Real Madrid are in midweek La Liga action on Thursday as they travel to the Canary Islands to face Las Palmas. Madrid will make their second trip away from the mainland on Matchday 3 after travelling to Mallorca for a 1-1 draw to open up their 2024/25 domestic campaign.
Carlo Ancelotti's side head into Thursday's game having secured a 3-0 home win over Real Valladolid on Sunday. Three second-half goals, including Endrick's first for the club, ensured Madrid recorded their first win of the new La Liga season.
They were forced to come from behind on their previous visit to Gran Canaria, winning 2-1 back in January, before Las Palmas embarked on a wretched second half to the 2023/24 season. They eventually finished 16th and parted ways with Garcia Pimienta in the summer.
Las Palmas' primary goal under new boss Luis Miguel Carrion is survival, and they've started the new season with a point from their opening two games.
How to Watch Las Palmas vs Real Madrid
Date: 08/29/2024
Time: 21:30CET, 03:30am EST.
Venue: Estadio Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain.
Available TV: Movistar La Liga, ABC
Available Streaming: ESPN+
Las Palmas vs Real Madrid Starting Lineups
We should expect some rotation from Ancelotti on Thursday, although the Italian will not be able to call upon injured pair Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga. Arda Guler is set to benefit from Bellingham's absence, with the Turkish international making a rare start last time out.
Guler could keep his place in the team, while Endrick will be pushing for a start after scoring off the bench on Sunday.
Luka Modric could come into Madrid's midfield for his first start of the season, while Ferland Mendy is returning from his one-game suspension.
Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Las Palmas (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Mendy; Valverde, Modric; Rodrygo, Guler, Vinicius; Mbappe.
There's British influence in Las Palmas' squad, with Scotsmen Oli McBurnie and Scott McKenna both poised to start for the hosts on Thursday.
Las Palmas predicted lineup vs Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Cillessen; Suarez, McKenna, Marmol, A. Munoz; J. Munoz, Rodriguez; Park, Moleiro, Sandro; McBurnie.
Key Players to Watch
Kylian Mbappe will be hoping to get off the mark for Real Madrid on Thursday as Los Blancos travel to the Canary Islands for a tricky test away to Las Palmas.
With new signing Mbappe failing to score for Madrid in their opening two fixtures, it's been left to the likes of fellow Galacticos Rodrygo and Kendrick to hit the target and ensure Los Blancos have an unbeaten record coming into this, their third fixture of the new La Liga season.
Oli McBurnie and Scott McKenna will be hoping to cause some problems for Real Madrid's defense. McBurnie is a big target man who can hold the ball up well, while McKenna is a strong and experienced center-back.
Las Palmas vs Real Madrid Match Preview
La Liga's best had their troubles when visiting Las Palmas last season, but the Gran Canarians are poised to be more of a push-over this time around. Mallorca had joy in the second half against Madrid's superstars to open up the season, and the hosts should have some success against a team that's continuing to bed in Kylian Mbappe up top. There are bound to be a few systematic growing pains, especially when defending the counter-attack.
However, it's hard to envisage Scott McKenna and company living with the overwhelming talent at the visitors' disposal in attacking areas. Madrid should be securing a comfortable away win on Thursday.
Final Thoughts
Real Madrid are the clear favorites in this match, but Las Palmas will be looking to pull off an upset. The hosts will need to be at their best defensively to keep Mbappe and Vinicius Jr quiet, while they will need to take their chances when they get them. It should be an entertaining match, and one that could have implications for the title race later on in the season.
