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REAL MADRID
Alfonso Perez Stadium, Getafe
January 4, 2011, 2 : 30 AM IST
Real Madrid will look forward to continue their winning streak in the new year, as they take on Getafe away from their home. Its the Spanish Capital derby and a good display of football from both teams can be expected as both play an attacking brand of football. Real Madrid has been in red hot form in the league with only one loss against defending champions FC Barcelona. They ended the year 2010 in elan, by scoring 8 goals against Levante in the Copa Del Rey. This match also assumes great significance as reports have been emerging stating the return of Kaka on the bench for the Galacticos. If this happens, it will be great news for Los Blancos, José Mourinho and Kaka himself.
Getafe on the other hand will be welcoming Pedro Leon at the Alfonso Perez, who joined Real Madrid in 2010. The home team seem to be in good form as well as they have won their last 4 games and move within 2 points of fourth place. Since, Getafe would be playing at home, there will be with a slight advantage. However, they will be wary of the threat posed by Mourinho’s men.
Team News and Tactical Brief
Real Madrid
Needless to say, José Mourinho is known as a man who doesn’t like to tinker with his starting formation much. He would be looking to continue Madrid’s winning form but he will know that his team would need to play well to earn a victory against Getafe. The defense looks settled and with Ramos declared fit, he would be expected to start. Carvalho and Pepe will be at the heart of the defense. The duo has been superb all season and has made Raul Albiol, David Mateos and Garay’s task of breaking into the first team more difficult. However, since Real Madrid is placed in a very good position in the league, Mourinho might just be eager to give some playing time to any of the three mentioned. Marcelo looks certain to start and trouble Getafe with his forward runs. Arbeloa start on the bench. It doesn’t need a genius to predict the goal keeper for Real Madrid. Iker Casillas will be wearing the captain’s arm band and be guarding the goal of Los Merengues.
The midfield will surely comprise of Xabi Alonso. The selection of the rest who will be partnering him will be a tough call for Mourinho. Khedira has been excellent so far. However, in his absence, Lass Diarra made a telling contribution which would be difficult for Mourinho to ignore. Lass looks to be more likely to be given a chance ahead of Khedira for all the good work he has been doing.
The forward line looks fine and has been in dazzling form. It would be foolish to replace the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo,Angel Di Maria and Mesut Ozil on the pitch and Karim Benzema is expected to start after this good showing against Levante. Mourinho might also give Pedro Leon a chance to play against his former club. With reports emerging of Kaka’s fitness, it would interesting to see whether Kaka can come on to the pitch, even if it’s just for a few minutes. His return will undoubtedly be a huge boost for the Los Blancos if they want to win La Decima. Morata will be on the bench and if everything goes well, he will be ready to play for few minutes should the coach decide to play him. All said and done, Real Madrid needs to win this match to keep up the pressure on FC Barcelona
Expected Starting XI: Casillas, Ramos, Pepe, Carvalho, Marcelo, Lass, Alonso, Ronaldo, DiMaria, Ozil, Benzema.
Getafe
Getafe are placed seventh in the league,along with Atletico Madrid and just two points adrift of Valencia and Espanyol. They would be looking to reserve a spot in the Europa League next year and would want to win against Real Madrid at home. Getafe’s coach Michel would be very happy even if they come out with a draw in this match. The hosts have scored 26 goals so far but they have also let in 22 goals, indicating that they have struggled at times. Michel would be hoping that they can end their defensive woes in the new year and compete with Spain’s elite.
Also, Dani Parejo and Pedro Mosquera, the former Real Madrid Castilla players would be looking for a chance to impress the Real Madrid hierarchy. Who know, they might just do another Esteban Granero. After the departure of Soldado and Pedro Leon, Getafe have regrouped well and would be looking to give put their best foot forward against Real Madrid.
Expected Starting XI: Ustari, Mane, Rafael, Diaz, Marcano, Martinez, Borja, Boeteng, Parejo, Perez, Del Moral
TheHardTackle’s PLAYER TO WATCH OUT FOR
Angel Di Maria
The Argentine winger has been in the best of forms for the Galacticos this season and is doing enough to justify his price tag. He has been responsible for Madrid scoring important goals and has been a very hard worker. At times, even termed as the best signing of Real Madrid so far, ahead of even the mercurial Mesut Ozil. He would be looking forward to carry on the good job he has been doing.
TheHardTackle’s PREDICTION
Getafe 1-3 Real Madrid
Getafe look good but it seems difficult for them to stop the Real Madrid juggernaut.
TheHardTackle’s BLAST FROM THE PAST
