Real Madrid are aiming to snap out of a mini-slump when they travel to Alaves for a Spanish La Liga clash on Sunday. Los Blancos will be counting on their superior record against the hosts, who are showing some good form at the moment.
Alaves are coming off two straight wins, beating Portugalete in the Copa Del Rey before claiming a 1-0 home victory over Real Sociedad last time out in La Liga. That was a timely return to winning ways for Eduardo Coudet's men, who had lost their previous three matches.
Sitting just outside the top half, Alaves will be looking to climb further up the table. However, their home form has been a bit erratic, with three wins and two defeats from their last six matches in front of their fans.
Real Madrid are going through a rough patch at the moment, having picked up just two wins from their last eight matches in all competitions. They have lost their last two matches, falling 2-0 at home to Celta Vigo before suffering a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League.
Los Blancos are four points behind leaders Barcelona, and pressure is mounting on manager Xabi Alonso to turn things around. The good news is that they will head into this clash unbeaten in seven of their last eight away matches, claiming a 3-0 victory at Athletic Bilbao in their previous fixture on the road.
How the bookies view it: Bookies backing Los Blancos
Despite their recent struggles, Real Madrid have been installed as overwhelming favourites and are priced at 4/7 by William Hill. A victory for Alaves is valued at 5/1 by bet365, who are also offering odds of 3/1 for a draw.
Head to head: Superior Los Blancos
Real Madrid have a 16-2 advantage in the last 18 matches against Alaves. Los Blancos have also won the last seven meetings, earning a 1-0 away victory in the last meeting back in April.
Players to watch: Eyes on Mbappe
As always, Kylian Mbappe will be the one to watch for Real Madrid, having scored 16 La Liga goals this season. The forward was also on target in last season’s clash with Alaves and will be keen to find the net once again (Kylian Mbappe anytime goalscorer – valued at 8/11 by bet365).
Lucas Boye has carried the attacking threat for Alaves this season, scoring three La Liga goals. The striker will be the one to watch for the hosts (Lucas Boye anytime goalscorer – priced at 3/1 by Paddy Power).
Probable line-ups:
Jon Guridi is the only major injury absentee for Alaves, with the midfielder ruled out with a knee problem. Boye should continue in attack after scoring the only goal against Real Sociedad, while Jon Pacheco should feature in defence.
Real Madrid have injury problems at the back, with Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao and Dean Huijsen among a lengthy list of sidelined defenders. Mbappe was not risked in midweek due to a slight knock, but is likely to be ready for Sunday.
Alaves: Sivera, Jonny Otto, Tenaglia, Pacheco, Parada, Guevara, Calebe, Ibanez, Suarez, Rebbach, Boye.
Real Madrid: Courtois, Valverde, Asencio, Rudiger, Carreras, Ceballos, Tchouameni, Bellingham, Guler, Vinicius, Mbappe.
Anything else catch the eye?
Both teams have scored in four of Real Madrid’s last six matches (BTTS YES – priced at 3/4 by William Hill). Four of those last six fixtures also produced over 2.5 goals – offered at 8/11 on bet365.
Real Madrid have earned a win and over 2.5 goals in five of the last seven matches against Alaves (Real Madrid win & over 2.5 goals – set at odds of 5/4 by Ladbrokes). They have also scored over 1.5 goals in three of their last four away matches (Real Madrid over 1.5 – priced at 8/13 by William Hill).
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