Having suffered back to back defeats to Osasuna (La Liga) and Alcorcon (Copa del Rey), Espanyol will have something to prove when they host Real Madrid at Cornella El Prat.

Meanwhile, los Blancos hope to take advantage of the fact their title rivals Atletico and Barcelona face each other this weekend, but they obviously have to win in Catalunya.

Javier Aguirre did well to stabilise the sinking ship last season and his side in turn impressed at the start of the new season.

However, then came the run during which los Periquitos recorded just one triumph in eight league fixtures, and oddly enough, it was achieved against title rivals Atletico Madrid.

Espanyol have since showed some improvement, progressing to Copa del Rey Last 16 stage and defeating Valladolid at home, but they are again going through a rough patch.

Away defeats to Osasuna and Alcorcon created additional problems for Javier Aguirre’s side, with the Mexican coach also suspended for the next three games.

This means the hosts face a very difficult task against Real Madrid, as witnessed by odds of 9.00 (8/1) offered on home win.

French forward Thievy Bifouma has been suspended by the club, whereas David Lopez is sidelined through a muscle problem.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Casilla – J. Lopez, Moreno, Colotto, Capdevila – V. Sanchez, Abraham – Stuani, Garcia, Simao – Cordoba.

Following some unexpected slip-ups in the first part of the season, Real Madrid are slowly returning to the right track and confidence seems to be growing at Santiago Bernabeu.

A four-match winning run definitely played a part even if the team have been far from impressive in 2014, but they also received a huge boost as key midfielder Xabi Alonso agreed to sign a new deal at the club.

And with Gareth Bale finally fully fit and producing some excellent displays, Carlo Ancelotti clearly has reason for optimism ahead of the Espanyol clash.

The problem is that Cristiano Ronaldo does not appear to be on top of his game at the moment, but having scored a brace against Celta Vigo, he is 1.50 (1/2) to get on the scoresheet again.

Meanwhile, los Blancos are 1.36 (4/11) favourites to win at Cornella El Prat and move even closer to the leading duo in La Liga.

Jesse Rodriguez is faces a fitness test as he battles a calf problem, whereas Raphael Varane and Sami Khedira remain in the infirmary.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Lopez – Carvajal, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo – Alonso, Modric – Bale, Isco, Ronaldo – Benzema.