Preview: Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid

Saturday heralds the first Madrid derby of the season as Real welcome neighbours Atletico to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Second-placed Atletico go into the match in the rare position of being above their local rivals in the table following a run of three straight wins.

Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho's side can't afford another defeat after they were beaten 1-0 at Real Betis last weekend.

Los Blancos are already 11 points behind leaders Barcelona and have it all to do if they are to retain their La Liga crown.

Michael Essien is expected to miss out for Real following an allergic reaction to medicinal treatment, while Gonzalo Higuain remains sidelined with a thigh problem.

Atletico have no new injury concerns ahead of the match.

Recent form

Real Madrid: DWWDLW

Atletico Madrid: LWWWWW

Possible lineups

Real Madrid: Casillas; Arbeloa, Ramos, Pepe, Coentrao; Di Maria, Khedira, Alonso, Ronaldo; Ozil; Benzema

Atletico Madrid: Courtois; Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Luis; Koke, Tiago, Gabi, Turan; Falcao, Costa

Sports Mole says: 1-2