Preview: Cordoba vs. Real Madrid

Real Madrid know that they need a win against Cordoba in La Liga this weekend in order to protect their spot at the top of the table.

Carlo Ancelotti's side are just a point clear of Barcelona ahead of their trip, with a defeat to Valencia and an exit from the Copa del Rey spoiling their January results.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale were both among the goals in their 3-0 win over Getafe last weekend though, ensuring that the European champions stayed ahead in the Spanish top flight.

Pepe and Luka Modric will still be missing this weekend with injuries, while James Rodriguez and Isco have both been limited in training this week.

Meanwhile, a three-match unbeaten run has moved Cordoba away from the relegation zone for now, but they remain just two points clear of the bottom three.

Miroslav Djukic's side, who are in their first season in the top flight for 42 years, followed up wins over Granada and Rayo Vallencano with a 1-1 draw with Eibar last weekend, leaving them 14th in the table.

Florin Andone is likely to continue up front, having scored twice in their last three matches, but Eduard Campabadal will be suspended after seeing red last weekend.

Cordoba lost 2-0 when they travelled to the Bernabeu earlier in the season.

Cordoba:

Form in La Liga: WDLWWD Form in all competitions: DDLWWD

Possible starting lineup: Carlos, Pantic, Crespo, Edimar, Rossi, Cartabia, Ghilas, Garcia, Deivid, Bebe, Andone

Real Madrid:

Form in La Liga: WWWLWW Form in all competitions: LLLWDW

Possible starting lineup: Casillas, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo, Carvajal, Kroos Rodriguez, Isco, Ronaldo, Benzema, Bale

Sports Mole says: 0-3