A much changed Los Blancos side should be able to record another win, yet there could be value in backing their opponents to get on the scoresheet
Following a 4-0 win in the first leg of this tie, Real Madrid are practically assured of a place in the last 16 of the Copa Del Rey.
Los Blancos welcome third tier Melilla to the Santiago Bernabeu on Thursday afternoon and given the healthy margin of victory five weeks ago, Santiago Solari is likely to make plenty of changes to the starting eleven.
Latest odds
The hosts are offered at just 1/20 (1.05) by William Hill to record another win, while Melilla travel from the Spanish enclave on the north African coast as massive outsiders. They can be backed at 25/1 (26.00) with the draw offered at 10/1 (11.00).
Team news
The first leg was Solari’s first game in charge and the Argentine fielded a strong starting eleven including Sergio Ramos and Karim Benzema.
Neither, though, are likely to feature on Thursday with Thibaut Courtois, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Marcelo, Dani Carvajal and Gareth Bale also all likely to be given the day off.
The likes of Isco, Marco Asensio and Dani Ceballos are expected to play, with Solari also giving a chance to some youth team players.
Preview
Since the first leg, Melilla have won all five of their league matches to open up a five point lead at the top of their group of the Segunda B division (Spain‘s third tier).
They are not expected to cause an upset at the Bernabeu yet they could be capable of scoring a goal. Last season at this stage of the competition, Fuenlabrada scored twice here, while the year before that Cultural Leonesa also managed to get on the scoresheet.
Melilla forced Keylor Navas into a good save during the first leg and also hit the bar while the score was goalless.
Tips and predictions
Melilla to score over 0.5 goals is priced at 21/20 (2.05), while Real Madrid to win and both teams to score is available at a healthy 7/5 (2.40). There could also be some interest in backing Melilla to score exactly one goal at 17/10 (2.70).
Real Madrid to win and both teams to score at 7/5 (2.40) for a 1pt stake with William Hill
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