Real Madrid will look to get back to winning ways after an intense 2-2 draw away at Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League this midweek. Zinedine Zidane’s side, who are currently leading the La Liga standings, are on the back of three straight draws and must pick up three points in order to keep their place at the top of the table. Barcelona will be in action later tonight and if Real Madrid fail to better Barca’s result, the Los Blancos have to give up their first place.
It has been only six games this season in the La Liga and the early signs suggest that it will be another competitive season in La Liga. Barcelona have already faced an upset against newly-promoted Alaves whereas Real Madrid have already dropped four points. Sevilla, Atletico Madrid, Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao are all in the picture as well.
So, there is no room for complacency for Real Madrid. Eibar have done very well so far this season sitting eighth on the table with 10 points from six games and can realistically cause an upset.
Team news
Real Madrid
Sergio Ramos is expected to be rested for this one, while Casemiro remains out of the mix with a broken leg. Luka Modric was ruled out on Saturday with a knee injury and could be out for a month. Marcelo is back in light training following a calf strain, but this match comes a bit too soon for him. Alvaro Morata is back training again, having suffered a foot injury three days ago, and should be available.
Eibar
The visitors do not have too many injury concerns.
Predicted lineups and tactical setups
Real Madrid
Real Madrid are likely to start in a 4-3-3 formation. Navas will start under the bar behind the back four of Carvajal, Ramos, Varane and Danilo. Kroos is likely to start as the deepest midfielder in an unfamiliar defensive midfield role. Isco and James Rodriguez will start as the two box to box midfielders. The attacking trio will be Bale, Benzema and Ronaldo, the famous trio of ‘BBC’.
Starting XI: Navas; Danilo, Sergio Ramos, Varane, Carvajal; Toni Kroos, Isco, James; Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo
Eibar
The visitors are likely to start in a 4-4-2 formation. Riesgo will start under the bar behind the back four of Luna, Lejeune, Gálvez and Capa. García and Escalante will be the central midfield pairing with Bebe and former Real Madrid winger Pedro Leon on the flanks. Kike and Enrich will start up front in a two-pronged attack.
Starting XI: Riesgo; Luna, Lejeune, Gálvez, Capa; Bebé, García, Escalante, León; Kike, Enrich
Key players
Real Madrid – Toni Kroos
With Casemiro out injured, the German World Cup winner will once again start in defensive midfield which is an unfamiliar role for him. Modric’s absence will make the job ever harder for the 26-year-old and we have to wait and see how he fares against Eibar.
Eibar- Pedro Leon
The former Real Madrid winger is in a good form this season with three goals already from six games. The 29-year-old will be looking to hurt his former employers back as he starts on the right flank for Eibar.
Odds
Real Madrid win @1/10
Draw @10/1
Eibar win @18/1
