Real Zaragoza vs Real Madrid
Spain – Copa del Rey
Date: Wednesday, 29 January 2020
Kick-off at 20:00 UK / 21:00 CET
Venue: La Romareda (Zaragoza)
Real Zaragoza
With this stature opponent, Zaragoza more than expected to drop back and defend deep, in an effort to put Real Madrid out while playing at the table. That means coach Victor Fernandez will surely shore up his defense this week.
Luckily for 59 years, he would have no new injury worries ahead of this fixture. Star player Shinji Kagawa doubt, that had been left on the bench in the final victory over Numancia. We, however, expect Japanse to feature against Real Madrid.
That means Javi Puado could make its way, in the slot number ten. There, Kagawa and top scorer Luis Suarez could form Zaragoza attack, although the former is expected to operate in a slightly deeper role.
It can remain unchanged in defense, despite the absence of club captain Alberto Zapater in midfield could once again be a major blow for the home side. However, it will be interesting to see if they managed to survive Real Madrid in the second row of the press, which will be led by Raul Guti and Inigo Eguaras.
Possible Lineup (4-4-1-1): Alvarez; Vigaray, Atienza, Guitian, Nieto; Soro, Guti, Eguaras, Blanco; Kagawa; Suarez
Real Madrid
Zinedine Zidane Real Madrid boss is expected to ring the changes following their 1-0 win against Real Valladolid last time. Not to mention, France will have one eye on the all-important Madrid derby which will be played on Saturday.
Therefore, we expect him to give the kids a chance to impress in this fixture while resting some individuals are more important. Casemiro, in particular, is set to receive the breath, which remains an ever-present figure at Real Madrid midfield for most of the campaign.
Brazil is not included in the 19-man squad for the trip to Zaragoza. Federico Valverde is likely to deputize for him in a midfield holding role. Uruguay could partner with Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, although both started in the last game.
In defense, Dani Carvajal could return to the side, allowing Nacho Fernandez shifted to the central role, at the expense of Sergio Ramos.
Eder Militao not included in the squad, which means Raphael Varane is likely to continue in the heart of Real Madrid back line while four people can replace Ferland Mendy Marcelo at left back. Alphonso areola is a guaranteed starter in goal, at the expense of Thibaut Courtois.
And finally, in the attack, Eden Hazard is still not ready to return to action. However, Vinicius SMP is likely to get the nod ahead ISCO on the left flank while Rodrygo set to retain his place on the opposite side. The attack will be led by Luka Jović, starting forward Karim Benzema.
Possible Lineup (4-3-3): The areola; Carvajal, Nacho, Varane, Marcelo; Modric, Valverde, Kroos; Rodrygo, Jović, Vinicius
Real Zaragoza vs Real Madrid: Predictions
Los Blancos often tripped during the opening 45 minutes, it takes them time to find their groove, but when they finally did, Madrid do not usually stop counting them on one.
Given the fact their second string usually consists of Luka Jović, Rodrygo and Vinicius, some of the entries on the scoresheets v often expansive host certainty. After the break, hopefully.
Real Zaragoza vs Real Madrid: Betting Tips
Semester II: Over 1.5 goals @ 1.91
Half with Most Goals: Second Half @ 2:10
