The two giants of European football are set to square off at Santiago Bernabeu in what should be a highly entertaining game.

Real Madrid started the Champions League campaign with a hard-fought victory over Dinamo in Zagreb, but los Blancos have experienced numerous disappointments since.

The 1:0 defeat to Levante was followed by the goalless draw in Santander, making everyone in Spain start to wonder whether Real were serious title contenders after all.

Jose Mourinho’s side returned to winning ways as they beat Rayo Vallecano 6:2 at the weekend and they are now looking to extend the winning run.

Ladbrokes sees Real Madrid as odds-on favourites in this clash, paying just 1.22 (2/9) on home win, whereas los Merengues are 1.14 (1/7) at the same bookie to win Group D.

Jose Mourinho faces a real defensive headache seeing that Fabio Coentrao and Pepe miss out through injury, whereas Marcelo is suspended. Ricardo Carvalho is a major injury doubt, while Nuri Sahin and Hamit Altintip remain sidelined.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Casillas – Ramos, Varane, Albiol, Arbeloa – Alonso, Khedira – Di Maria, Ozil, Ronaldo – Benzema.

The Dutch Super Cup defeat to Twente seems to have had a very positive effect on Ajax as Amsterdammers have been in impressive form ever since.

Frank de Boer’s side are currently on a ten-match unbeaten run and they are no less than 4.50 (7/2) with Paddy Power to extend that run.

Ajax did win just one of their last four games and it is interesting that they drew all three derby games, having shared spoils with PSV, Lyon and Twente.

Coach Frank de Boer was boosted by the return of Vurnon Antia and Miralem Sulejmani from injuries, although full-back Nicolai Boilesen remains sidelined.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Vermeer – Van der Wiel, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Anita – Eriksen, Janssen, De Jing – Boerrigter, Sigthorsson, Sulejmani.