Preview: Levante vs. Real Madrid

Real Madrid can edge closer to arch rivals Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in the league table if they upset Levante on their home turf.

The Spanish giants may still be scarred from their derby defeat to Atletico, but they managed to lift spirits by hitting four past Copenhagen in the Champions League last night.

Madrid's £85m summer signing Gareth Bale was dealt a blow this week when he was ruled out for 15 days with a thigh strain, meaning that boss Carlo Ancelotti could turn to Angel di Maria as a replacement.

For Levante, who sit ninth in the La Liga standings, they are unbeaten in their last six clashes and have kept three clean sheets, but have netted just six goals so far this season.

After three draws, Levante were able to get another win on the board courtesy of a late Jordi Xumetra winner against Osasuna.

Recent form

Levante: DWDDDW

Real Madrid: WWDWWL

Possible starting lineups

Levante: Navas; Lell, Vyntra, Rodas, Juanfran; Diop, Simao; Lopez, Ruben Garcia, El Zhar; Diawara

Real Madrid: Diego Lopez; Arbeloa, Pepe, Ramos, Coentrao; Khedira, Illarramendi; Ronaldo, Isco, Di Maria; Benzema

Sports Mole says: 1-2