Spanish giants Real Madrid are set to lock horns with relegation threatened Sporting Gijon at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday.
Club legend Zinedine Zidane started off his managerial stint in style last weekend as his Real Madrid side thumped Deportivo La Coruna by five goals to nil. A victory over Gijon will take the Los Blancos to within 1 point of league leaders Atletico Madrid who kick off later in the day.
Sergio Ramos still injured for the Los Blancos
Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos, who has had a injury riddled campaign, will continue to sit out for the Los Blancos as he recovers from a calf problem. As a result of his latest injury set back, Ramos is also an early doubt to face Real Betis and Espanyol in the coming two weeks. Zidane confirmed in his press conference that French International Raphael Varane will replace Ramos in the center of defence.
James Rodriguez set to get the nod over Isco against Gijon
Colombian International James Rodriguez is set to get the nod over Isco in the center of Real Madrid’s midfield against Sporting Gijon on Sunday night. Isco started for the Los Merengues last weekend when they plundered 5 goals past Deportivo La Coruna at the Santiago Bernabeu. Zidane’s decision to start James Rodriguez in central midfield ahead of Isco will alert potential suitors for the latter across top clubs in Europe who will queuing up to sign the Spanish sensation.
