Liga Preview: Real Madrid-Alaves
Real Madrid return to the hallowed turf of the Bernabeu after failing to win either of their last two away games.
Real Madrid return to the hallowed turf of the Bernabeu after failing to win either of their last two away games.
Any talk in the Spanish press of Real being 'invincible' has been firmly dispelled after they were held at Valladolid last weekend (albeit with ten men for over half the match) and then shipped three goals against an AEK side who'd failed to score in either of their previous two matches in the Champions League.
An irresistible attacking force they may be, but there is a feeling that defensive lapses could cost Vicente Del Bosque's men dear this season. Time will tell of course, but an ageing Fernando Hierro, an out of position Ivan Helguera and an inexperienced Francisco Pavon are not a trio of central defenders who instil the greatest confidence.
Alaves have started the season unspectacularly but nonetheless have the players to challenge for a mid-table finish at least. Richard Duruel, Fernando Abelardo and Adrian Ilie have all been brought in on the cheap but have proved their ability in the past and could prove real assets as the season goes on.
Mane's team come into this one off the back of a comfortable 3-0 win over Ankaragacu to qualify for the second round of the Uefa Cup. Ivan Alonso helped himself to another goal in that match to continue his fine goalscoring form, and Turiel netted the other two. While it may be difficult for the Basques to emulate their achievement of reaching the final two years ago, a quarter final place is certainly within their grasp. They must, however, ensure that their Liga form doesn't suffer as remaining in the top division is far more important in the long run.
TEAM FORM
Real Madrid: WWWWDD
The Merengues have romped to wins over San Sebastian (8-1), Roma (3-0), Osasuna (4-1) and Genk (6-0). In the last two games, however, the tide has turned slightly and they have been held to draws by Valladolid and AEK.
Alaves: WLWWLW
Alaves' overall form is good and they have qualified for the Uefa Cup second round by beating Ankaragacu twice. In the league Mane's men have lost to Racing Santander and Deportivo but beaten Villarreal on their own patch.
LATEST TEAM NEWS
Real Madrid: Ronaldo is expected to make his debut for the club but only in the last few minutes of the second-half. Guti will start up-front but there is a doubt over Raul who picked up a knock against AEK. Oscar Miñambres will come in for the suspended Michel Salgado at right-back.
PL (4-2-3-1): Casillas; Miñambres, Hierro, Helguera, Roberto Carlos; Makelele, Cambiasso; Figo, Zidane, Raúl or Solari, Guti.
Alaves: Geli, Jordi Cruyff and Dan Edden will not feature, while Mane must choose between Ibon Begona and Magno.
PL (4-5-1): Dutruel; Edu Alonso, Abeardo, Téllez, Karmona, Llorens; Astudillo, Desio, Pablo Gómez, Ibon Begoña or Magno Mocelin; Iván Alonso.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Guti (Real Madrid)- the midfielder turned forward has been in such good form that he's earned a call-up to the national team. Scored the equaliser in Greece on Wednesday.
Ivan Alonso (Alaves)- the little Uruguayan striker (brother of Santander's Diego) is in fine form and has four goals to his name this season, including strikes in the last three games against Villarreal, Deportivo and Ankaragacu.