Alaves vs Real Madrid Preview: Team News & Prediction

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Deportivo Alaves have a chance to end Xabi Alonso’s reign as Real Madrid boss, if reports are to be believed, as he makes his return to the Basque Country.

Kick-off date/time:

How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN have the exclusive rights to La Liga games in the USA, so any game may be televised on one of their affiliated channels

How to watch online: UK – Premier Player / US – ESPN+

Alaves preview: Steady Alaves

Under the management of former Celta Vigo boss Eduardo Coudet, Deportivo Alaves begin this weekend’s round of fixtures sitting firmly in the middle-of-the-table, albeit they have been fairly lacklustre with just 13 goals scored in their 15 matches.

The home team come into this one on the back of a much-needed win, ending a three-match losing streak, as they defeated Real Sociedad by a goal to nil in a Basque derby, courtesy of a Lucas Boye penalty scored in first-half stoppage-time.

Real Madrid preview: Frustrated Los Blancos

Despite suggestions the players had turned on Xabi Alonso, there wasn’t much sign of that in terms of their effort as Real Madrid succumbed to a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City at the Bernabeu in the league phase of the UEFA Champions League in midweek.

Los Blancos have struggled of late, falling four points behind Barcelona at the top-of-the-table ahead of the weekend, after previously being clear themselves at the top, having suffered a 2-0 loss at home to Celta Vigo last weekend.

Alaves team news: Jon Guridi a doubt

Ahead of the visit of Madrid to Vitoria-Gasteiz, Alaves could be without midfielder Jon Guridi, who is a doubt due to a knee injury, while Facundo Garces remains unavailable.

Predicted XI (4-1-4-1): Antonio Sivera; Jonny, Tenaglia, Jon Pacheco, Yusi; Ander Guevara; Calebe, Pablo Ibanez, Denis Suarez, Carles Alena; Lucas Boye

Unavailable: Garces (Disciplinary)

Questionable: Jon Guridi (Injured)

Real Madrid team news: Several suspensions

After Fran Garcia’s red card against Celta, both Alvaro Carreras and Endrick were then sent off late on by the referee with major defensive issues also including injuries to Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Predicted XI (4-3-3): Courtois; Raul Asencio, Rudiger, Dean Huijsen, Fede Valverde; Dani Ceballos, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius

Unavailable: Eder Militao (Injured), Dani Carvajal (Injured), Alexander-Arnold (Injured), Mendy (Injured), Carreras (Suspended), Fran Garcia (Suspended), Endrick (Suspended)

Questionable: Camavinga (Injured)

Alaves vs Real Madrid prediction

Deportivo Alaves do have the sort of character and personality to try and get themselves up and at a struggling bigger club, especially with the ferocity of the home advantage at Mendizorrozza. They will fancy themselves to hurt the defensive crisis of Madrid but, even with that, the mentality and performance of their attack in midweek means they should get the win, even unconvincingly.

Alaves vs Real Madrid tip: Real Madrid to win & both teams to score