Real Madrid play hosts to Granada at the Alfredo de Stefano Stadium on Matchday 15 of La Liga Santander. Due to the pandemic outbreak in 2020, La Liga teams are even playing during the festive period to make up for the lost time. Usually, a two-week break is declared in Spain during the Christmas and New Year period.
Zidane will be in a far better mental space following his side’s five consecutive victories post a slump in form. The Whites are now placed on top of the Primera Division table tied on points with their noisy neighbours, Atletico Madrid.
For this midweek tie against Granada, Zidane will nearly have the entire squad at his disposal except for Eden Hazard who is not expected to feature again for Los Blancos in 2020. Real Madrid are supposed to play two matches in the space of 6 days and Zidane could possibly rest a few players.
Here’s how Real Madrid could take to the field against sixth-placed Granada on Wednesday evening –
Defence
Thibaut Courtois will take charge in goal for Real Madrid. The Belgian has been in some red hot form and would be certainly looking for a clean-sheet against Granada on Wednesday evening. Dani Carvajal will start on the right-hand side after a string of neat and tidy performances post his return from injury. Carvajal is undoubtedly an inseparable part of this Real Madrid side under Zinedine Zidane.
Raphael Varane had a torrid evening at the Ipurua Stadium last time around. The Frenchman is still expected to start alongside Sergio Ramos in the heart of Real Madrid’s defence. The two centre backs are amongst the best on their day and are certainly the backbone of the team. Marcelo could be getting an odd run against Granada. Ferland Mendy looked tired against Eibar and could be given some rest.
Midfield
Federico Valverde will most likely start in midfield ahead of Luka Modric who could be rested after starting in a handful matches on the bounce. Casemiro will retain his place in the starting eleven. The Brazilian is absolutely crucial in the line-up as he shields the Real Madrid back-line alongside his forward movements. Toni Kroos would also be retaining his place in the lineup despite an ordinary display against Eibar. Kroos will have to link up well with Valverde if Real Madrid are to take charge of the game from the first whistle to the last.
Attack
Lucas Vasquez will start on the right-wing after showing commendable work ethics as he toiled back to help out in defence each time against Eibar. The return of Vasquez to the scene has given Real Madrid a new dimension, something that seemed to be missing for a distant memory. Karim Benzema who is running through his purple patch will certainly occupy the number nine position. The French attacker was breathtaking to watch in Basque Country and the Bernabeu faithful will be looking up to him on Wednesday. Rodrygo will most likely retain his place in the side after being involved with an assist in one of the three goals on Matchday 14.
Predicted Line Up
