Preview: Eibar vs. Real Madrid

Real Madrid have the chance to extend their lead at the top of La Liga on Saturday afternoon with a trip to face Eibar at the Estadio Municipal de Ipurua.

Carlo Ancelotti's charges have been in scintillating form over the past couple of months, brushing aside all challengers both domestically and in Europe to become arguably the most feared side on the continent right now.

A large part of that success has come down the manager's ability to once again find the right balance in his side, although the two-week international break may have taken some steam out of Los Blancos' sails.

While the hiatus provided record signing Gareth Bale with the chance to regain full match fitness, there was bad news elsewhere with Luka Modric picking up an injury which will see him sidelined for the next three months.

Victory for Madrid will see the pressure increase even more on Barcelona, who kick off shortly after the conclusion of this contest in the Basque country. If they are to take all three points, Madrid will not only stretch their advantage at the summit, but it will also see them extend their winning run to 14 games in all competitions.

Ancelotti's biggest decision centres around the fit-again Bale, with the highly-regarded Isco the most likely to make way once more should the Welshman start against an inconsistent Eibar outfit, although he may experiment with both players in the starting XI this weekend.

Armeros have struggled to win back-to-back games of late, although sitting nicely in 10th place in the table and having lost just one of their five home games so far this campaign, they are certain to provide a stern test for the visiting side.

Iruretagoiena Xabier will need to be on top form to keep out 18-goal forward Cristiano Ronaldo, while Mikel Arruabarrena will be looking to add to his strike against Malaga last time out for Gaizka Garitano's men.

This will be the first league meeting between Eibar and Real Madrid, and the first encounter in any competition since the 2004 Copa del Rey.

Eibar:

Recent form: DDLDWL

Possible starting lineup: Iruretagoiena, Boveda, Albentosa, Navas, Lillo, Errasti, Carrillo, Capa, Arruabarrena, Perez Saul, Javi Lara

Real Madrid:

Form in La Liga: WWWWWW Form in all competitions: WWWWWW

Possible starting lineup: Casillas, Arbeloa, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo, Rodriguez, Isco, Kroos, Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo

Sports Mole says: 0-3