Team news
Real Madrid
- Eden Hazard, Isco and Vinicius are declared fit for Real Madrid.
- Luka Modric is unavailable due to a muscle overload.
Granada
- Neyder Lozano, Fede Vico, Angel Montoro and captain Victor Diaz are all out injured.
- Defensive midfielder Maxime Gonalons is suspended for yellow card accumulation.
- Finally, Granada's most dangerous player (5 goals and 3 assists this term), Darwin Machis is doubtful with a niggle.
Key stats
- Real Madrid are currently on a 5-game winning run in all competitions.
- Granada haven't lost in their last 5 matches either: 3 wins and 2 draws.
- Blancos beat Granada twice last season: 4-2 at home and 2-1 away.
Possible line-ups
Real Madrid XI: Courtois - Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Mendy - Valverde, Casemiro, Kroos - Vazquez, Benzema, Rodrygo.
Granada XI: Silva; Foulquier, Perez, Duarte, Neva; Eteki, Herrera, Milla; Puertas, Soldado, Suarez (via SportsMole)
Manager quotes
Zinedine Zidane (Real Madrid): "It’s a very important match because it's against a team that’s having a very good season. The opponent is very tough. I don’t think Granada will defend very deep tomorrow. This is a team that also knows how to play football and attack."
Diego Martinez (Granada): "Madrid is Madrid, it is one of the best teams in the world and it is also in a good moment. We have to show our best version in the game. The only way to stop Benzema is to buy him for your team."
Predictions
SportsMole's Ben Knapton: Real Madrid 3-1 Granada
"Granada are sure to give it a real good go at the home of the champions, but it is extremely difficult to back against Real Madrid here. Even with the prospect of rotation amid a few fitness concerns, Zidane's men should have far too much quality for the visitors, and we expect the in-form Blancos to keep the pressure on Atletico with a straightforward victory on their own turf."
La Liga Expert Mark Sochon: Real Madrid 2-1 Granada
"This is not an easy game for Madrid and if they don’t adopt the right mindset or take their eye off the ball slightly, Granada are well capable of emulating Cadiz and Alaves by winning at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano. However it just feels like Los Blancos are building up a head of steam now and once they get on a winning streak, they really can churn out the victories as we saw at the end of last season."
