Real Madrid will resume their title hunt after their Champions League win against Sporting CP when they travel to Gijon on November 26.
Sporting Gijon, who are strangled on 18th place on the league table, will have to find a way to win against the Los Blancos if they are to uplift their miserable campaign this season.
Zinedine Zidane’s men are in incredible form prior to this fixture, as they lead the league table with 30 points to their credit. Their major title rival Barcelona is four points behind them.
The away side’s performances continue to worsen as the season progresses. They haven’t won any of their last five La Liga matches, drawing two and losing three in the process.
Real Madrid has completely dominated Gijon in previous meetings between them. The Whites have won five of their six matches against the bottom dwellers.
Team News: Sporting Gijon
Since only a few players are injured, there are no huge problems for Sporting’s fans to worry about.
Attacker Jean-Sylvain Babin will be sidelined from the game due to a calf injury.
Alberto Lora Ramos will miss the match due to a knock he picked a week ago. Daniel Arnaud N’Di also is unfit for the match against Real due to a knee injury.
Although injuries seem to trouble insignificantly, Sporting Gijon players’ performances have been below ordinary. Their attackers Cop and Viguera haven’t scored enough goals, much to the disappointment of their fans.
Abelardo Antuna’s men must start to play well if they are to change their misfortunes this season.
Sporting Gijon: Predicted Line-up (4-4-3)
Cuellar- Amorebieta, Canella, Mere, Pereira-Rodriquez, Alvarez, Gomez, Cases-Viguera, Cop
Team News: Real Madrid
Troubles seem to surmount for manager Zinedine Zidane as injuries rules out the selection of many key players.
Gareth Bale suffered an ankle injury in 2-1 win against Sporting CP on Wednesday’s Champions League game. According to BBC Sport, Bale is set to miss a few crucial matches including El Clasico. His absence from the team will heavily affect Real Madrid’s attacking strengths.
Alvaro Morata also is sidelined due to a knock he picked during the match against England.
Midfield star Casemiro’s absence from the lineup surely will imbalance Madrid’s midfield. Casemiro has been one of the key figures for Real Madrid’s success this year, and it will be tough for Zidane to replace a player of his caliber. Toni Kroos also will be unavailable for the selection due to a foot injury.
However, good news for Madrid’s fans is that star defender Sergio Ramos is back on the team after recovering from his knee injury. The Whites’ defense should be fortified with his inclusion in the team.
Real Madrid:Predicted Line-up (4-3-3)
Navas – Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Marcelo – Kovacic, Modric, Isco, Vasquez – Ronaldo, Benzema
Real Madrid Vs. Sporting Gijon: Prediction 3-1