Prediction: Real Madrid vs Alaves

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best odds: 11/10

Bookmaker: 888sport

Real Madrid will be seeking their ninth consecutive victory in La Liga when they resume their domestic campaign at home against an in-form Alaves side on Tuesday night.

Having already been crowned champions earlier this month, Los Blancos are coming off a convincing 4-0 win over Granada. Meanwhile, Alaves showcased their form by holding high-flying Girona to an impressive result in their last match.

Real Madrid

Real Madrid have enjoyed an exceptional 2023/24 La Liga campaign, boasting a remarkable record of 28 wins, six draws, and one defeat from their 35 matches, placing them comfortably at the top of the table with 90 points.

Their title triumph was officially sealed on May 4th, and they further solidified their dominance by securing a spot in the Champions League final with a 2-1 victory over Bayern Munich in the semi-final second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.

With their focus now on managing the squad effectively, head coach Carlo Ancelotti has revealed a clear plan for distributing playing time to ensure the team is in optimal condition for the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund on June 1st.

The depth of their squad and the confidence within the camp were evident as Ancelotti made significant changes against Granada on Saturday, resulting in a commanding 4-0 victory, with Brahim Diaz scoring a brace, and Fran Garcia and Arda Guler also finding the net.

Real have been formidable at the Bernabeu this season, amassing 47 points from their 17 home matches with a record of 15 wins and two draws. Their remaining three league fixtures of the campaign are against Alaves (home), Villarreal (away), and Real Betis (home).

Team News

Real Madrid will continue to be without David Alaba, who remains a long-term absentee due to a serious knee injury. Additionally, Aurelien Tchouameni is facing uncertainty regarding his availability for the Champions League final due to a foot problem sustained against Bayern Munich.

Aside from these absences, Los Blancos have no other injury concerns. However, Ancelotti has emphasized his intention to rotate the squad in the final stages of the La Liga season to prepare for the Champions League final.

Therefore, it wouldn’t be surprising to see some key players returning to the starting lineup on Tuesday. Vinicius Junior, Dani Carvajal, and Jude Bellingham are expected to feature prominently, with maintaining their playing routine of paramount importance. Federico Valverde and Ferland Mendy could also be included in the starting XI, while Brahim Diaz is likely to retain his place. Rodrygo may start on the bench.

In goal, Thibaut Courtois is likely to feature on Tuesday night, and potentially in the Champions League final.

Alaves

Alaves have struggled on their travels this season, managing to secure only 14 points from 17 matches. Also, they have suffered defeat in each of their last four La Liga encounters against Real Madrid, including a 1-0 loss earlier this season.

However, the Basque side famously secured a 2-1 victory at the Bernabeu in November 2020. This upcoming match will be seen as an opportunity for Luis Garcia Plaza’s men, who have impressed since their promotion from the Segunda Division last season.

Under Plaza’s giudance, Alaves have accumulated 42 points from their 35 league matches this season, placing them in 11th position in the table, just one point behind 10th-place Getafe.

Alaves are in excellent form heading into this match, having earned 10 points from their last four matches. They secured victories against Atletico Madrid, Celta Vigo, and Valencia, and salvaged a 2-2 draw against Girona on Saturday. Notably, Jon Guridi’s second goal of the match in the ninth minute of added time secured a late point for Alaves.

Regardless of their fine form, Alaves face tough tests in their final two matches of the campaign against Getafe (home) and Las Palmas (away).

Team News

Aleksandar Sedlar is expected to remain sidelined due to injury for Alaves, while Samu Omorodion, who was suspended for the Girona match, will be available for selection.

The overall fitness of the squad will need to be assessed after Saturday’s game, but there may not be significant changes to the outfield players for this upcoming match.

Kike Garcia is likely to continue leading the line for Alaves, with Jon Guridi expected to play as the number 10 following his two-goal performance against Girona. Although Jesus Owono made his first appearance of the season on Saturday, it is likely that he will be replaced in goal by the regular goalkeeper, Antonio Sivera, at the Bernabeu.

Conclusion

Alaves will surely do their best to cause an upset, and they might make the traveling supporters happy with a goal in the Real Madrid net, but they aren’t very likely to avoid defeat. Despite their need for rotation and lack of competitive motivation, Real have enough squad players who will take whatever chance they get to earn a more prominent role in the future.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best odds: 11/10

Bookmaker: 888sport