Preview: Real Madrid vs. Malaga

Real Madrid will attempt to sew up second position in the league table when they welcome Malaga to the Bernabeu on Wednesday.

The capital outfit currently sit eight points ahead of third-placed Atletico Madrid in La Liga, but the league title is all but gone with 11 points separating them from league leaders Barcelona.

Madrid will be able to call upon a stunning home record on Wednesday, with Jose Mourinho's side winning 15 of their league matches at home this season, remaining unbeaten in the process.

Malaga, meanwhile, currently sit in sixth position in the table, five points behind fourth-placed Real Sociedad, who have a game in hand. They did, however, secure a point the last time they travelled to the Bernabeu in March 2012.

Madrid boss Mourinho is once more expected to rotate his squad with Michael Essien, Sami Khedira, Gonzalo Higuain and Angel di Maria all returning to the starting side. Xabi Alonso could also be recalled in midfield, while Diego Lopez will continue between the sticks at the expense of Iker Casillas.

Malaga, meanwhile, could restore Roque Santa Cruz and Javier Saviola to their side after the pair sat out the 1-0 defeat to Granada at the weekend. Portillo and Duda are also in contention, but Julio Baptista and Joaquin should both start.

Recent form:

Madrid: WLWWW

Malaga: LWLWL

Possible lineups:

Madrid: Lopez; Essien, Ramos, Varane, Coentrao; Khedira, Modric, Ozil; Ronaldo, Higuain, Di Maria

Malaga: Caballero; Weligton, Demichelis, Sanchez, Antunes; Camacho, Joaquin, Isco, Portillo; Baptista, Santa Cruz

Sports Mole says: 3-1