Alaves vs Real Madrid predictions, H2H and match preview for this Saturday’s game in La Liga. Read on for analysis and predicted line-ups as Los Blancos attempt to stop the rot in Vitoria.
DATE/TIME – Saturday 6th October 2018, 18:30 (Spanish Time)
STADIUM – Estadio de Mendizorroza
COMPETITION – La Liga
Real Madrid head to Vitoria without a goal in three matches in all competitions, something that is almost unprecedented as far as they are concerned. They do at least have a good recent record against Alaves but over the past fortnight we’ve had the first indications as to just how much they may miss Cristiano Ronaldo, particularly in a situation like the present where other senior figures are missing.
Julen Lopetegui may claim that with the exception of the abject defeat in Seville, their performances have warranted more than the results they’ve obtained and he might have a point to some extent. Their latest setback was a 1-0 Champions League defeat in Moscow on Tuesday as Los Blancos suffered a rare European loss. Their group isn’t strong enough for that to have serious long-term implications but another slip-up here would be a different matter as they target a league title.
In Alaves they will face a side that has made an impressive start to the new season. They won 3 of their opening 5 games to gatecrash the top six and they do have a very good home record over the past twelve months so this won’t be an easy game for Los Blancos. However a 2-1 defeat to Levante last time out was a bit of a setback to their progress.
Much could depend on the team Real Madrid are able to pick for this Saturday’s game. They really could do with a fit and firing Gareth Bale as he is the man most capable of filling the void left by Ronaldo. Karim Benzema has gone off the boil a bit following a bright start to the season while Marco Asensio still needs to add consistency to his game.
For all the doom and gloom, there have been some positives for Real Madrid fans this season though. Their side has at times looked much more composed in possession and exerted greater control on games than they tended to do under Zidane. Dani Ceballos has looked composed and there is a sense that a new generation of talent is being ushered in, which will have long-term benefits.
At the other end though, Alaves will feel they can pose problems and ask a few questions of their own. They are a real threat out wide with Burgui and Ibai Gomez, which could spell trouble for Real Madrid, who have looked weak in the full-back areas at times this year. The Basques may sense this is a good opportunity to claim a rare win over Los Blancos.
Alaves vs Real Madrid Predictions
Score Prediction: 2-1 Real Madrid
Real should be able to field a stronger team here than they did in Moscow and that could be key in determining the outcome of the match. Alaves in truth aren’t quite as good as their current top six position suggests and Los Blancos have more than enough quality in the middle of the park to take control of this game and come away with the win.
Alaves vs Real Madrid H2H
- Last 6 meetings: 6 Real Madrid Wins, 0 Alaves Wins, 0 Draws
- The matches last season saw Real win 4-0 at home and 2-1 away.
- Alaves last avoided defeat against Real in October 2001 (0-0 Draw at home).
- Real have won all 9 meetings since then.
One to Watch – Ibai Gomez
4 – Ibai Gómez has been involved in four goals in his last four LaLiga games (three goals and one assist). Active. pic.twitter.com/o1TkxdI5X7
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) September 30, 2018
Key to Alaves’ chances will be Ibai Gomez. The winger has been in fine form this season with some clean striking seeing him net 3 times in La Liga. Real Madrid have a bit of a problem at left-back and he will be hoping to expose that.
Keep tabs on all our La Liga predictions.
Next in La Liga: Leganes vs Rayo Vallecano preview
Predicted Line Ups
Alaves Team:
Pacheco – Duarte, Laguardia, Navarro, Aguirregabiria – Jony, Wakaso, Brasanac, Gomez – Calleri, Sobrino (4-4-2)
Real Madrid Team:
Courtois – Nacho, Ramos, Varane, Odriozola – Kroos, Casemiro, Modric – Bale, Benzema, Asensio (4-3-3)
by Dave Hodgson
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