It will be up to high-flying Malaga to try and stop La Liga leaders Real Madrid in their tracks, with los Blancos searching for their 16th straight win in all competitions.

Los Boquerones didn’t have the best of starts to the new league campaign, having been extremely fortunate to defeat Athletic Bilbao on the opening day, before failing to win any of next five fixtures.

But, Javi Gracia’s charges then hit the ground running in style, taking advantage of an easy fixture list to record five victories on the bounce.

The impressive run ended as Malaga were beaten by holders Atletico Madrid, but everybody at the club will be delighted with the current league position (6th).

Los Boquerones now face another difficult task as they play host to red-hot Real Madrid, but they are 1.65 (13/20) to extend their scoring run.

There have been more good news at La Rosaleda this week as disciplinary committee rescinded one of Samu’s two yellow cards against Atletico Madrid, meaning the forward is available to face los Blancos.

However, Ignacio Camacho is banned, while Nordin Amrabat and Juanmi are unavailable through injury, with Recio expected to start alongside Sergi Darder in midfield.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Kameni – Torres, Sanchez, Weligton, Antunes – Darder, Recio – Samu, Luis Alberto, Castillejo – Santa Cruz.

Carlo Ancelotti has clearly done brilliantly to get the star-studded Real side playing to their potential and he could become club’s most successful coach ever if los Blancos defeat Malaga to make it 16 wins on the trot.

There is no denying the Madrid side have been playing great football ever since they hit the ground running back in September, with the Italian coach masterminding the squad rotation process.

While winning all five Champions League fixtures, los Blancos have opened up a two-point lead at the La Liga summit and can now be backed at 1.50 (1/2) to lift the league trophy.

Meanwhile, having extended the winning run by defeating FC Basel in midweek, Real Madrid are 1.33 (1/3) to defeat Malaga as well.

With Copa del Rey clash against weak Cornella next, Carlo Ancelotti is expected to field his strongest side at La Rosaleda, with Isco again set for a more defensive role.

Luka Modric and Jese Rodriguez are out injured, while Iker Casillas, Pepe, Marcelo and Daniel Carvajal should be recalled to the side.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Casillas – Carvajal, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo – Isco, Kroos, Rodriguez – Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo.