A trip to Ceramica and a tricky battle awaits the whites

Real Madrid return to La Liga action after concluding the Club World cup tournament as Champions on 22nd December, 2018. They travel to Cermaica to face Villareal who currently seat 18th in the league table. Let not the position fool you as Villareal has always proved to be a hard nut to crack for the whites especially at home.

The yellow submarines would be looking to climb off relegation zone with a win over Real Madrid. Los blancos would also be looking to start the new year with a win and return the gap from first position to its former figure of 5, as this is an outstanding match for both teams.

Villareal Team News

Villareal would likely be without Miguelón and Bruno Soriano, the latter who has been out of action since 2017. Mario Gaspar would miss the match with suspension.

Real Madrid Team News

The whites would be without the services of Asensio, Marcos Llorente and Mariano through injuries, the trio missed the last training session prior to this match.

Real Madrid Talking Points, Probable Line up and Predictions

Potential Lineup

Gk Thubiat Courtois

Defenders: Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo

Midfielders: Modric, Casemiro, Kroos

Forwards: Lucas Vasquez, Benzema, Bale

In the absence of Casemiro through injury, Marcos Llorente has replaced him brilliantly with consistent displays week in week out. Casemiro's return from injury without doubt is going to be giving Solari a headache but the manager has been bought some time with Llorente's turn to visit the treatment table.

Vasquez will continue on the flanks in the absence of Asensio and Benzema will forward in absence of Mariano(not like anything would change had the youngster being available).

This is going to be trick match as always, both teams played out a 2-2 draw last time they met at this same venue. A win for Villareal would see them climb off relegation zone and a win for Real Madrid would tie them on the same point with Sevilla who sit third in the table.

Both teams are yet to test their resolve after a timely break off the pitch and would most likely be looking rusty.

Predictions

Real Madrid to win and Un2.5 @

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Note: All images are Google sourced