Zaragoza vs Madrid preview: Zidane's side hope to step into Copa del rey last 8

Real Madrid are on the road again in the Copa del Rey as Los Blancos face a tricky trip to Zaragoza tonight.

Zinedine Zidane's men enjoyed an excellent weekend as they capitalised on a Barcelona loss to go three points clear in the title race, and are looking for more cup progress this evening as they take on Segunda Division hopefuls Zaragoza.

Zaragoza sit fourth in the second division and will be no pushovers, but expect this steely Real side to weather the storm.

Team news

Gareth Bale and Eden Hazard are still out for Real Madrid. The Welsh winger picked up an ankle injury in the 3-1 win away to Unionistas de Salamanca in the previous round last week and although he trained normally on Tuesday, he has been kept in reserve ahead of Saturday’s derby at home to Atletico in LaLiga.

Hazard has been sidelined with an ankle problem of his own since late November and is the final stages of his recovery, but will not feature in Zaragoza and is expected to miss the Madrid derby as well.

Marco Asensio is also still out, although the Spanish international is back in training as he recovers from an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained in pre-season.

Casemiro, Isco and Eder Militao have all been rested for the visit to La Romareda, while there is no place in the squad for Mariano.

In midfield, Fede Valverde and James Rodriguez are likely to start after both sat out the 1-0 win at Real Valladolid in LaLiga on Sunday.

Predicted lineups

Real Zaragoza possible XI: Alvarez; Vigaray, Atienza, Grippo, Nieto; Eguaras, Raul Guti, James, Kagawa; Luis Suarez, Raphael Dwamena

Real Madrid possible XI: Courtois; Carvajal, Nacho, Ramos, Marcelo; Valverde, Kroos, James; Rodrygo, Benzema, Vinicius Junior