By Zach Lowy
Targets Galore in Butarque
While the opposite two promoted sides Espanyol and Actual Valladolid occupy the relegation zone, Leganés presently sit 14th (on the time of writing) – 4 factors away from the drop – regardless of their -3 purpose differential. 4 of the Pepineros’ final 5 matches have featured at the very least 2.5 targets, however as for his or her opponents, Actual Madrid are scoring simply over two targets per recreation, and there’s motive to consider they may be capable to put the pedal to the steel and wreak havoc in opposition to a Leganés defence that has conceded three targets to Atlético Madrid, 4 to Girona, and two to Athletic Membership this season.
Actual Madrid and Leganés haven’t confronted off since 2019/20, when Los Blancos received 5-0 at dwelling earlier than drawing 2-2 on the Estadio Municipal Butarque. Carlo Ancelotti’s facet have additionally proven a latest tendency for high-scoring matches: after closing out October with a win at Celta Vigo, a 5-2 win vs. Dortmund, and a 4-0 defeat to Barcelona, Actual fell to a second-straight dwelling defeat, dropping 3-1 to Milan, earlier than bouncing again with a 4-0 victory in opposition to Osasuna. We’re backing this to be a high-scoring affair in Leganés.
Vinícius to Produce the Items
At 24 years previous, Vinícius Júnior continues to display why he is without doubt one of the finest gamers in world soccer, and we’re anticipating him to slice open the Cucumbers’ protection and proceed his red-hot scoring type. Vinícius has grabbed a purpose contribution in seven of his final eight league matches, and except the Clásico defeat, he’s scored in each single match for Actual Madrid for the reason that begin of October – 9 targets, exactly. Solely Robert Lewandowski (14) has extra targets in LaLiga, while solely Lewandowski (16) and Raphinha (13) have extra purpose contributions.
Since lacking out on the Ballon d’Or to Rodri, Vinícius has responded with a vengeance, scoring a penalty vs. Milan earlier than bagging a hat-trick of their demolition of Osasuna. While he was stored quiet in each of Brazil’s latest 1-1 attracts, there’s motive to consider that he’ll revert to the norm on Sunday vs. Leganés.
Can Actual Take Care of Enterprise?
Actual Madrid have already misplaced extra matches for the reason that begin of October (3) than they did within the entirety of final season (2), however they’re nonetheless simply six factors behind league leaders Barcelona with a recreation in hand. And while they’ll be holding one eye on their midweek journey to Anfield, there’s little question that Los Blancos will likely be going out all weapons blazing as they give the impression of being to maintain the stress on the Blaugranas.
Prediction
Regardless of lacking numerous key figures in defence like Éder Militão, Dani Carvajal and David Alaba, the champions needs to be able to holding agency in opposition to a Leganés facet who’ve the second-lowest Anticipated targets (9.5) in LaLiga after bottom-dwellers Valencia (7.9) – we’re backing Actual to come back away with what needs to be a reasonably high-scoring victory within the Butarque.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
You’ll be able to observe each recreation from LaLiga with FotMob this season — that includes deep stats protection, xG, and participant rankings. Obtain the free app right here.