Liga Preview: Real Madrid v Valladolid
Real Madrid could go top of the league if they beat Valladolid on Saturday in the Bernabeu.
Real Madrid could go top of the league if they beat Valladolid on Saturday in the Bernabeu.
Vicente Del Bosque's side have managed to maintain a strong title challenge, despite criticised for some erratic performances in recent weeks.
After three wins and three draws from their opening six games of the New Year, Madrid looked far from championship material in the 1-0 defeat against Osasuna last Sunday.
That loss followed a week of bridge-building after the coach had criticised Ronaldo for not having improved the squad since his arrival.
The public wrangling has not stopped there as Fernando Morientes' spat with the trainer during the Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund was made public.
While Real Sociedad hint that there is a conspiracy against them in their bid to claim the title, Madrid are doing a good job at undermining their campaign themselves.
But even with the current wrangling, the European champions should be too strong for their visitors this weekend.
Valladolid's brush with the European places did not last long and the Castillan outfit will be pleased to not be involved in a relegation dogfight towards the end of the season.
CURRENT FORM GUIDE
Real Madrid: Last Six Matches - DLDWLW
The hardfought victory against Dortmund on Wednesday could take it's toll on Madrid with several players already looking doubtful for the Valladolid encounter. Defeat against Osasuna last weekend was deserved as El Real failed to cope with the Navarrese side's constant harrying and chasing every ball. But Del Bosque's team have not yet lost at home this term.
Valladolid: Last Six Matches - LWLWLL
Three defeats in their last four outings have seen Pepe More's side slip away from the top seven places. After being beaten 1-0 by Villarreal two weeks ago, Valladolid dominated against Depor last weekend but went down by the same scoreline with Roy Makaay snatching a superb winner.
LATEST TEAM NEWS
Real Madrid: Ronaldo could well be rested for the match after the trip to China ten days ago began to take it's toll during the midweek defeat of Dortmund with Guti ready to step in. Fernando Hierro's place in the centre of defence will again be filled by Francisco Pavon, while Del Bosque has been forced to tweak his midfield. Zinedine Zidane will move to the right in place of the suspended Luis Figo with the previously out-of-favour Santiago Solari slotting in on the left and Flavio Conceicao or Esteban Cambiasso partnering Claude Makelele in the middle. The coach has said that he will not name his starting side until three hours before kick off.
Valladolid: Oscar Sanchez will make his fourth start of the season in place of Albero Marcos who injured ligaments in his right knee in the squad's final training session before leaving for the Spanish capital. Sergio Pachon is also set for a rare appearance in the initial side after Real Madrid ruled that on-loan striker David Aganzo cannot play against them. Javier Mustafa will again play in the centre of defence with neither Gaspar Galvez or Mario Alavrez training during the week.
PROBABLE LINE-UPS
Real Madrid: (4-4-2) Casillas, Salgado, Helguera, Pavon, Roberto Carlos, Makelele, Flavio or Cambiasso, Zidane, Solari, Raul, Guti or Ronaldo.
Valladolid: (4-4-2) Bizzarri, Torres Gomez, Pena, Mustafa, Oscar Sanchez, Chema, Jesus, Colsa, Oscar Gonzalez, Sales, Pachon.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Santiago Solari (Real Madrid): After infuriating certain factions inside the club for refusing to join Inter as part of the deal that brought Ronaldo to Madrid, the Argentinian midfielder has continued to be used when needed in the side. His strong running and ability to link up the defence with attack will ensure that Luis Figo is not badly missed.
Albano Bizzarri (Valladolid): The Argentinian goalkeeper played seven times for Real Madrid during his one season stay at the Bernabeu four years ago. His strong upper body and quck reflexes were the reason that El Real brought him to Spain, but the emergence of Iker Casillas during that same season ensured that Bizzarri would never hold down a regular place at the club.