Real Madrid will be looking to extend their La Liga unbeaten run to 17 games when they visit Estadio de Gran Canaria to take on Las Palmas.
Los Blancos have made a solid start to the season but their winning run was curtailed when Villarreal held them to a 1-1 draw in midweek.
Manager Zinedine Zidane will be hoping for his side to bounce back from the draw with a convincing display against minnows Las Palmas.
The hosts, against all odds, have made a positive start to the season and sit fifth on the table with three wins under their belt from the first five games.
Their chances to get the job done against Real seem to be minimal, but manager Quique Setién will be expecting a tireless performance from his side.
Probable Lineups
With Marcelo and Pepe ruled out of the game, Zidane is set to field a back four comprising of Dani Carvajal, Sergio Ramos, Raphael Varane and Danilo. In the absence of Casemiro in midfield, James Rodriguez will be expected to be deployed alongside Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.
The attacking trio of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale will be looking to wreak havoc in the Palmas penalty area.
For the hosts, Varas will start in goal with Pedro Bigas and Paolo Lemos as centre-backs. Roque Mesa looks set to start as the lone holding midfielder in the middle of the park for Los Palmas.
Forming an attacking quarter will be Araujo, Tana, Angel Montero and Rubin El Zhar. Marko Livaja will undoubtedly be the manager’s preferred strike option in the final third.
Stats
- Las Palmas are undefeated in their last 6 home matches in La Liga.
- Real Madrid have won their last 9 away matches in La Liga.
- Zidane’s men have kept a clean sheet in their last 4 away matches in La Liga.
- Real have scored at least 2 goals in 8 of their last 9 away matches in La Liga.
- They also hold the upper hand over Las Palmas, winning 5 of their last 6 games in all competitions.
- Real Madrid have scored at least 2 goals in their last 4 matches against Las Palmas in all competitions.
Watch out for
James Rodriguez
The Colombian superstar broke onto the scene in the 2014 FIFA World Cup and was shortly signed by Real Madrid on a big-money move. It took him time, but the talented attacking midfielder accustomed himself to life in Spain’s top tier.
But, since Zidane’s arrival, his minutes have been restricted. An injury to Casemiro may be a blessing in disguise for Rodriguez who can prove to the manager why he deserves a regular starting role.
Prediction
Las Palmas 0-2 Real Madrid
While Palmas have made a good start to the season, it will be too much of an ask to get the job done over Madrid. Top of the table and cruising, Real Madrid should not have too much of a problem in getting the job done on Saturday. With a fierce attack and a solid defence, it’s likely the 2015/16 Champions League winners may win with a clean sheet.
