Cadiz vs Real Madrid Prediction: Joselu to score is a top bet

Real Madrid make the trip to Cadiz this Sunday teatime and we have Mark Sochon in situ ready to preview the encounter. Our La Liga expert picks out two odds-against tips for you to consider...

An injury-ravaged Real Madrid travel to Southern Spain to face Cadiz this weekend in La Liga. Carlo Ancelotti’s men will climb above surprise leaders Girona to top the table if they can win.

The game is live on Viaplay with a 17:30 kick-off on Sunday at the Estadio Nuevo Mirandilla.

On the surface, this is a total mismatch between a European giant and a club that has only survived on the final weekend of the previous two Spanish top flight seasons.

However punters expecting a one-sided encounter, can at least find food for thought in the recent meetings. Cadiz have taken points off Real Madrid in three of the last six encounters and they’ve only let in eight goals across that period which suggests they could at least be competitive here.

With one of the smallest budgets in La Liga, it’s no surprise to see Cadiz struggling near the bottom of the table again, although their current form is certainly a worry. Winless in eight league games, they have taken just one point from their last five and they succumbed to a dismal 1-0 defeat against 10-man Getafe last time out.

Having cashed in on Theo Bongonda, who provided much of their attacking spark last season, Cadiz have struggled for goals and are currently the lowest scorers in the division.

They have also gone three weeks without a game after their fixture against Mallorca was postponed just prior to the international break. That has to raise questions about their match sharpness heading into this one.

Real Madrid will see this as a game they must win, regardless of their selection issues and there hasn’t been much wrong with their league campaign to date.

Their average of 2.46 points per game is significantly better than what they managed last season and even trumps their 2021/22 campaign when they won La Liga at a canter.

It’s only the stunning form of Girona that is keeping them off the top for now and Los Blancos went into the international break on the back of their most convincing win of the season, a 5-1 demolition of Valencia at the Santiago Bernabeu.

In the absence of Jude Bellingham, Ancelotti opted for a more orthodox 4-4-2 system. While the scoreline did flatter Real Madrid a bit, braces for both Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo eased growing concerns about the Brazilian duo’s ability to play together in a front two.

Team News:

Anyone betting on this match, will need to weigh up just how much of an impact Real Madrid’s injury problems will have. Vinicius Junior hobbled off for Brazil over the international break and can be added to the list of Madrid players who won’t be seen again in 2023 with Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao and Eduardo Camavinga already falling into that category.

Aurelien Tchouameni and Arda Guler are also still sidelined while Kepa Arrizabalaga is also expected to miss this game which should see Andriy Lunin start again between the sticks.

There’s better news regarding Jude Bellingham who sustained a shoulder injury three weeks ago in the draw with Rayo Vallecano. The Englishman did still complete that game and wasn’t initially expected to miss any action, but Real Madrid have since erred on the side of caution with the midfielder who played no part for his country during the recent Euro 2024 qualifiers.

Bellingham has trained over the past few days though and is expected to be ready for this game in a midfield that may include both Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.

Cadiz meanwhile have three absentees with Rominigue Kouame, Luis Hernandez and Fede San Emeterio all expected to miss out due to injury. They usually operate in a 4-4-2 system with Chris Ramos, Roger Marti and Maxi Gomez competing for the two forward roles.

Match Odds:

Despite their selection woes, Real Madrid are strong favourites at 1/2 to claim all the points. You can back a shock Cadiz win at 11/2 while the draw is 10/3.

Assuming there are no late flare-ups of his shoulder issue, La Liga top goalscorer Jude Bellingham can be backed at 5/1 to score first and 6/4 to score anytime. The 20 year old may be used in a deeper, left sided role in this game if Ancelotti sticks with a flat midfield quartet.

If you’re concerned by Real Madrid’s injury problems and fancy the hosts to get a result from this game, you can back Cadiz or Draw Double Chance at 6/4.

Bet 1 - Real Madrid and Under 3.5 Goals @ 6/5

Cadiz have scored just 0.83 goals per game on average this season and they are really struggling in the creative department so it’s hard to see the visiting defence having a particularly busy afternoon.

At the other end, it may take a bit of time for Real Madrid to find their rhythm and the absence of Vinicius Junior is significant just as the Brazilian was starting to hit top form. However with Toni Kroos, who has long since retired from international football, fresh to go in midfield and the likes of Joselu, Rodrygo and Bellingham offering a goal threat, the visitors should have enough to win the game and I’m backing Real Madrid and Under 3.5 Goals at 6/5.

Bet 2 - Joselu to score Anytime @ 13/10

With Vinicius injured and Rodrygo returning from a busy international break in South America with a minor knock himself, Joselu appears nailed on to start up front and stands a good chance.

For all of the Football Betting Tips from the team here at Betfred Insights, check out our Football hub page...