the returning Ivan Perisic, a Treble winner at Bayern Munich.