Sevilla vs Real Madrid, Castilla vs Rayo Vallecano B

We all know by now that the league is a long shot for us this season. We have 4 games left with 8 points to make up. This is what mission impossible is like. SO in many ways, the season is over for our lads and the rest of the games is just impeding Barcelona’s title celebration. None the less, saturdays game is not an easy one as it is against a strong opponent. Since the lineup will be very unpredictable, i decided to give a little preview of the Castilla game as well. First, the game against Sevilla:

To predict a starting lineup for this game is really hard. The players are really tired and they are coming off a long stretch of games, 4 of which were clasico’s. The players said they were tired, the manager said they were tired, and for stretches on the field, they looked tired. Does that mean that we are going to see some players rested? Maybe. Or maybe not. I believe that Mou would not want to end the season with the difference between him and Barcelona more than 8 points. For that reason, i believe he will be starting most of his starters. Here is some of the things that i wish to happen:

A) Ronaldo to play. I would really like him to take part and attempt at beating his previous record of 42 goals a season. He might also want to have a go at the Pichichi trophy. Of course, this should not come at the expense of the team play. But he does deserve to beat his previous record because he is having a really good season.

B) If we have players we are going to ship out in the summer, let them play. For a player like Pedro Leon, the more you put him on display right now, the more attention he will get from buyers. We all know he is leaving, and it would be nice to give him a chance to show case his talents to scouts or european and spanish teams that might be possibly interested in him. The same for me goes for any player the team is hoping to ship out. Lass for example, might want to leave since he is not fond of staying on the bench, and putting him more on display might be a good plan to leverage a higher price. I wish i could say the same about Gago, but the boy has been in the injury room for way too long.

C) Give the second team some chances to play. Players like Garay, Granero, Kaka and Canales have not had the most chances to play this season. This is not due to a lack of effort on their part, but due to the high level of competition within the squad. They deserve to get some game time and the games don’t really matter, so why not give them the confidence boost they need and let them play. You never know, they might impress you.

D) If Adebayor is not going to be purchased, then he shouldn’t start. I am on the “Gracias y Adios Ade” bandwagon, but thats a whole different debate for a different day. The game against Sevilla will be a huge indication of that. If it was up to me, just play him in either the last game of the season or the last home game as a tribute.

E) Start Benzema or Higuain, or both together. Pipita needs playing time ahead of the copa lebertadores this summer to get into fitness and represent his country. The playing time he gets will go a long way in helping him succeed in that tournament and it will help his confidence more. As for Benzema, he is in form. And we have been waiting for Benzema to be in form for soo long. Once Benzema got in form, we only got to see 2 month of regular Benzema and the fans deserve to see their 35 million dollar investment playing. Not to mention, it will be a huge blow to his confidence if he doesn’t get the chance to play. Finally we got his confidence back, lets not waste it.

That was all for my thoughts on the Real Madrid game. A fun fact for all of you, Sevilla away was the venue that Zidane scored his last goal for Real Madrid at.

As for the Castilla game, they enter the final stretch of the season, with 2 games left in the league. They are currently 2nd, with a 5 point couchin from 5th place which knocks them out of the promotion spot. Of course, the hard part comes after the league ends, where they have to take part in a playoff with 15 other clubs. I will post the rules of the playoffs once the league ends.

With 2 games left, a win will put Castilla through to a playoff spot this year. Even two draws from the two remaining games would insure that they get into play off spots. They are currently on a 16 game unbeaten run, with 12 wins and 4 draws. It will be vital to continue this run onto the play offs. Of course, it would also be essential for Castilla to keep winning to insure an easier opponent in the play offs.

The possible line up for Castilla will be similar to what we have been seeing ever since Toril became coach. A 4-2-3-1 formation that utilizes a player in the hole and 2 wingers. Sarabia and Morata have been the revelation of the Toril era. Juanfran has been good but rarely as consistent and subject when it comes to the final decision. Sarabia though has proven that he is the heart of this team. Dropping back deep to start play and doing wonderfully well at the final pass. He has been the top assister for the club this season and has gotten praise from Toril for his play making skills. Despite the game being on sunday, i believe its going to be too early for me to actually wake up. It says its at 3 Spain’s time. If that is true, thats too too early for me. Otherwise, i will put up a loveblog for the game.

Before i leave you guys, enjoy the Juvinile A team ripping some Villareal arse in the Copa de Campeones. A player to watch out for is Jesse, who scores 2 of the 5 goals.

PS: We have a surprise for you soon

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Category: Team News