Best Odds: 17/20
Bookmaker:
Looking to reclaim their spot at the top of the La Liga table, Real Madrid will make the trip to Las Palmas on Saturday afternoon.
Las Palmas
Starting with the hosts, while Las Palmas might have found themselves at the heart of a domestic blip on either side of opening the New Year, Garcia Pimienta’s side have certainly claimed a welcomed boost over the past fortnight. Last seen putting in a rugged performance away at Rayo Vallecano as they eventually snatched a 2-0 win, the Yellows have secured back-to-back Bundesliga victories by an aggregate score of 5-0. Although the Canary Island-based outfit might have only made their top-flight return this season, some in Pimienta’s camp are dreaming of the chance to mount a genuine European charge in 2024. Opening Saturday’s showdown sat four points adrift of skyrocketing their way into the top-six, Las Palmas will now be hoping to find some crucial stability. However, facing what will be a heavyweight challenge this weekend, it should be highlighted that Los Amarillos have won just one of their previous four domestic contests in front of their own supporters.
Team News
Featuring for Congo at this month’s Africa Cup of Nations, Las Palmas will be unable to call upon 29-year-old midfielder Omenuke Mfulu on Saturday afternoon. All still dealing with respective injury issues, Pimienta’s men are still without the likes of Daley Sinkgraven, Alvaro Lemos and Eric Curbelo.
Likewise, 22-year-old Julian Araujo is still serving a domestic suspension and will play no part this weekend. Although one-time Everton misfit Sandro Ramirez might still be waiting to open his La Liga account this season, the ex-Spanish U21 international should spearhead Las Palmas’ charge here.
Real Madrid
As for the visitors, mounting what was a hugely controversial comeback at home against Almeria last weekend, Real Madrid will be desperate for a far more routine display here. Eventually snatching an action-packed 3-2 victory in the Spanish capital, Carlo Ancelotti’s side are tipped as a leading contender to reclaim their La Liga crown in 2024. Opening Saturday’s showdown sat just a single point adrift of surprise package Girona, the one-time AC Milan boss has seen his squad continue on a major romp this season. Firing on all cylinders and cruising their way to another Champions League knockout stage ticket last month, Los Blancos have won eight of their previous nine appearances across all competitions. With that extended flurry stemming all the way back to a 1-1 stalemate against Real Betis on December 9th, Madrid will slo be excited by a stellar record against Saturday’s hosts. In fact, Ancelotti’s men have won all of their last three meetings by an aggregate score of 8-0.
Team News
Picking up a costly booking against Almeria last weekend, Real Madrid will be without England international Jude Bellingham on Saturday afternoon. Likewise, all still dealing with respective long-term injury issues, Ancelotti will once again be unable to call upon David Alaba, Eder Militao and Thibaut Courtois.
Bagging four goals in his previous three domestic appearances across all competitions, Brazilian superstar Vinicius Junior will lead Los Blancos’ charge here. Not making a single La Liga start since back on December 21st, one-time Manchester City starlet Brahim Diaz could replace Bellingham in Ancelotti’s attack.
Key Factors to Consider
