For example, Escudero's inclusion. It is possible that the Real Zaragoza coach will opt for the experienced defender against Real Murcia. Espiau could also be in that lineup, as could Jamelli, despite missing a training session due to a fever. The lineup looks set to be very similar to the one used in the last match.
That means Ander Herrera would not be in this lineup. “He has the option of playing this weekend because he is 100% fit. We will see. We are facing a great team with a great coach and I want to give away as few clues as possible,” the coach said about the midfielder.
Pereira during Real Zaragoza's training session, from which he left this Wednesday. Photo: Pilar Álvarez
The news that practically all of Real Zaragoza's players are in full fitness is very positive. “They are all available and 100% fit. Anyone can start, except Vadillo,” the coach said of the attacker, who is sidelined with a muscle injury.
TWO STRIKERS OR THREE CENTER-BACKS
The Real Zaragoza coach also offered few clues about the formation. “Three center-backs could be an alternative. It is true that we had worked on it very little, and it showed,” he said about this way of approaching the match against Real Murcia.
He also gave no indication about the possibility of playing with two forwards together. Here, barring any surprise, the most advanced player will be Edu Espiau. “There may be matches in which we choose to play with two strikers, but to reach the attacking area, things have to be done,” he said. Even so, it remains “a possibility.”
As for Joaquín Delgado, who has recently been getting fewer minutes, Ibai did not want to pile on. He addressed the issue normally. “He has fewer minutes, but he has played twice as many as Edu (Espiau). He is eighth in terms of minutes played, so it does not make much sense to talk about it. Edu has two goals and two assists. They are matters of form, timing and the match plan,” he said.
IMPORTANT MATCH
Real Zaragoza face an important match against Real Murcia, the division's second-placed team, one point ahead of the Maños. A win would send a strong message against a direct rival in the promotion race. They must maintain their winning run.
