Cristiano Ronaldo (R) of Real Madrid celebrates with Esteban Granero after scoring Real's 3rd goal during the La Liga match between Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid, Spain. Los Merengues play Getafe on February 4, 2012. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Real Madrid are without a number of key players, but will still be heavy favorites to beat Madrid rivals Getafe.
With Xabi Alonso hobbled, Sami Khedira out and Nuri Sahin in what seems like virtual exile, Real Madrid could hand another game to Esteban Granero in the center of midfield when they face Getafe in a Madrid Derby on Saturday. His performance against Real Zaragoza was brilliant, and his likely inclusion is perhaps the biggest story surrounding this match.
Marcelo and Angel di Maria will also miss out for Madrid, meaning that Fabio Coentrao will certainly start, while Jose Mourinho is likely to play both of Kaka and Mesut Özil. He could also opt for Jose Maria Callejon, who has performed brilliantly whenever he has been called upon by Mourinho.
Getafe are missing plenty of players of their own through injury and suspension, and without a full-strength team, they won't be given much of a chance to get a good result by the oddsmakers. Dani Guiza and Alberto Lopo are suspended, while Rafa and Michel are expected to miss out on the match due to injury.
Getafe vs. Real Madrid
Game Date/Time: Saturday, February 4, 2:00 p.m. ET, 8:00 p.m. local
Venue: Coliseum Alfonso Pérez, Madrid, Spain
TV: ESPN Deportes (USA - Spanish), GolTV (Canada), Sky Sports 4 (UK)
Online: ESPN3
For more on Los Merengues, check out Real Madrid blog Managing Madrid.
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