Real Madrid will be aiming to bag all three points when they take on fourth-placed Getafe in a derby clash at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez this week.
Real Madrid will be hoping to reduce the gap to second-placed Atletico Madrid to four points, when they face off against another derby rival, Getafe, on Thursday night.
Coming into the game on the back of a 3-0 win against Athletic Bilbao, Zinedine Zidane’s side are aiming to end a disappointing season on a strong note. With the possibility of finishing second in the table still alive, albeit barely, Real Madrid cannot afford any more slip-ups. And going up against a high-flying Getafe side, they will be need to be at the top of their game.
Ahead of the midweek clash, Real Madrid have been handed an injury boost, with Thibaut Courtois returning to training, having been sidelined with an injury for the past few weeks. Upon Zidane’s return to Madrid, the Frenchman didn’t waste any time in reinstating Keylor Navas as the first-choice goalkeeper and Courtois’ return adds a bit of a headache for the manager.
Speaking of the Belgian, Zidane said in his pre-match presser, “Courtois is ready, he trained with us and is available to the coach and the team.” However, Navas should once again pip Courtois to the starting berth against Getafe.
Alvaro Odriozola has been ruled out for the season with a collarbone injury, while club captain Sergio Ramos also remains unavailable for the contest. Jesus Vallejo made a rare start against Bilbao at the weekend and made a huge impression, which could see him feature once again from the get-go ahead of Nacho.
As for the rest of the defence, Dani Carvajal, Raphael Varane and Marcelo are all expected to hold on to their spots for Thursday’s clash against Getafe.
Luka Modric has been showing signs of his form in recent matches and matched his best assist-tally for Real Madrid when he set Karim Benzema up for a goal at the weekend. He should continue to occupy one of the three midfield slots, while Casemiro too is nailed down for the defensive midfielder’s role.
Federico Valverde was hugely impressive in the 1-1 draw against Leganes a week ago, but Zidane could opt for the experience of Toni Kroos ahead of the Uruguayan on Thursday, meaning there are unlikely to be any changes in the middle of the park either.
Coming to the attacking department, Vinicius Junior still isn’t ready for a return according to the manager. “Tomorrow he won’t play. He has more work to do yet. He has had two months of injuries and we have to be patient,” Zidane said.
Marco Asensio had a decent outing at the weekend and should once again feature on the left side of the three-pronged Real Madrid attack. Lucas Vazquez started on the opposite flank last time out, but could be replaced by compatriot Isco, with Gareth Bale missing out once again.
Benzema became the second highest goal-getter in the 2018-19 La Liga after his hat-trick in the last game against Athletic Bilbao. The Frenchman is a guaranteed starter as the lone striker for Real Madrid.
