Real Madrid vs Las Palmas – La Liga – Preview

Posted on October 30, 2015 by Sreya

Real Madrid host Las Palmas at the Bernabeu as the visitors aim to end the unbeaten run of the La Liga leaders. Real Madrid are unbeaten in their domestic league campaign, winning six and drawing three games till date. They are the deserved league leaders with 21 points. Las Palmas face a stern test as the 18th-placed side will take to pitch having won a single game in their last six. Las Palmas put an end to their three-game losing streak in a scoreless draw against Villareal in their last match, but it would be an upset, if they manage to return from Madrid with even a solitary point.

Team News

Gareth Bale continues to remain sidelined for Los Blancos and Isco is expected to feature instead. Kiko Casilla is expected to be in goal as Keylor Navas has been ruled out with an injury. James Rodriguez, Alvaro Arbeloa and Dani Carvajal will face late fitness tests ahead of the match, with Mateo Kovacic available despite training away from the group.

For Las Palmas, Angel Lopez, Javi Castellano and Antolin Alacaraz are missing through injuries. Mubarak Wakaso and Culio return from suspension while Nabil El Zhar and Javier Garrido are expected to retain their places in the side.

Real Madrid Possible Starting Lineup: Kiko Casilla, Danilo, Sergio Ramos, Rafael Varane, Marcelo, Luka Modric, Casemiro, Toni Kroos, Isco, Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Las Palmas Possible Starting Lineup: Javi Varas, David Simon, Aythami, Pedro Bigas, Javier Garrido, Mubarak Wakaso, Hernan, Roque, Nabil El Zhar, Sergio Araujo, Jonathan Viera.

Thoughts From Both Camps

“This is Real Madrid and there are many demands on all levels. I am surprised that with everything going so well, things are happening as if it was not going so well. I must keep calm and keep working.

I like to praise my team, and the people do not understand that. Keylor is a great goalkeeper, but I would like if he had less work to do, as that will mean we have less problems. I would like to get off the bench five times instead of 10, but we are in a phase of improvement.”

– Rafael Benitez.

“Real Madrid allow teams to create chances against them. Keylor Navas has been one of their best players. That gives us hope that we can cause them problems.”

– Quique Setien

Contributor’s Pick

According to Head-2-Head statistics, Real Madrid have won 75% of its matches with Las Palmas. On current form, Real Madrid should comfortably win by a 3-0 scoreline.