Carlo Ancelotti will be desperate for his Real Madrid side to keep the pressure on rivals Barcelona when they host strugglers Granada on Sunday morning.
Madrid will need a win to keep up the pace with the Catalan club as Luis Enrique’s side are four points ahead before a ball has even been kicked. Madrid’s recent form has been abysmal by their high standards winning just one match in their last five matches in all competitions, in the league they have dropped points against; Villarreal, Athletic Club and a 2-1 defeat in the El Clasico the last time out.
Madrid’s poor form will give Granada a slight glimpse of hope of grabbing something from the Bernabeu on Sunday. The visitors have managed only managed two victories in their last 19 matches but have grabbed four crucial points in the last three games with a 1-0 win over Malaga and a draw with Eibar last time out has saw them just two points off of safety and have a good chance of playing in the top flight next season. However Real Madrid’s home form will be a huge worry for Abel Resino’s side losing just one in the last 15 at the Santiago Bernabeu.
French defender Raphael Varane will step into the defence with Pepe side-lined through injury that he suffered in the Brcelona match, Isco will also be absent through suspension. James Rodriguez could replace the Spanish midfielder after passing a late fitness test and hasn’t been in the squad since he broke his foot back in February. Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale will reunite with the latter coming under a heap of pressure from fans of late and will be desperate to win them over again.
Rueben Perez is an injury doubt for the visitor’s aswell as Jeison Murillo with a minor foot problem but should be able to start. Adrian Colunga is a definite absentee while left-back Emanuel Insua has been passed fit after a recent ankle injury.