Prediction: Alaves vs Real Madrid

Verdict: Real Madrid win

Best Odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: Luckster

Looking to climb back to the top of the La Liga table on Thursday night, Real Madrid will travel to the Mendizorroza when they meet Alaves.

Alaves

Starting with the hosts, while Alaves might have enjoyed a real flurry when returning from November’s international break, the Babazorros have come crashing back down to earth over the week. Last seen putting in a nightmare performance away at Girona as they slumped to a 3-0 drumming, Luis Plaza’s side almost find themselves sat in La Liga limbo. Mustering just a single point from any of their previous three top-flight appearances, the former Mallorca boss will be more than aware that his squad faces a huge examination here. Hit with a 3-0 loss when they last met Real Madrid back in February 2022, Alaves hold a woeful record against the Spanish heavyweights. In fact, along with losing all of their previous three showdowns by an aggregate score of 11-2, Thursday’s hosts have also won just one of their 11 historic battles at the Mendizorroza.

Team News

Serving a one-match suspension away at Girona earlier in the week, 24-year-old Abdelkebir Abqar should make a full return here. However, yet to make a single appearance this season after breaking his leg over the summer, Atletico Madrid loanee Giuliano Simeone will once again miss out on Thursday night.

Forced to settle for a spot on the bench at the Estate Montilivi, former Rangers midfielder Ianis Hagi could be handed an immediate recall. Bagging four La Liga strikes this season and gaining plenty of plaudits, Spain U21 international Samu Omorodion will lead Alaves’ charge here.

Real Madrid

Starting with the hosts, while Real Madrid might have eventually finished 10 points adrift of defending their La Liga crown last season, Los Blancos are firing on all cylinders this time around. Last seen putting in another thumping display as they cruised their way to a 4-1 romp at home against Villarreal, Carlo Ancelotti’s side have continued to receive a string of plaudits. Punching their Champions League knockout stage ticket with plenty of time to spare and tipped as a genuine European contender in the New Year, Madrid will be looking to make another statement here. Suffering just a single loss from any of their first 17 La Liga appearances this season, the Spanish icons will also be excited by their extended success on the road. Last seen on their travels claiming an action-packed 3-2 win against Bundesliga outfit Union Berlin, Ancelotti’s side are unbeaten in all of their previous eight showdowns outside of the capital.

Team News

In what is a devastating blow, Real Madrid are set to be without David Alaba for the remainder of the season after the Austrian ace sustained a long-term knee injury against Villarreal last weekend. Also dealing with their own respective knee injuries, Ancelotti will once again be without the duo of Eder Militao and Thibaut Courtois.

Once again finding the net last weekend and notching his 13th La Liga strike of the season, England international Jude Bellingham will have a crucial role to play here. Making a brief cameo appearance against Villarreal, Aurelien Tchouameni could make a first start since the end of October here.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Alaves and Real Madrid last met back in February 2022, Los Blancos picked up a routine 3-0 victory on home soil.
• Likewise, Ancelotti’s side have won all of their previous three showdowns against Thursday’s hosts by an aggregate score of 11-2.
• Real Madrid are unbeaten in all of their previous eight straight away fixtures across all competitions.
• England international Jude Bellingham has bagged 13 La Liga goals in his first 15 appearances this season.
• Alaves have drawn a blank in each of their previous three La Liga appearances on the bounce.

Conclusion

Making another statement last weekend as they breezed their way to a 4-1 romp against Villarreal, Real Madrid will be desperate to find a route back to the top of the La Liga table. Mustering 22 points from their previous eight appearances across all competitions, Los Blancos will also be excited by a stellar record against Thursday’s opponents. Including a 3-0 victory when they last met Alaves back in February 2022, Ancelotti’s side have won all of their previous three meetings by an aggregate score of 11-2.

Verdict: Real Madrid win

Best Odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: Luckster