MADRID, Feb. 1 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid will provide a stiff test for new Granada coach Lucas Alcaraz when the two sides meet in the Los Carmines Stadium on Saturday night.
Alcaraz replaced Juan Antonio Anquela who was given his marching orders after a 3-0 defeat in Sevilla which left his side just two points above the relegation zone on Monday.
Granada have been busy over the past week, looking to add to their squad for the second half of the campaign with players such as Diego Bounanotte joining the club. Alcaraz will also be happy to have striker Youssif El Arabi back in the squad following Morocco's exit from the African Nations Cup.
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho may consider making some changes to the side that drew a physical game 1-1 at home to FC Barcelona in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday night.
Diego Lopez's positive performance in goal should guarantee he maintains his place in the side, while Sergio Ramos will also be available after suspension. Ramos will probably replace Ricardo Carvalho in central defense, while Marcelo also has options to start as he continues his return to full fitness after breaking his foot.
Iker Casillas is out for around two months after breaking his hand just over a week ago, while Pepe is still out through injury
Meanwhile Cristiano Ronaldo will continue on the goal train after his hat-trick in the home game to Getafe on Sunday, although he will probably be partnered by Gonzalo Higuain in attack after Karim Benzema started in the Cup, and Angel de Maria, who was another player suspended in midweek.
Mourinho has already admitted his side, who are 15 points behind Barca in the BBVA Primera Liga table, have no chance of winning the league title, but his will be looking to see them overtake Atletico Madrid, who are currently second with a four point advantage, before the end of the campaign.
Granada will be hoping to meet a tired Madrid on Saturday as Alcaraz aims to kick off his return to his hometown club with a vital win.
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