LA Liga leaders Real Madrid will go head to head against the 10th place side Athletic on Saturday. This fixture is a must win for Real Madrid as defeat might send them to 2nd place in the League leaders as only 2 points differentiate them from the 2nd place Barcelona. However, looking at their recent form in LA Liga which includes 7 wins in the last 10 fixtures, the LOS BLANCOS are expected to edge past the mid-table side in a streamline way.
Here is how Real Madrid will lineup against Athletic on Saturday: –
Iker Casillas
While Keylor Navas was brought in the summer transfer window to put pressure on Casillas, the performances of the Spaniard in the League has limited Navas to the bench in LA Liga this season. With 11 clean sheets in 23 games this season, Casillas has been on song for the LOS BLANCOS.
Dani Carjaval
In the last 7 occasions in which the Spaniard has started for Real Madrid in the right back role, the LOS BLANCOS has kept just 4 clean sheets. Although being a full back defending isn’t one of his popular traits, his performance against Villarreal a week earlier wasn’t satisfactory to say the least.
Pepe
For a player who is known more for his anger than his antics on the pitch, Pepe has get rid of his demons remarkably well this season and as he has just received one yellow card in the whole season till date. He is expected to make his 17th start for Real Madrid on Saturday.
Marcelo
For a player who has shone for Real Madrid in big occasions in the past, this season has been no different for the Brazilian. Although he was shown a red card in Real Madrid’s win at Sevilla, Marcelo has been the undisputed left back for Real Madrid.
Raphael Varane
While the Frenchman has been regarded as one of the hottest prospects in Europe this season, the injury to Sergio Ramos can provide him with one last opportunity to save his Real Madrid career. Although he is just 21 and can solve the defensive crisis of Real Madrid for years, Manchester United seem adamant to bring him at the Old Trafford next summer.
Lucas Silva
Signed in the January transfer window, Silva was seen more as a future impact than an immediate first team player. However, with injuries to Luka Modric and the lack of game-time for Illaramendi, Silva might make his 4th appearance for Real Madrid against Athletic.
Isco
Although the Real Madrid player has been filled with star-studded players, Isco has made his reputation as a game-initiator this season. With 3 goals and 8 assists under his belt already, the member of the Spanish new generation is making his mark at the Santiago Bernabeau this season.
Toni Kroos
When Real Madrid swapped Xabi Alonso for Toni Kroos in the summer, many questioned their decision of replacing an experienced player with one who was striving to make his mark. However, with his performances this season which are catalyzed by 7 assists to his team-mates, Kroos has become a fan favorite for the Real Madrid folklore.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Although they say that form is temporary, this hasn’t been the case for the Portuguese this season. With 30 goals already this season in just 22 matches, Cristiano Ronaldo is nearing to break the record of most goals scored in one season in LA Liga this year.
Gareth Bale
For a player who has scored 36 goals in first 29 games, Gareth Bale is getting some unusual stick from the Real Madrid folklore of late. While many fans question his selfish behavior, 22 assists to his team-mates in just under 2 years provide a different scenario.
Karim Benzema
While Cristiano Ronaldo has scored some goals off late, the BBC trinity hasn’t been up to the mark this year. Due to his poor game against Villarreal last week, Benzema was subbed out for Hernandez. However, with his form this season coming to his rescue, the French striker should start for Real Madrid against Athletic.
Athletic Bilbao Vs Real Madrid will take place at the San Mames Stadium on Saturday 7th March at 18:00 GMT
LA Liga: How will Real Madrid lineup against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday
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