Thaindian News

Madrid, Jan 7 (IANS) Real Madrid could open up a six point lead in the Spanish La Liga football standings over title rivals FC Barcelona with a win over Granada.

Jose Mourinho’s side entertain Granada Saturday night at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, while Barca don’t play their match, away to city rivals, Espanyol, until Sunday, meaning that Real Madrid could hike up the pressure on the recently crowned World Club Champions.

Real Madrid showed their attacking capability Tuesday night when they fought back from 2-0 down at home to Malaga to win 3-2 in the Copa del Rey, but the coach was furious at his side’s first half showing and was unhappy with the way some of his players had spent their Christmas holidays, Xinhua reported Friday.

That could lead to changes in the starting 11 against Granada, with Alvaro Arbeloa, Kaka and Javier Callejon, all of whom were substituted at the break, losing their places in the side.

That would open the door for Mesut Ozil to come back into the starting line up and for Gonzalo Higuain and Karim Benzema to enjoy a rare start together.

Angel di Maria is doubtful with a muscle problem, while Pepe picked up a rib injury Tuesday to be doubtful for the game. If Pepe fails to recover, Rafael Varene would make a rare start.

Granada travel to Madrid at mid table in their first season in the La Liga for 35 years.

Their coach Fabri has warned against being caught out by Real Madrid’s pace on the break and it is unlikely his side are going to push forward in all out attack. Instead their will use their own pace on the break and look to force set pieces in order to exert their strength in the air.

Granada will also be cheered on by over 5,000 fans who are planning to make th long trip to the capital, which ensures that there will be a party atmosphere in the at Bernabeu.