Published on: Apr 21, 2021 12:22 pm IST|Updated on: Apr 21, 2021 12:22 pm IST
CDZ vs RM Dream11: Among rampant speculation in the world of football, Real Madrid travels to Cadiz for a La Liga tie. Cadiz is comfortably 9 points from the relegation zone and will be pushing for a top-half finish as the season draws to a close. They have done well of late with 2 wins and a draw from their last 3 games. Real Madrid’s title hopes were dealt a blow after they drew 0-0 to Getafe on the weekend. They now trail league leaders and cross-town rivals, Atletico, by 3 points. They are also 2 points clear of 3rd placed Barcelona who has played 1 game lesser.
Date: 22 April, Thursday Kick-Off: 1:30 am (IST) Venue: Estadio Ramon de Carranza, Cadiz
La Liga Table: Cadiz is in 13th place with Real Madrid in 2nd place.
WATCH La Liga Live Stream and Match Score on Facebook Watch in India
Recent Form Cadiz: DLWWD Real Madrid: WWWDD
Head-to-Head (last 5 meetings): The 2 sides have met each other just twice in their recent history with 1 win apiece.
Cadiz News
Injury Report and Unavailability:
• Alberto Perea picked up an injury on Monday and will not be available for this fixture as he joins Alex Fernandez on the sidelines. • Luismi Quezada is a long-term injury and will not feature against Real Madrid.
Expected Changes and Strategy:
• The backline should remain unchanged as Filip Malbasic makes way for Salvi Sanchez on the right flank. • Ruben Sobrino could be given the nod up front alongside Alvaro Negredo.
Cadiz Starting XI (likely)
Jeremias Ledesma (GK) Isaac Carcelen Fali Marcos Mauro Alfonso Espino Salvi Sanchez Jose Mari Jens Jonsson Jairo Alvaro Negredo Ruben Sobrino
Real Madrid News
• Zinedine Zidane has a defensive crisis with Sergio Ramos, Lucas Vazquez, Ferland Mendy and Dani Carvajal all out injured. • Federico Valverde tested positive for Covid-19 and will be unavailable.
• Much to the Los Blancos’ relief, Raphael Varane has been deemed fit for this game and will partner Eder Militao in centre-back. • Casemiro should anchor a midfield with Toni Kroos and Isco on either side. • Marco Asensio and Vinicius Junior should keep their spot as Karim Benzema returns to the lineup.
Real Madrid Starting XI (likely)
Thibaut Courtois (GK) Nacho Fernandez Eder Militao Raphael Varane Marcelo Casemiro Isco Toni Kroos Marco Asensio Karim Benzema Vinicius Junior
Fantasy Football Tips
Captain Options
Karim Benzema – Benzema was surprisingly dropped for the Getafe game but he should be in the running for this one. He has scored 19 goals and provided 6 assists in La Liga this season while also creating 32 chances. Benzema has dispatched 46 shots on target, completing 30 successful dribbles at a 64% completion rate.
Vinicius Junior – Despite drawing blanks against Getafe, Vinicius Junior has been very good of late and will look to carry on that form. He has created 30 chances and succeeded in 34 of his attempted dribbles at a 53% completion rate.
Differential Pick
Alvaro Negredo – Alvaro Negredo will be a tricky player for Real Madrid to deal with owing to his presence in the box. Negredo has 7 goals and 3 assists for Cadiz this season and will look to exploit an injured Real defence. He has created 17 chances, pulled off 19 shots on target and succeeded in 22 attempted dribbles at a 69% completion rate. He has also scored 2 goals with his right foot, 3 with his left and 2 with his head which adds unpredictability to his game.
Goalkeeper – Ledesma Defenders – Marcelo, Varane, Nacho Midfielders – Kroos, Asensio, Jonsson, Mari Forwards – Benzema (C), Negredo, Vinicius (VC)
Likely Winner:
Cadiz would not have been looking forward to this game but after Getafe’s result against the reigning champions, they will know that they can get something out of this game as well. Raphael Varane’s return to the side will be a boost for Zidane’s men but he can not be counted on to make a huge impact on his first game back. But it can be safely said that all hopes of retaining their La Liga title can be given up should Real fail to win this one. Cadiz would love to be the David to Real’s Goliath as they help Atletico Madrid edge closer to their much-awaited title.