Real Madrid have been brilliant in their last two games, scoring 11 goals in all competitions. They defeated Real Betis 6-1 in their last La Liga match and thumped Legia Warsaw 5-1 in the Champions League. With such results, Real Madrid are a confident unit, and their players will be keen to maintain the winning momentum as they prepare to face Athletic Bilbao at the Bernabeu on Sunday.
Manager Zinedine Zidane is also in positive spirit ahead of the game.
"We want to carry on how we're going, we've had a great week and after Tuesday's game we've gone back to work. We're in good shape and looking forward to playing against Athletic," Real Madrid's official website quoted Zidane as saying.
The fight for La Liga is already tight with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, as usual, in the top bracket. But Real Madrid can climb to the top of the table with a win over Athletic Bilbao. By the looks of things, Real should not have much trouble in getting past their opponents, if they get their A game going.
Zidane will have the luxury of choosing from a strong squad, with Cristaino Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale all in the squad for selection. Fans always love the action when the BBC trio are on the field. With players like James Rodriguez and Isco as midfielders, they have a strong offencive line up capable of destroying any team in the La Liga.
With BBC and players like Lucas Vazquez and Alvaro Morata, Zidane will try to find his best attacking options for the match.
"I'm always going to consider all the players and we're lucky enough to have three world-beaters. I have to make decisions and I know how important all the players are and what they can offer. Each game is different. I always take my time when thinking about the team. That's my job and it's normal, especially when we play every three days," Zidane said.
Real Madrid, however, cannot afford to take it too easy against Bilbao, who have been good this season. They lie at the sixth place and have won five of their last eight matches. If given a chance, the visitors will jump on the opportunity of defeating the Spanish giants. They have defeated top teams like Sevilla and Valencia already in the competition, and Bilbao can use these results as an inspiration when they face a team like Real Madrid.
With manager Ernesto Valverde having made this team stronger in the last few years, he will look for a great performance from all his players in the encounter. The manager is expected to play 4-2-3-1 formation, which will trouble the Real defenders if the likes of Aritz Aduriz shine for the visitors, and darts into empty spaces.
Where to watch live
Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao is set to start at 12:15 am IST (7:45 pm BST, 2:45 pm EST).
India: TV - Sony Six/HD. Live streaming - Sony Liv
UK: TV – Sky Sports 3/HD. Live Streaming: Sky Go
USA: TV - beIN Sports, Fubo TV. Live streaming - beIN Sports Connect
Spain: TV – Movistar+
Malaysia, Thailand: TV: Bein Sports
