Espanyol slipped to 15th in the overall standings after four straight draws, but los Periquitos probably wouldn’t mind another one of those given the stature of their next opponents.

Real Madrid remained in third in spite of winning their last four league fixtures, but they will want to extend the bright run of results in Catalunya.

The surprising Copa del Rey triumph over local rivals Barcelona was a highlight of Espanyol’s season so far, but it seems to have had just the opposite effect than it was expected.

Namely, los Periquitos have since failed to win any of their next seven fixtures in all competitions, losing three straight games before recording four successive draws.

But, having held sides like Barcelona, Celta, Villarreal and Deportivo, Espanyol have some reason for optimism ahead of the season finale, especially as they are still nine points clear of the bottom three.

The hosts will have to try and keep things tight at the back when they take on mighty Real Madrid, and they will need all their star players to perform on the day.

The good news is that captain Javi Lopez has resumed training with the group, while Jairo is back from a muscle problem.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Diego Lopez – V. Sanchez, David Lopez, Duarte, Martin – Granero, Darder, C. Sanchez, Piatti – Baptistao, Moreno.

This season has been pretty disappointing for one of world’s most decorated sides, although los Blancos have begun to show some improvement.

Real Madrid remain third in the La Liga standings, but they have now won last four league fixtures, while also defeating PSG 3-1 in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 stage clash.

Los Blancos hammered Deportivo Alaves last time out, with Ronaldo, Bale and Benzema all getting on the scoresheet, and they are now 1.50 (1/2) to defeat Espanyol as well.

Considering that Real Madrid will also play Getafe at home ahead of the return leg against PSG, Zinedine Zidane is expected to field a strong side in midweek.

Highly rated youngster Marco Asensio has resumed full training, but Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Marcelo and Jesus Vallejo remain sidelined.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Navas – Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Hernandez – Asensio, Casemiro, Kovacic, Bale – Benzema, Ronaldo.