The mental part will play an essential role in tonight's game. Madrid played against Ponferradina last Tuesday but their game was a little sloppier than every Madrid fan would've wished. Sevilla is one of the hardest stadiums to play in, and Marcelino García Toral knows how to contain dangerous offensives.
Barcelona only managed to get a 0-0 draw against Sevilla in the Andalusian visit to Camp Nou. Sevilla's goalkeeper Javi Varas was arguably the man of the match stopping a penalty kick from Messi in extra time. Martín Cáceres also played a good overall game.
Madrid will look to contain Álvaro Negredo, one of the best strikers in the league and Jesús Navas. This game will be another test for Marcelo to prove himself as one of the best fullbacks in the world. The Brazilian defender did not play a good game against Sevilla two years ago when he allowed Navas to complete one of his best games as a professional.
Yet again, Cristiano and Karim Benzema will draw most of the attention in the offensive part of Madrid's game. The Portuguese striker scored in the Copa game but he will surely try to complete another big game against the elite teams of la Liga. On the other hand, Benzema could take advantage of the days he had off after El Clásico since he was not on the list to play against Ponferradina.
Di María is ready to play again after the practice he missed due to the death of his father-in-law. The Argentinian winger has been key in Madrid's offense so far, so look for him to beat Fernando Navarro in almost every chance he has.
Mourinho will surely doubt whether to start Kaká or Özil. Kaká played the whole game against Ponferradina so the German player should be more fit to face Sevilla, but he has faced a lot of troubles in his game recently. Mourinho will have a hard time deciding who he wants to start.
In the defense, Arbeloa looks ready to start again for Real Madrid after the injury that caused him the absence against Barcelona. If the Spanish defender is not ready, Lass will have to be the Right winger, as Mourinho doesn't want to put back Ramos in the wing and Coentrao is injured.
Xabi Alonso's partner might depend on Arbeloa's status. Obviously, if Lass plays in the defense, Khedira will have to play alongside the Spanish midfielder, but if Arbeloa is ready Mourinho will have the option of playing Lass with Xabi Alonso instead.
If Real Madrid manages to get a single point, they will spend the Christmas holidays being the leaders, but the team will surely look to get the win so they can convince themselves they are the only team that can beat FC Barcelona.
No comments:
Post a Comment