Despite losing out to Barcelona in the last minute previous game, the league is still very much in Real Madrid’s hands as they have played a game less. Although injuries and Champions League fixtures will be a hindrance in attaining that, but La Liga’s lack of competition will play a huge role in it.
Real play 16th placed Deportivo La Coruna next and a routine win should be on the cards.
Team News
Deportivo La Coruna- Deportivo, unlike Real, has no injury concern whatsoever going into the game apart from the long-term injury of Pedro Mosquera, who is out for the season with a thigh injury.
Real Madrid- The biggest miss for manager Zinedine Zidane will be of Wales international Gareth Bale. His injuries keep piling up it seems as he could last only 40 minutes in El Clasico last weekend. It is an ankle problem this time and we expect Zidane to deploy the prolific James Rodriguez in his place. The Columbian international had scored the second goal against Barcelona before the Catalans snatched a win right at the last win.
However, Real have more than enough firepower up front to take down Deportivo. It is their problems at the back which might prove to be fatal. With Raphael Varane and Pepe already battling injuries, Sergio Ramos was the last man to add to the absentee list. The skipper is suspended for the game for a reckless challenge on Messi. Right-back Danilo could be the only choice left at the heart of the defence alongside Nacho.
Predicted Line-ups
Deportivo La Coruna- Lux; Juanfran, Arribas, Sidnei, Luisinho; Guilherme, Borges; Gama, Gil, Kakuta; Andone
Real Madrid- Navas; Carvajal, Danilo, Nacho, Marcelo; Modric, Kovacic, Rodriguez; Asensio, Benzema, Ronaldo
Key Players
Deportivo La Coruna- Deportivo lacks any kind of threat up front, whatsoever, that could cause damage to Real. They have managed to score just 35 goals in the whole La Liga season so far. Except for loanee Gael Kakuta, who has some fancy footwork, Real will have no player to worry about as such. However, their crippled central defence will be a big concern.
Real Madrid- On the attacking front, Real are brimming with talent, who all have the quality to single-handedly change the outcome of the game. Their top-scorer Cristiano Ronaldo is definitely the biggest threat for Deportivo and the Portuguese will look to come back to winning ways as fast as possible after the humiliating defeat to Barcelona.
Apart from him, Isco, Alvaro Morata, James Rodriguez and Luka Modric are all capable of producing some astonishing solo efforts.
Odds
Real Madrid @ 1.40
Draw @ 5.00
Deportivo La Coruna @ 6.50
