Team News
Angel di Maria, despite being a doubt, is poised to find back his place in Real Madrid’s starting XI. The Argentine is expected to partner with Mesut Özil and Cristiano Ronaldo in the 3-man line that will play behind the lone striker. With Khedira not fully fit, Esteban Granero might join Xabi Alonso in midfield. Khedira and Granero could share the playing time through substitution.
For Levante, Navas, Juanlu and Barkero are most definitely out through injury. Juanfran’s presence isn’t confirmed as Koné might have to lead his team’s attack. Xavi Torres is suspended and won’t play but winger Valdo should be available after recovering from a long term injury.
Head-to-Head and Stats
Levante stunned Real Madrid in the early stages of the league. The beauty of the game was tarnished by several bookings. There were a total of 8 yellow cards for Levante while Khedira’s sending off forced the visitors to play with 10 men for over 50 minutes.
Three of the last six meetings between Real Madrid and Levante in all competitions have ended in victory for Los Blancos. During these six encounters, a total of 20 goals were scored – 15 of which went Real Madrid’s way.
Real Madrid and Levante concede an equal amount of fouls (13) per game. Levante score an average of 1 goal per match and none of their away goals have come from the penalty spot.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, have scored 41 goals at the Santiago Bernabeu. 23 of these goals came from open play. Those statistical facts give the edge to Madrid over a Levante side yet to recover from their heavy Copa del Rey defeats to Valencia.
Last 5 games in La Liga
Real Madrid
Jan 7: Real Madrid 5-1 Granada
Jan 14: Mallorca 1-2 Real Madrid
Jan 22: Real Madrid 4-1 Athletic Bilbao
Jan 28: Real Madrid 3-1 Real Zaragoza
Feb 4: Getafe 0-1 Real Madrid
Levante
Jan 7: Levante 0-0 Mallorca
Jan 15: Athletic Bilbao 3-0 Levante
Jan 22: Levante 0-0 Real Zaragoza
Jan 29: Levante 1-2 Getafe
Feb 4: Levante 1-1 Racing Santander
Prediction
The match might not produce a flurry of goals but Real Madrid will do all it takes to end the night on a high. Whether they commence the game 4, 6 or 7 points above Barcelona, Los Blancos will capture all three points. Pichichi titleholder Cristiano Ronaldo is tipped to get on the scoring sheet.
