Real Madrid travel to take on Malaga this weekend looking to put some points between themselves and the chasing pack in La Liga.
Los Blancos' incredible form shows no sign of stopping anytime soon, having won their last 15 games both domestically and in Europe to become one of the most feared sides around right now.
With closest rivals Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Valencia all playing the following day, Carlo Ancelotti's charges can create some breathing space as the games tick down until the winter break.
What makes the task even more daunting for hosts Malaga is the fact that they have won just one of their last 25 meetings with the current league leaders.
However, Los Boquerones have hardly been pushovers this season, sitting as they do in the top six, just three points off a Champions League berth.
In fact, Malaga themselves went on a lengthy winning run recently, recording five league victories on the bounce to climb up to the higher echelons of the division, before losing at current champions Atletico Madrid last time out.
Roque Santa Cruz has proved a particular thorn in Madrid's side in recent times, scoring three of Malaga's last four goals against the Whites, and he will be looking to add to that record at La Rosaleda on Saturday evening.
For the visitors, Gareth Bale is now back to full fitness following his recent injury layoff, while 26-goal forward Cristiano Ronaldo will no doubt be hoping to extend his run of five strikes against Javi Garcia's men.
Elsewhere, Iker Casillas is likely to be recalled having sat out the midweek Champions League triumph over Basel, with Isco replacing the injured Luka Modric.
Malaga:
Current form: WWWWWL
Possible starting lineup: Kameni, Torres, Sanchez, Welington, Antunes, Darder, Camacho, Castillejo, Juanmi, Samu, Santa Cruz
Real Madrid:
Form in La Liga: WWWWWW
Form in all competitions: WWWWWW
Possible starting lineup: Casillas; Marcelo, Ramos, Pepe, Carvajal; Kroos, Isco, James; Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo
Sports Mole says: 0-2
Daniel Lewis
