Real Madrid will be looking to get over the disappointment of the shock draw in the Champions League when they face CD Leganes who are currently in the 16th position in the table. Madrid will be able to fall back on their home comforts after a strange trip to Legia Warszawa where they had to play in an almost empty stadium because of the ban imposed on them.
Real Madrid have been inconsistent this season and have had a host of draws. But the profligacy of the other teams means that they are still on top of the table, which is extremely competitive this year.
Madrid will be wary of Leganes’ away form as the side has collected 9 points in 5 matches in comparison to a solitary point from 5 matches on their home turf. Los Blancos have been hit hard by injuries this season and Zinedine Zidane has been trying to get around the absence of many first team stars. Their defence has been the cause of worry, as has been Ronaldo’s inconsistent form.
The Portuguese star has a horrible outing yesterday and will look to regain his confidence when Leganes come calling. With Barcelona, Sevilla and Atletico Madrid breathing down their neck, a win is mandatory before the International break sets in.
Keylor Navas will be in goal and he will know the importance of improving his displays which have been shaky, to say the least till now. Carvajal is expected to be right-back and we might see Fabio Coentrao getting another chance at left-back with doubts over Marcelo’s fitness. Real are down to the bare bones in the central defensive area with Ramos and Pepe both injured. This might see Varane and Nacho Fernandez continue their partnership at the heart of the defence.
MIDFIELD
Zidane will most likely revert to a three-man midfield after his experiment failed to work out midweek. This will see the trio of Kroos, Kovacic and Isco come into the side. Modric might not be risked and Casemiro and Rodriguez are still out injured.
ATTACK
Up front, there are increased calls to give Morata a chance in the league but it is likely Benzema will be starting once again. Ronaldo had another off day against Legia and will be eager to get back to his goal scoring form once more while Gareth Bale will be on the right-flank and his confidence will be high after a sweetly struck volley inside a minute.
