Cristiano Ronaldo´s ankle injury and Ruud Van Nistlerooy´s ongoing nightmare leaves Raúl as the only recognised striker. Lassana Diarra has been by far Madrid´s most consistent performer so far this season, breaking up play, launching attacks.....striving to emulate Madrid´s former galic warrior Claude Makelele. But even ´Lass´ misses out after having to travel to France for personal reasons.
With Sporting having enjoyed a solid start to the season and Madrid´s morale shot to pieces by Alexandre Pato´s right boot on wednesday, I wouldnt bet against a shock result at El Molinón Stadium.
Weekend Fixtures: * Saturday Fixture
Atlético - Mallorca *
Sporting - R. Madrid *
Sevilla - Espanyol *
Tenerife - Xerez
Villarreal - Málaga
Valladolid - Deportivo
Getafe - Athletic
Racing - Osasuna
Almería - Valencia
Barcelona - Zaragoza