Cadiz vs Real Madrid: Can Los Blancos claim all three points from this away fixture?

Will Real Madrid pass the Cadiz test?

After their convincing win against Valencia at home, Real Madrid seek to maintain their league dominance against Cadiz at Estadio Nuevo Mirandilla. Even away from their home turf, Los Blancos will look to remain steadfast in their pursuit of reaching the La Liga summit — a spot which has surprisingly been held by Girona.

On a relaxed Sunday evening, Los Blancos will be tested by an underperforming Cadiz side, who sit 16th in the table. Irrespective of their current standing, Sergio Gonzalez’s side will look to play their best game as they look to derail this Merengues lineup who have shown solidarity in all three areas of the pitch.

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti will have to plan a solid lineup as the current team will miss the services of Eduardo Camavinga and Vinicius Junior. Both players picked up injuries in the recently concluded international break and have been tipped to return next year — sometime during February.

Furthermore, the side will again miss out on the presence of Kepa Arrizabalaga, meaning that Andriy Lunin will keep his spot as the No.1 shot-stopper. The likes of Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos have been named in the matchday squad. The English international will likely be drafted into the playing XI. Here’s a look at the available squad :

Despite the absence of Vinicius Junior, it is expected that Rodrygo and Joselu will step up in their attacking duties. The return of Bellingham could see someone like Brahim Diaz miss out on a starting spot. Before the international break, Diaz had a good run of games under his belt and had brought much-needed fluidity to the frontline. This will be a dampener for the Spaniard.

Going into the game, Real Madrid will look to bridge the gap between them and the current leaders, Girona. A win could see the Merengues move four points clear of arch-rivals Barcelona, who succumbed to a 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano.