The reigning Champions Real Madrid seems to have wind on their side lately. The series of negative results from the top leader, Atletico Madrid, has reduced the big margin previously to only three points. At the same time, Zidane’s men have won five times consecutively even when Sergio Ramos and Karim Benzema are still ruled out. Now their hope to retain the title is open again. This weekend, they will be playing host to Real Sociedad, which is sitting on the fifth of the table.
Both teams’ previous games
Los Blancos managed to snatch an important point in the first leg of Champions League in Bergamo. They thumped Atalanta 1-0 by a single late goal of Ferland Mendy. His long-range strike found the back of the net before the final whistle.
Real Sociedad’s continental campaign is officially over after holding Manchester United in a goalless draw in the midweek. It was already long shot to progress to next stage after being hammered 0-4 in the first leg last week.
Possible tactics
Zinedine Zidane will be opting for 4-3-3 with the transition to 3-4-3. Unfortunately, the key figures on the sideline are mounting after Karim Benzema is also injured. He joins Marcelo, Alvaro Odriozola, Sergio Ramos, Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, Eden Hazard and Rodrygo in the injury table. Therefore, Zidane will play Nacho and Raphael Varane at the backline with Lucas Vazquez and Ferland Mendy as full back. In the midfield, Casemiro, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos are still the main option to support Isco, Marco Asencio and Vinicius Jr upfront.
Imanol Alguacil might be deploying the similar formation. Alexander Isak, Portu and the captain Mikel Oyarzabal are still the main frontman. The former Red Devils man, Adnan Januzaj could be brought on at the second half. The only name on the sideline is Luca Sangalli.
Players to watch
The absence of Benzema in the line up would push Zidane rely on other names to score. Ideally Marco Asencio and Vinicius Jr take up the role as the main scorer. Yet, both have only contributed two goals and assist each. Another key man to watch is the German international Toni Kroos. He has registered two goals and six assists so far.
Sociedad’s top performers are surely two forwards, Mikel Oyarzabal and the Swedish striker Alexander Isak. The former has notched up ten goals and five assists in La Liga while the latter has netted twelve and provided two assists. Another vital figure to watch is the midfielder Mikel Merino.
Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad Prediction
Thibault Cortois and Co should have no difficulty in securing three points here despite their current crisis in the squad. Real Madrid’s mentality and defensive stance has been quite tough to break. A narrow win for the home side is more possible.
Betting Odds
Apparently the punters back neither side here. Los Merengues is priced to win at 28/29, whereas David Silva and Co are projected to win at 31/10. The odds for the draw result are at 3/1.
