Malaga are looking to show some improvement following the disappointing defeat to Levante, whereas Real Madrid just want to continue their impressive run and put extra pressure on leaders Barcelona.

Malaga are looking to establish themselves as genuine top table side, with the big spending power definitely helping their cause.

Boosted by the arrivals of Ruud van Nistelrooy, Santi Cazorla, Joris Mathijsen and Joaquin, among others, los Boquerones had a really bright start to the season.

Following the opening defeat to Sevilla, Malaga went on to win four of their next five games, but the good run came to an abrupt end as they lost 3:0 away to Levante.

The hosts are now expected to show a response and possibly make life difficult for Real, and while they may not be able to win this game, odds of 1.57 (4/7) offered by Ladbrokes on Malaga to score look too good to pass.

Julio Baptista is highly unlikely to face his former club as he is still sidelined with a foot injury, but the good news is that Mathijsen, Apono and Duda have all recovered from minor complaints. Keeper Wilfredo Caballero is suspended.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Ruben – Gamez, Demichelis, Mathijsen, Monreal – Joquin, Toulalan, Duda, Cazorla – Van Nistelrooy, Isco.

Real Madrid started this season well, recording comfortable wins over Zaragoza, Getafe and Dinamo Zagreb, but back to back slips ups against Levante and Racing Santander were seen as major blows.

Jose Mourinho’s side didn’t need a lot of time to recover, beating Rayo Vallecano 6:2 in the very next game and they have been thoroughly impressive ever since.

Los Merengues went on to win next four games, scoring at least three goals in every one of them, so no wonder they are now just 1.44 (4/9) with William Hill to win at La Rosaleda.

The most important thing for los Blancos is that the only true strikers in the squad, Higuain and Benzema are scoring goals for fun, with the Argentine likely to be given the nod this time.

Ricardo Carvalho, Raul Albiol, Nuri Sahin and Lassana Diarra remain sidelined, whereas Kaka is expected to replace Mesut Ozil in the starting line-up.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Casillas – Arbeloa, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo – Alonso, Khedira – Di Maria, Kaka, Ronaldo – Higuain.