Real Madrid vs Granada match preview and predictions for Wednesday’s LaLiga match. Read on for the head-to-head, team news and predicted lineups as Los Blancos aim to extend their winning streak.
- DATE: Wednesday 23rd December 2020
- KICK-OFF: 19:45 (local time)
- VENUE: Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano
- COMPETITION: LaLiga
Real Madrid vs Granada Preview
With all their main rivals having played on Tuesday night, Real Madrid take centre stage on Wednesday and are faced with what could be an awkward home game against an impressive Granada side. Both sides are now free from European distractions until the new year and will be hoping to build on some positive recent results.
Real Madrid have won 5 on the bounce since losing to Shakhtar Donetsk. Remarkably that loss in Ukraine was only three weeks ago but it seems a lifetime ago now. Zinedine Zidane is more accustomed than most to the pressures of life at Real Madrid but even he must be surprised at just how quickly things have changed with talk of him being on the brink of the sack following that Champions League loss already a distant memory.
Los Blancos have been really good since then, although they were made to work harder than they might have expected at Eibar on Sunday, particularly given they were 2-0 up inside 15 minutes. Karim Benzema continues to shine up front, and comfortably tops the Real Madrid rankings for both goals and assists in LaLiga this season. 12 of their 25 strikes have either been scored or created by the Frenchman and it’s vital they are able to keep him fit during the second half of the season with no player capable of stepping in and filling his boots.
Granada cannot be underestimated though and they just appear to have turned the corner after a slight dip in form. It’s back to back league wins for Diego Martinez’s side heading into this. The most recent came in an Andalusian derby against Betis at the weekend with Roberto Soldado’s early brace the difference between the teams.
It has been a real team effort for Granada this season with a host of players enjoying impressive campaigns. New arrivals Luis Suarez and Luis Milla have settled well while Yangel Herrera has also been excellent again having returned to the club on loan from Manchester City for another year.
Read all our midweek LaLiga previews here!
Head to Head
- Last 6 Competitive Meetings: 6 Real Madrid Wins.
- Real Madrid have won their last 10 home games in LaLiga.
- They’ve scored 19 goals in their last 4 home fixtures against the Andalusian side including a 9-1 win in 2015.
- Granada haven’t taken points off Madrid since a 1-0 win at Los Carmenes in February 2013.
Team News
Real Madrid have almost a fully fit squad to choose from here with Eden Hazard, Luka Modric and Vinicius expected to be available following injuries or slight niggles.
Maxime Gonalons is suspended for the visitors while Darwin Machis is rated doubtful.
Predicted Real Madrid Starting Lineup:
Courtois – Mendy, Varane, Ramos, Carvajal – Modric, Casemiro, Kroos – Vinicius, Benzema, Rodrygo (4-3-3)
Predicted Granada Starting Lineup:
Silva – Neva, Duarte, Sanchez, Foulquier – Milla, Herrera, Eteki – Kenedy, Soldado, Suarez (4-3-3)
Real Madrid vs Granada Predictions
Score Prediction: 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.
Real Madrid vs Granada Betting Tips (18+)
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