Match Preview

Real Madrid look to play-catch up with Atletico Madrid as Los Blancos travel to Andalusia to take on Granada on Thursday.

Real currently sit in third in the league table trailing by a point behind Barcelona and five points behind Atletico. Both clubs have already played so Real are playing catch-up this week.

Granada currently sit 10th and have lost their last two matches including three of their last five matches played. These two clubs played back in December where Real took a 2-0 result at home.

Now, Real Madrid will have to do it again on the road with a lot of injuries to the squad sustained once again.

Injuries/Suspensions

Real Madrid will be without Sergio Ramos, Ferland Mendy, Dani Carvajal, Marcelo, Raphael Varane and Lucas Vazquez. Real will only have four defenders available for this match.

Granada have injuries of their own as they will likely be without Jesus Vallejo, Luis Milla, Carlos Neva and Kenedy. Angel Montoro, Domingo Duarte and Yangel Herrera are doubts as well. Roberto Soldado is serving his three-match suspension.

Potential XIs

Granada

Escandell; Foulquier, Perez, Sanchez, Quini; Eteki, Gonalons; Puertas, Vico, Machis; Suarez

Real Madrid

Courtois; Valverde, Militao, Nacho, Gutierrez; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos; Vinicius, Hazard, Benzema

With only four defenders available, Zidane has limited options as to who can start. It will be interesting to see if he gives the start to Fede Valverde at right back again over the available Alvaro Odriozola.

Castilla product Miguel Gutierrez will likely also be getting his first start for the first team at left back. He made his debut off the bench against Cadiz several weeks ago.

Prediction

Granada—Real Madrid 1-3

The defense has been stretched really thin for Real Madrid heading into this away match. With limited options available, it’s important that the squad works together to limit chances from Granada.

Granada are dealing with their own plethora of injury issues so they find themselves in a similar situation. Real should be able to pull through with three points given the strength of the midfield and the depth of the attack.

Three points brings Los Blancos back to second and back within two points of the league-leading Atletico. This is the part of the season where every point matters and Real cannot afford to drop points again after doing so against Sevilla last weekend.