Real Madrid will look to bridge the gap up at the top as they host struggling Eibar this weekend. The European champs are on the back of a disappointing draw with Tottenham Hotspur, but are hopeful for easy afternoon against an Eibar side, struggling to cope with the rigours of the Spanish top flight this season.
Eibar are currently lavishing in the 16th place, with just one point away from the danger zone. Real Madrid on the other hand, are not experiencing a great La Liga campaign either as Los Blancos are trailing league leaders Barcelona by a whopping five-point difference. Zidane Zidane will know that a win against Eibar could keep the pressure on Barcelona very much intact.
Here’s the predicted Real Madrid lineup to feature against Los Armeros this weekend.
Defense
Keylor Navas will miss out the clash due to a groin problem, therefore, second choice goalkeeper Kiko Casilla is expected to stand in between the sticks for Real Madrid this weekend.
Danny Carvajal will remain on the sidelines as continue to recover from a terrible heart disease. While Raphael Varane is doubtful for the game, meaning club captain Sergio Ramos could partner alongside Nacho in central defence.
Youngster Achraf Hakimi will retain his spot in the starting lineup following an impressive outing against Spurs this midweek. He will occupy the right-back position with Marcelo occupying the other side of the defence.
Midfield
Head coach Zinedine Zidane is not expected to make many changes in midfield. Casemiro will remain as the holding midfielder with Toni Kroos and Luka Modric partnering the Brazilian in advanced positions.
The midfield needs to step up following an uncharacteristically poor display against Tottenham in midweek. It will be interesting to see how Los Blancos fare against brave Eibar side in the centre of the park.
Attack
In attack, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema will remain as the frontline strikers for Real Madrid. Ronaldo looked very promising against Spurs but Benzema spurned more than three clear-cut opportunities which could have had a big impact on the final result. The Frenchman needs to polish up his scoring boos ahead of their match against Eibar.
Gareth Bale is back in training but the Welshman is still not fully fit to play. He will remain for about a week and is eyeing a comeback against his former club Tottenham next month. In his stead, Isco, who has arguably been Real Madrid’s best player this season, will play as the attacker midfielder behind Ronaldo and Benzema up front.
Here is how they might line up:
