Arbeloa's makeshift Madrid face stern Villarreal test at La Cerámica
Injury-hit Real Madrid look to leapfrog Barcelona at the top of La Liga against high-flying Villarreal, who sit an impressive third in the table.
A defensive headache for Álvaro Arbeloa as his patched-up Real Madrid side travel to the Estadio de la Cerámica, where third-placed Villarreal await in what promises to be a proper test for the new gaffer’s perfect start.
Madrid’s injury crisis deepens
The visitors will be without a host of key players for this top-of-the-table clash. Rüdiger, Trent, Militao and Mendy are all on the treatment table, while Tchouaméni is serving a suspension. Talk about being up the creek without a paddle!
On the bright side, Rodrygo and Brahim return to the squad, and Asencio should be available despite his recent fitness concerns. That’s a proper boost for Arbeloa, who’s looking to make it three wins from three since taking the hot seat.
Villarreal flying high
Marcelino’s Yellow Submarine have been the surprise package this season, sitting pretty in third place - ahead of Atlético Madrid, would you Adam and Eve it! They’ve got a genuine chance to throw themselves into the title conversation if they can sink Los Blancos at home.
The hosts aren’t without their own absences though. Logan Costa and Kambwala are sidelined through injury, while Comesaña and Mouriño will miss out through suspension.
Potential line-ups
Villarreal (predicted):
- Luiz Junior
- Foyth, Rafa Marín, Renato Veiga, Sergi Cardona
- Parejo, Gueye, Buchanan, Moleiro
- Gerard, Mikautadze
Real Madrid (predicted):
- Courtois
- Valverde, Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras
- Camavinga, Güler, Bellingham
- Mastantuono, Mbappé, Vinicius
Table implications
A win for Madrid would see them leapfrog Barcelona into top spot, at least until the Catalans face Oviedo on Sunday. For Villarreal, victory would not only cement their Champions League credentials but potentially put them within touching distance of the title race.
With Madrid’s makeshift defence and Villarreal’s impressive home form, this one has all the ingredients for a proper Spanish football classic. Could be a right barnburner!