Crisis; what crisis?
Zinedine Zidane’s Real Madrid side sit atop of La Liga, going unbeaten in their first seven games. So, what’s the problem?
Well, it’s quite hard to put your finger on something particular, but something’s just not right at the Bernabeu at the moment. Whether it be the Bale
On Saturday, they play host to a top of the table clash with Barcel…nope, Atlet..no, that was last week. Well, who then?
That’s right, everybody’s first guess, the newly-promoted Granada.
Real will be looking for a win after their disappointing 2-2 draw at home to Belgian side Club Brugge, whilst a win for Granada will see them leapfrog Saturday’s opponents to the summit of La Liga
Here’s how Real Madrid should lineup for this top of the table clash in Spain.
Goalkeeper and Defenders
Alphonse Areola (GK) – A position filled with controversy at the moment. Thibaut Courtois
Alvaro Odriozola (RB) – Zidane has rotated between Odriozola and Carvajal a couple of times already this season. With the latter playing 180 minutes last week, Zidane should give Carvajal some rest bite and play Odriozola on Saturday.
Sergio Ramos (CB) – No explanation needed, you start him every time he’s fit.
Rafael Varane (CB) – Starting to cement himself as one of the best in Europe at his position and has formed a formidable partnership with Ramos over recent seasons. With there being a left-back crisis at the moment, it’s highly unlikely that Zidane will rotate his centre-backs.
Eder Militao (LB) – The summer signing from Porto is expected to make just his third start in a Real Madrid shirt on Saturday, this time from a rather unfamiliar left-back position. With Marcelo
Midfielders
Casemiro (CM) – Another player who’s cemented himself as one of the best in his position. The Brazilian provides steel and power to a declining Madrid midfield and we’ve seen him put the midfield trio on his back on occasions this season.
Toni Kroos (CM) – Does anybody pass the football quite as well as Toni Kroos
James Rodriguez (CM) – The Colombian deserves another start. Last year’s ‘Best Player’ Luka Modric
Forwards
Gareth Bale (RW) – The Welshman has done exceptionally well to put the disappointment of a failed summer move behind him, starting the season brightly in Madrid. A couple of goals and an assist from five starts isn’t a bad return as he attempts to find his best form once more. His electric pace and wand of a left-foot should make him one of the first on the team sheet.
Karim Benzema (ST) – The most underrated striker in Europe for some time now, Benzema
Eden Hazard (LW) – It’s only a matter of time before the boos start ringing out at the Bernabeu for Hazard
Let’