Spanish La Liga preview: Real Madrid – Valencia CF (Part 2)
Team News
Real Madrid
Jose Mourinho, will have to do without a host of key players, going into this game. The coach will be sweating over the availability of Cristiano Ronaldo – the club’s top scorer so far in all competitions – for this game. CR7 is reportedly struggling with an ankle injury. Latest reports indicate, Sergio Canales has been sidelined for a month, with an ankle sprain. The youngster will join the likes of Gonzalo Higuain, Ricardo Kaka and Fernando Gago, on the treatment tables.On a positive note, Ezequiel Garay will return to the squad after a lengthy spell in the treatment rooms. The Argentine’s return couldn’t have been at a better time as both, Sergio Ramos and Ricardo Carvalhom are suspended for this game.
Expected Formation
Jose Mourinho will line up his troops in an attacking, yet versatile, 4-3-3 formation. Karim Benzema will play as the lone striker up font, while he will be flanked by Angel Di Maria, on the right. Cristiano Ronaldo will start the game on the left but the Portuguese will be given a free role, meaning Ronaldo will drop in to space, whenever possible. Mesut Ozil will be the man, responsible for linking the midfield to the attack, while Xabi Alonso, will add silk to Khedira’s, steel. In absence of Carvalho, Albiol will partner Pepe in the heart of defence while
Marcelo and Arbeloa, will line up on the full back positions.
Probable Lineup
Iker Casillas, Alvaro Arbeloa, Raul Albiol, Pepe, Marcelo, Sami Khedira, Xabi Alonso, Mesut Ozil, Angerl Di Maria, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema
Valencia FC
Los Che will do without the services of first and second choice goalkeepers, for this game so Vicente Guaita, will keep the gloves for his side. Jeremy Mathieu, Mehmet Topal, Manuel Fernandes and Sofiane Feghouli are injured so were unavailable for selection.
Emery has decided to leave out David Navarro and Vicente for technical reasons.
Expected Formation
Valencia will take to the Bernabeau pitch, in a 4-4-1-1 formation. Summer arrival ,Roberto Soldado will lead the lines for Los Che ,while former Real Madrid youngster Juan Manuel Mata, will play in the hole just behind the striker. David Albelda and Ever Banega will form a central midfield partnership, full of running and tackles. The two central players, will be flanked by, Joaquin and Pablo Hernandez. Ricardo Costa and Marius Stankevicius will take the central defensive positions, while Luis Monteiro and Miguel will take the flanks.
Probable Lineup
Vicente Guaita, Marius Stankevicius, Ricardo Costa, Miguel, David Albelda, Ever Banega, Joaquin, Pablo Hernandez, Juan Mata, Roberto Soldado
Key Players
Cristiano Ronaldo
Much was expected of the mercurial Portuguese, in El Clasico but Jose Mourinho’s men couldn’t muster a single goal. Better still, Ronaldo was the only Madridista, looking like a threat. The Portuguese will want to return to scoring ways at the earliest and the home game against ,a make shift Los Che defence, presents the Portuguese with the ideal opportunity. Shoud CR7 find his scoring boots, Valencia will be hard-pressed, taking anything from the game.
Roberto Soldado
Soldado is the new talisman of Los Che, following the departures of David combo; David Villa and David Silva. The former Getafe striker has slowly found his feet at Mastella, following a difficult start. Soldado has been particularly impressive in Europe, where he has scored five goals, in as many appearances. Los Che’s ,number 9, will be the visiting side’s most potent goal scoring threat and any hopes,taking points off Madrid ,will rest on Soldado’s shoulders.
Prediction
Real Madrid are hungry for victories, following their most recent defeat, while Los Che have struggled on their travels.
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