Preview: Real Madrid vs. Elche

Real Madrid will move to the top of La Liga for a few hours at least if they beat Elche at Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.

Carlo Ancelotti's side, who are unbeaten in their last 26 matches in all competitions, sit joint top of the standings with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid on 60 points.

Los Blancos saw off Getafe 3-0 in their last outing.

Elche occupy 13th place in the table after last weekend's goalless draw with Osasuna, five points clear of the relegation places.

Fran Escriba's side have been poor away from home this season, winning just two of their 11 away league matches and conceding 23 goals in the process.

Real will be without Cristiano Ronaldo as he serves the last game of this three-match ban, so Jese Rodriguez is expected to continue on the left of midfield.

Escriba could name the same Elche XI that drew with Osasuna.

Real secured a late 2-1 victory when the teams last met in September.

Recent form

Real Madrid: WWWDWW

Elche: DWLWDD

Possible starting lineups

Real Madrid: Lopez; Arbeloa, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo; Alonso, Modric, Di Maria; Bale, Benzema, Jese

Elche: Tono; Sapunaru, Botia, Pelegrin, Cisma; Gil, Perez, Marquez, Del Moral; Coro, Herrera

Sports Mole says: 3-0