The league resumes after the disappointment against Juve during the week. Real Madrid welcome Athletic Bilbao and they are never easy opponents as they always make life difficult at the Bernabeu.
Madrid welcome back two key players in Diarra and Guti. Guti is a wonderful player but our dependence on him is a little worrying as the loss of Robinho has left Madrid a little short in the creativity department. Diarra’s solid presence in the middle will be welcome but I’m of the opinion that he doesn’t always have to play at home. He should definitely start all away games as the midfield is usually where most games are won or lost and, away games are usually harder. For this game Schuster has left out Cannavaro, De la Red and Javi Garcia in order to allow Diarra, Guti and Metzelder into the squad. The biggest loss, however, is Ruud van Nistelrooy who is out suspended after his red card dismissal against Atletico.
Yeste and LLorente are Bilbao’s key players but their achilles heel is their defence but they will play counter attacking football so it always helps to defend in numbers. They are currently in 17th position in the league which is one spot above the relegation places so they need the points as much as Madrid do. Schuster will play Raul and Higuain up front seeing that van Nistelrooy is suspended. Guti is unlikely to start but he will surely see some action as I’m sure Schuster wants him match fit as soon as possible. Madridistas will be expecting 3 points but Madrid will have to take this game seriously if they are keep their league campaign on course.
This match is on Sunday at 9 o clock Spanish time.
