Team news
Real Madrid
Real Madrid won't be able to count on Eder Militao, Sergio Ramos, Eden Hazard, Karim Benzema and Dani Carvajal due to injuries.
Real Sociedad
Aritz Elustondo, Joseba Zaldua and Luca Sangalli are unavailable through injuries. Mikel Merino is ruled out due to suspension. Asier Illarramendi is also not a part of the squad.
Key stats (WhoScored)
- Real Madrid have scored at least 3 goals in 10 of their last 11 home matches against Real Sociedad in all competitions.
- Real Madrid are undefeated in 27 of their last 30 home matches (LaLiga).
- Real Madrid have seen over 2.5 goals in 10 of their last 11 home matches against Real Sociedad in all competitions.
- Real Madrid have kept a clean sheet in 5 of their last 7 home matches (LaLiga).
- Real Sociedad have been winning at both half time and full time in their last 3 matches (LaLiga).
- Real Sociedad have won their last 3 matches (LaLiga).
- Real Madrid have won with at least a 2 goal margin in 6 of their last 7 home matches (LaLiga).
- There have been under 2.5 goals scored in Real Madrid's last 3 games (LaLiga).
Possible line-ups
- Even though some players have recovered and are now available for selection, we believe that Zinedine Zidane will the winning XI against Atalanta.
- The players who have joined the squad need to find their rhythm again after a period on the sidelines and possibly may be introduced later in the game.
- We predict Isco to appear in the starting XI and play in a false 9 role even though the boss didn't sound certain about the midfielder at the presser.
Real Madrid XI: Courtois - Lucas Vasquez, Varane, Nacho, Mendy - Casemiro, Modric, Kroos - Asensio, Isco, Vinicius Jr.
Real Sociedad XI (h/t Thehardtackle.com): Remiro - Gorosabel, Zubeldia, Le Normand, Monreal - Silva, Zubimendi, Guridi - Portu, Isak, Oyarzabal.
Managers' quotes
Zinedine Zidane (Real Madrid): "They’re a team who know how to play well. But we’ll be the home team and we’ll go out determined to collect the three points."
Imanol Alguacil (Real Sociedad Soccer@twitter): "The team is strong and knows that it is capable of dealing with these types of encounters. I think it could be a game of occasions. The two teams are going to play to win"
Predictions
SportsMole's Matt Law: Real Madrid 2-1 Real Sociedad
"This has all of the makings of a very interesting game, with both teams desperate for all three points. Madrid's injury situation certainly hands Real Sociedad an opportunity to triumph, but Zidane's side were impressive against Atalanta, and we are expecting the champions to shade a very close contest."
Thehardtackle's Raghavendra Goudar: Real Madrid 1-0 Real Sociedad
"Both teams come into the game on the back of a strong run of results in league football. Real Madrid have won four in a row conceding just one while Real Sociedad have come out on top in their last three, letting in just one goal as well. So, it could be a close match at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano.
"But Real Madrid’s home record has been top-notch and even though they are missing a few key players, Zinedine Zidane’s side have shown impressive resilience in recent matches. That should come to the fore once again on Monday night with The Hard Tackle predicting a narrow win for the reigning champions."
