Prediction: Cadiz vs Real Madrid

Verdict: Karim Benzema to score anytime

Best Odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: Unibet

Simply looking to try and find a domestic boost on Saturday night, Real Madrid will travel to the Nuevo Mirandilla when they meet Cadiz.

Cadiz

Starting with the hosts, managing to make what was a much-needed return to winning ways last time out, Cadiz will now be hoping to find some stability over the final few weeks. Eventually picking up an eye-catching 2-0 victory away at Real Betis, Sergio Gonzalez’s men also drew a line under their four-match winless run. However, still holding just a four-point buffer over the drop zone and firmly looking over their shoulder at a potential relegation scrap, the Yellow Submarine should at least be boosted by their success on home soil. Despite being last seen at the Nuevo Mirandilla getting hit with a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Sevilla on April 1st, that is the only La Liga loss that Gonzalez’s side have suffered in front of their own supporters since the start of September. Despite being tipped as a landslide underdog on Saturday night, some around Andalusia could be smelling the chance to spring a heavyweight upset.

Team News

Cadiz will once again be without the likes of Youba Diarra, Joseba Zaldua, Brian Ocampo, Jon Ander Garrido and Gonzalo Escalante this weekend. However, 30-year-old Jeremias Ledesma is free to make his return after serving a suspension.

Bagging two goals in his last three La Liga appearances, Ruben Alcarez will once again partner Fede San Emeterio at the heart of Gonzalez’s midfield. Opening his Cadiz account against Real Betis last weekend, Chris Ramos should keep his place leading the line.

Real Madrid

As for the visitors, managing to make an immediate return to winning ways with a routine European display in midweek, Real Madrid will be looking to keep up that momentum here. Eventually opening their Champions League quarter-final adventure with a 2-0 victory against Chelsea, Los Blancos appear to have all of their eggs in the European basket this season. Suffering what was a stunning 3-2 defeat at home against Villarreal last weekend, Carlo Ancelotti’s side have all but relinquished their La Liga crown. Now sat 13 points adrift of runaway leaders Barcelona and really seeking some domestic stability, the one-time AC Milan boss has found some growing pressure on his shoulders this season. However, while Saturday’s guests might need a minor miracle if they’re to defend their Spanish title, Madrid should be excited by a rampant record against Cadiz. In fact, Ancelotti’s European contenders have lost just one of their last 12 meetings against Saturday’s hosts – a run that stems back to March 1991.

Team News

Dealing with yet another injury set-back, Real Madrid will once again be without French international defender Ferland Mendy. Settling for a spot on the bench in midweek, Antonio Rudiger could be handed a full recall.

Once again finding the net while on Champions League duties and bagging 20 post-World Cup goals across all competitions, the red-hot Karim Benzema will spearhead Ancelotti’s attack on Saturday night. The reigning Ballon d’Or winner will be joined in attack by striker partner Vinicius Junior.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides met for their reverse La Liga meeting on November 10th, Real Madrid picked up a 2-1 victory at the Bernabeu.
• Likewise, Los Blancos have lost just one of their last 12 meetings against Saturday’s hosts – a run that stems back to March 1991.
• Cadiz’s 2-0 victory away at Real Betis last weekend was their first La Liga win from their previous five appearances.
• However, Gonzalez’s side have suffered just a single domestic defeat at the Nuevo Mirandilla since September 10th.
• Three of Real Madrid’s last four appearances on the road have finished with over 2.5 goals.

Conclusion

Opening their Champions League quarter-final run with a routine 2-0 win at home against Chelsea in midweek, Real Madrid will simply be looking to keep up their momentum on Saturday night. Although Los Blancos might have all but relinquished their La Liga crown this season, Benzema has only continued on yet another record-breaking flurry. Once again finding the net while on European duties earlier in the week, the reigning Ballon d’Or winner has already notched 20 strikes since returning from the World Cup’s winter break. Although Cadiz might have made a welcomed return to winning ways last weekend, Saturday’s hosts will know that they face a tough challenge on home soil.

Verdict: Karim Benzema to score anytime

Best Odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: Unibet