La Liga leaders Real Madrid enter the local derby in confident mood, unlike their rivals, who are still struggling to show some consistency.

After spending last few years trailing bitter rivals Barcelona on all fronts, los Blancos are finally showing they can be just as good as Barca, if not better.

The amazing run of results on domestic stage saw them already create a three-point cushion at the top, while keeping the 100% record in their Champions League campaign.

Los Merengues are currently on a 12-match winning run, so no wonder home win pays just 1.20 (1/5) at William Hill.

What is even more impressive is that Real scored at least three goals in 10 of those 12 games, and they are 1.62 (8/13) with Ladbrokes to continue that run against Atletico.

Brazilian Marcelo has resumed full training and is expected to return to the starting line-up, but Kaka and Alvaro Arbeloa continue to miss out.

Casillas, Pepe, Khedira and Ronaldo return to the side after being rested in midweek, whereas Jose Callejon could keep his place following a remarkable performance against Dinamo Zagreb.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Casillas – Ramos, Carvalho, Pepe, Marcelo – Alonso, Khedira – Callejon, Ozil, Ronaldo – Higuain.

Atletico Madrid fans have long gotten used to watching under-par performances from their beloved team, so nobody is really surprised to see los Colchoneros struggling this term.

Good results from the early stage of the season hinted that things would change this term, especially with the arrival of star players Falcao, Adrian, Diego and Turan, but we have yet to see Atletico at their best.

Gregorio Manzano’s side managed to end the seven-match winless run and recorded three wins in last four games, but they are still no less than seven points adrift of the fourth-placed Levante.

Their awful away form can give the visitors little reason for optimism before the clash with mighty Real, seeing that they have brought just one point from five games on the road this term.

Boss Manzano is unlikely to risk Falcao, who is not 100% fit, meaning that Adrian Lopez is set to start as a lone striker. Forward Pizzi managed to shake off a minor injury, but he will have to settle for a place on the bench.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Courtois – Silvio, Miranda, Dominguez, Filipe Luis – Tiago, Gabi – Salvio, Diego, Turan – Adrian Lopez.