Villarreal vs Real Madrid preview

March 20, 2012
By: Frank Beresford

Villarreal are in such a difficult situation that they have got to try and get something from the game with Real Madrid, a team that cannot afford another slip-up after the 1-1 draw against Malaga.

The team from the outskirts of Valencia have had their share of problems this season, but, nonetheless, nobody could expect that Champions League hopefuls would stoop so low as to fight for La Liga survival.

Having picked up just one point from last five league games, the Yellow Submarine sit just three points above the relegation zone, and they have no choice but to try and beat mighty Real Madrid.

That does look like mission impossible at the moment, but even one point from this game would be welcomed at El Madrigal.

New boss Miguel Angel Lotina is without suspended Carlos Marchena, but Borja Valero and Cani could return after missing the Levante defeat.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Diego Lopez – Angel, Musacchio, Zapata, Oriol – Senna, Bruno – Nilmar, Borja Valero, Cani – Ruben.

Real Madrid have just ended their 11-match winning run in La Liga, but los Blancos are still big eight points in front of their title rivals and can approach this game without any pressure.

Los Blancos played well against Malaga at the weekend, but were punished for their profligacy in front of goal as Santi Cazorla scored the late equalizer to silence the crowd at Santiago Bernabeu.

With Barcelona expected to have an easy task against Granada, Real Madrid will have to win at El Madrigal in order to avoid a nervy finish to the league campaign and Jose Mourinho’s side are 1.40 (2/5) with 188BET to claim maximum points.

The Portuguese manager is expected to make several changes to the starting line-up, with Arbeloa, Higuain and Granero pushing for starting places.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Casillas – Arbeloa, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo – Alonso, Khedira – Granero, Ozil, Ronaldo – Higuain.

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