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With the list of injured Real Madrid players growing every week, Zidane goes into a tricky fixture leaning on players who might not have otherwise made the cut. Villareal have started the league in a less than ideal fashion, with only a single point from two games.
It's a game they will both want to win for different reasons, although, frankly Villareal would probably be happy with even a point.
While Real Madrid's biggest worry is the growing number of their players on the treatment table, they also have a midfield issue to address. They have the squad to deliver a victory in this game, but the midfield of Casemiro, Kroos, and Modric doesn't seem to be producing the same results anymore. A cause of concern for Zidane, but he will have to work it out in time if Real are going to maintain the slender early advantage they have over Barcelona at the moment.
Villareal have a similar issue in defence. They have been able to find their feet in front of goal, but their defence is equally porous.
Kickoff Information
Date: 02 September 2019
Time: 12:30 am
Venue: El Madrigal
Referee: N/A
Live Stream: La Liga Facebook page
Form Guide (including friendlies)
Villareal: L-W-W-D-L
Real Madrid: W-W-L-W-D
Head-to-Head
Villareal: 4
Real Madrid: 14
Draw: 9
Key Players
Santi Cazorla
The 34-year-old Spanish midfielder may be the key cog of this Villareal machine if they are to get a result against this Real Madrid side. This Real Madrid midfield has been repeatedly exposed since the start of last season, and Cazorla could be best positioned to take advantage of any lapses and set his side up for some quick attacks.
Gareth Bale
The Welsh international, who almost left Real Madrid in the summer is now in the bizarre situation of starting both games under Zidane so far this season. With the likes of Hazard sidelined for a couple of weeks longer and Vinicius Jr. putting in a poor performance in the last game, it may fall to him to provide a spark up front.
Key Match Facts
Villareal have only one win in their last 9 games at home against Real Madrid (D4 L4). Going into this game, they have also only won one of their last 6 La Liga matches (D3 L2).
Real Madrid have won more games (22) and scored more goals against Villareal (80) than against any other La Liga opposition.
Betting Odds (from Bet365)
Villareal: 3.6
Draw: 4
Real Madrid: 1.9
