Champions League Preview, Jobs on The Line: Real Madrid vs. M'gladbach

We are used to the Spanish giants easily qualifying for the knockout stages, but one more loss could see their history tarnished.

Two wins from their first five UCL fixtures has put Los Blanco's in a history-making position, and it could be the first time Real Madrid fail to qualify if the German's have their way.

Zinedine Zidane Will Be Fired

There should be no doubt as a Real Madrid fan that if the fixture does not fall in the home squads' favour, manager Zinedine Zidane

.

A humiliating loss to Shakhtar Donetsk was the icing on the cake to Madrid's worst run in their Champions League history. Losing seven of their previous UCL appearances with all eyes on Zidane, domestic arrivals have also been low this ter. 

 The defending champions are sat in fourth place, six points adrift of the league leaders Atletico Madrid, and rumour has it that Zidane has been given three fixtures since their 0-1 victory of Sevilla to fix the results. 

Surprise Entry Borussia Monchengladbach

The German side was expected to finish in a possible Europa Cup qualifying position during this years UCL group stage. Still, sixteen goals later they are sat in 1st position of Group B, 1 point clear of both Real Madrid and Shakhtar Donetsk.

Unstoppable in the attack, Inter Milan were the only side able to clinch three points against Monchengladbach, in a thrilling clash that could have gone either way.

Group B is going down to the wire, and Monchengladbach's dream could turn into a nightmare at the Bernabeu, but ultimately, this will be their most challenging trip in the tournament.

Monchengladbach has an opportunity to claim

, but this result could leave the hosts in limbo. This fixture stinks of goals, entertainment guaranteed.

Key Stats, Trends and Facts

• Real Madrid has seen both teams score in seven of their previous nine Champions League fixtures.

• Borussia Monchengladbach has scored at least twice in their previous five Champions League games.

• Borussia Monchengladbach fixtures have produced over 2.5 goals the previous five times.

• Real Madrid has conceded at 2+ goals in six of their previous seven UCL meetings.

• Real Madrid games provided over 2.5 goals from eight of their last ten encounters.

Real Madrid Potential Line-up:

Courtois, Vazquez, Varane, Ramos, Mendy, Caemir, Kroos, Odegaard, Asensio, Benzema. Vinicius

. 

Borussia Monchengladbach Potential Line-up:

Sommer, Lainer, Ginter, Kramer, Wendt, Zakaria, Neuhaus, Lazaro, Stindl, Thuram, Plea

.

Real Madrid vs. Borussia Monchengladbach Prediction & Odds

Well, one thing is for sure, this UCL clash is going to deliver. I first thought that Borussia Monchengladbach could take the easy path, keep the game tight and hold out for the draw. But given Madrid's several defensive issues it would be out of character

.

Monchengladbach have the confidence advantage sat in the first place of the group, and surprisingly we are witnessing a Real Madrid squad that looks frail. The reverse fixture ended in a draw, and the same story could be repeated when the floodgates open.

Marcus Thuram & Alassane Plea

should be praised for their assistance in putting Monchengladbach alongside Barcelona and Bayern Munich for the tournaments highest-scoring teams.

Conclusion

We should be expecting goals at both ends and a nervous Spanish home side,

with tremendous value on Real Madrid to win @ -130. The return of Sergio Ramos is expected, which is perfect timing for the defensive composure of the Madrid backline.

If Borussia decides to approach the Spanish grass with a cautious attitude, I will favour the home side clinching the critical goal that seals the deal. Zidane has good relations with his squad if there is a time his team needs to get up, it's now.

• Real Madrid 4 Borussia Monchengladbach 2

Read More:

Follow 

 for the