La Liga
Real Madrid vs Espanyol Preview
Real Madrid’s focus again shifts to La Liga after their ‘perfect’ game against Roma in the Champion’s League. The Spanish giants welcome Espanyol to the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday at 2:45 EDT.
Comparatively, both sides have had a good start to the league. The Catalans sit just 3 points behind their hosts in fourth place. Madrid’s draw with Bilbao last week mean they now sit 2 points behind leaders Barcelona.
Team news
Espanyol coach Rubi has used the same lineup in the three previous matches and seems likely to continue doing so on Saturday. The only doubt surrounds center back David Lopez due to injury. Should the defender not be fit in time, Pablo Piatti is set to step in. Veteran striker Sergio Garcia will hope to score in a second consecutive match.
Meanwhile, Real coach Julen Lopetegui will field a very different side from their midweek match. Continuing a rotation, Marco Asensio should replace Isco in attack. Likewise, Dani Ceballos is expected to give either Casemiro or Luka Modric a rest in midfield. Alvaro Odriozola may debut at right back in place of a tired Dani Carvajal.
Courtois is also expected to start as Madrid’s keeper for domestic competition and it is possible that Nacho replaces Varane in defense. Despite an impressive goal on Wednesday, striker Mariano Diaz should see Karim Benzema start ahead of him up front.
Lineup and Match Prediction
Real Madrid: Courtois; Odriozola, Nacho, Ramos, Marcelo; Modric, Kroos, Ceballos; Asensio, Benzema, Bale
Espanyol: Diego Lopez; Javi Lopez, David Lopez, Hermoso, Vila; Darder, Roca, Granero; Baptistao, Iglesias, Garcia
‘Los Blancos’ will feel confident of a victory at home against their visitors. Although Espanyol will not be an easy opponent, the home side are currently firing on all cylinders. Rubi’s team have the fourth most fouls in La Liga and Madrid will dominate possession, frustrating their opponents and potentially forcing cards.
The Catalans will play to their strengths as well, conceding possession to their opponents and waiting for their chances. 60% of Espanyol’s goals have been from set pieces and it is there that they will test their hosts. Ultimately, the club’s win-less run in the Bernabeu dates to 1996 and should continue on Saturday.
Real Madrid 4 – 1 Espanyol
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Photo credit to Real Madrid via Flickr
