TEAM NEWS:
Eibar: Anaitz Arbilla is suspended having been sent off in the 0-0 draw with Real Valladolid last time out, whilst midfielder Pape Diop will also sit out after accruing five yellow cards. Jordi Calavera (thigh), Marko Dmitrovic (groin) and Pedro Leon (foot) will all miss out. Former Wigan defender Ivan Ramis is a doubt with a thigh injury.
Real Madrid: The visitors have a host of injury concerns, with the most serious thought to be surrounding Casemiro, Nacho and Sergio Regulion, who will miss out with ankle, knee and hamstring injuries respectively. Dani Carvajal (calf), Mariano Diaz, Marcelo (both muscular), Sergio Ramos (groin) and Jesus Vallejo (muscular) are all doubts, though it is likely several of them will be fit to feature at Ipurua.
WHO IS SAYING WHAT?
Eibar boss Jose Luis Mendilibar:
"I don't change too much week to week or if we're playing at home or away, in the league or the cup. We don't do new things. We rarely talk about the opposition in training, but rather what we have to do ourselves.
"I don't drive myself crazy, nor think too much about the opposition, nor spend all day worrying about it. I sleep much better the day before a game than after.
"We know it will be a difficult game to win. If we start well, are concentrated and play our game, we'll have opportunities to win the game. Our idea will be to play in their half, close to their box and if we manage to do that we'll have chances.
"I'm expecting a good team with a lot of good players, whoever starts. Every one of their players can win you a game on their own without playing well. They've been winning under the new manager, but I don't think there's too much difference in the style of football."
Real Madrid boss Santiago Solari:
"I don’t know if it will be a tight game. I expect an intense and feisty match, as they’re a team that have a very clear concept of how they play. They’re an aggressive team that press a lot. It will make for an entertaining game.
"I’m very grateful and excited about this big and beautiful responsibility. For me nothing has changed in the 11 years that I've been at this institution. The important thing is the commitment to your work every day and that we’re working along the same line".
Form:
Did you know?
Eibar have never beaten Real Madrid in 10 meetings between the sides.
Real Madrid have won eight of their 10 games against the minnows, with two 1-1 draws the only blot on their copybook.
'Los Blancos' have scored 25 goals in their last nine games against Eibar.
POSSIBLE LINEUPS:
Eibar: Riesgo; Peña, Oliveira, Ramis, Jose Angel; Escalante, Bigas; Orellana, Jordán, Cucurella; Charles.
Real Madrid: Courtois; Odriozola, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos, Vazquez, Benzema, Bale.