(Football news) Real Madrid and Athletic Club will go head to head in the Spanish Super Cup final. Real Madrid needed extra time to defeat FC Barcelona in the semi final while Athletic Club defeated Atlético Madrid in normal time. Los Blancos will have 24 hours more than Bilbao to rest and prepare for the final but they also played 30 minutes of extra time.

Real Madrid have injury issues as after missing the semi final, David Alaba is reportedly out of the final as well. Dani Carvajal who just came back from injury has been tested positive for COVID-19 and will also miss the final. Jesus Vallejo has also picked up an injury and is out of contention which means Real Madrid will have to play Eder Militao, Nacho and Lucas Vazquez along with either Marcelo and Ferland Mendy. The injury woes could heavily affect Real Madrid. Los Blancos didn't have the best of games against Barcelona as their defence was opened up on a few occasions.

Inaki Williams and Iker Muniain will definitely be dangerous against the Madrid back line. Casemiro will have a big task ahead of him. In the attacking front Karim Benzema and Vinicius Jr will lead the attack like they have done so far this season. Real Madrid's defence is very likely to leak a goal or two which means they have to be more accurate in attack. Carlo Ancelotti could decide to go for Rodrygo on the right after the Brazilian had an impact in the El Clasico as a substitute.

Marcelino has used Raul Garcia as a substitute in the last 3 games. He could deploy the midfielder from the start to get that physical presence and also utilise his aerial ability. Bilbao will look to target Nacho and exploit his weakness as he can rush into challenges often leaving a lot of space behind. Real Madrid, despite missing two very important players, are still favourites to win the match and Ancelotti will be very keen to start the year with a trophy.

Also read: Serie A: Inter face a tough fixture away to Atalanta as AC Milan look to keep up with the leaders