Preview: Real Madrid vs. Athletic Bilbao

One of Spain's biggest rivalries will resume on Saturday when Real Madrid host Athletic Bilbao at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Jose Mourinho's side are currently third in the standings in La Liga with 23 points from 11 matches, eight points behind leaders Barcelona.

Los Blancos are in a formidable form in the league, having lost their last game back in mid-September and winning their last four.

Madrid have also not lost at home in La Liga this season, and have conceded just two goals in five matches.

On the other hand, Bilbao are just four points above the relegation zone in 12th and have lost three of their five league matches away from home.

Marcelo Bielsa's side have struggled both on the pitch and off it, and the Basque giants will be keen to kickstart their campaign with a win against their most bitter rivals.

Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo returned to training on Thursday after recovering from an eye injury and is likely to start against Bilbao.

Los Blancos midfielder Sami Khedira and striker Karim Benzema too have returned to training and are in contention to feature on Saturday.

Bilbao will be without the suspended Ander Herrera and Oscar De Marcos for their trip to the Spanish capital.

Recent form

Real Madrid: WWWDW

Athletic Bilbao: LDWLW

Possible starting lineups:

Real Madrid: Casillas, Arbeloa, Pepe, Ramos, Coentrao, Essien, Alonso, Callejon, Ozil, Di Maria, Ronaldo

Athletic Bilbao: Iraizoz, Iraola, Gurpegui, Amorebieta, Aurtenetxe, Perez, Iturraspe, Martinez, Susaeta, Muniaín, Aduriz

Sports Mole says: 2-1