Real Madrid welcome 15th placed team CA Osasuna to the Santiago Bernabeu as they look to continue their fine start to the season. The usual suspects are at the top of the table with the exception of Atletico Madrid who have been replaced by Las Palmas, albeit temporarily. With virtually no breathing space between Barcelona and Real Madrid, the latter will be wary of taking any opponent lightly. Zidane’s rescue op towards the end of last season saw them restore parity in the league and although they lost out in the end, it was where Real Madrid would be nearer to if not actually piping Barcelona. Winning the Champions League was a real boost and a see-saw season was transformed in a matter of months after Zizou’s intervention.
Real will be looking to fight for the title, this time around, and losing any sort of ground on the Catalans will be treated as a major setback. While there were apprehensions at the start of the season with the lack of transfer activity and the host of injury issues to deal with before their first match against Real Sociedad, the team has turned up and illustrated its depth and quality beneath all the glitz and glamour of the traditional first team. With the Champions League fixture against Sporting coming up, Zizou might not look to start Cristiano Ronaldo since the start and will love to have the match in the bag before giving a run out to his returning stars.
PREDICTED REAL MADRID LINE-UP VERSUS CA OSASUNA (4-3-3)
DEFENCE
Though Navas is on his way to full fitness, they will be better off easing him back into the action hence giving Casilla another chance between the sticks. Ramos and Pepe are likely to renew their centre-back pairing with the impressive Varane offering an alternative while the ultra-adventurous Marcelo will be at left back.
MIDFIELD
The trio of Casemiro, Kroos and Modric have been a treat to watch and with the defensive nous of Casemiro on display, the likes of Kroos and Modric have been afforded the freedom to wreak havoc with their passing and vision.
ATTACK
Though it is difficult keeping Ronaldo away from a football pitch, it will be in Madrid’s best interest to get him on in the latter stages if he is passed fit. Thus Asensio might get another run-out. Bale will look to continue his excellent work with Morata leading the line as Benzema attains full fitness.
