Alaves vs Real Madrid preview, prediction, team news, and head-to-head

Real Madrid will be desperate to halt a two-game losing streak when they travel to the Mendizorrotza to face Alaves in LaLiga action on Sunday.

Los Blancos find themselves four points behind leaders Barcelona, and are on a wretched run of form. Their hosts, Alaves, occupy 11th place with 18 points from their first 15 matches of the season.

Alaves have had a mixed start to their La Liga campaign, securing five wins, three draws, and seven defeats, as they look for a significant improvement on their 15th-place finish last season.

The Basque side have momentum coming into this one, after a morale-boosting 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad last time out.

They also advanced in the Copa del Rey earlier in the month, making December a successful period for Eduardo Coudet's team so far.

Meanwhile, Xabi Alonso's Real Madrid are in a difficult patch. The visitors have won just two of their last eight matches across all competitions and are coming off consecutive defeats.

A 2-0 league loss at home to Celta Vigo was followed by a 2-1 Champions League defeat to Manchester City, which drew audible discontent from the home supporters.

The pressure is mounting on head coach Alonso, who cannot afford another poor result. This makes Sunday's match arguably the most critical since the Spaniard took charge.

Alaves might feel they can get something from this game, but history is not on their side.

In 44 previous encounters with Real Madrid, Alaves have managed just five wins. Furthermore, Los Blancos are on a seven-game winning streak against them and haven't lost at the Mendizorrotza since October 2018.

Alaves will be without the injured Nikola Maras (knee) and the suspended Facundo Garces. Jon Guridi (knee) remains a doubt and will face a late fitness test.

Real Madrid, on the other hand, are grappling with a significant injury and suspension crisis. Dani Carvajal, Ferland Mendy, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Eder Militao, Endrick, Fran Garcia, and Alvaro Carreras are all ruled out.

Additionally, Eduardo Camavinga, David Alaba, Dean Huijsen, and Kylian Mbappe are doubtful and will be assessed before the match.

Huijsen returned to training on Friday and could start, but Alonso is unlikely to risk Mbappe, who missed the midweek clash with a knee issue.

Alaves:Sivera; Otto, Tenaglia, Pacheco, Parada; Guevara; Calebe, Ibanez, Suarez, Rebbach; Boye

Real Madrid:Courtois; Valverde, Rudiger, Huijsen, Asencio; Guler, Tchouameni, Ceballos; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius

Alaves will be tricky opponents, especially at home, but even with injuries, Real Madrid have the better squad, and we expect them to turn things around this weekend.

• Over 1.5 goals

• Vinicius Junior to score anytime