Preview: Real Madrid vs. Malaga

Real Madrid head into this weekend's La Liga clash with Malaga looking to gain ground on Barcelona and city rivals Atletico Madrid.

Los Blancos lie in third place in the league table, five points behind the top two, who both have 100% records.

The big news ahead of kickoff as far as Madrid are concerned is that Gareth Bale is expected to play a part in the match after returning to full training from a spell on the sidelines.

Malaga currently occupy 10th place in La Liga, but a surprise win would likely move them into contention at the business end of the table.

Recent form

Real: WDWWLW

Malaga: DWDWDL

Possible starting lineups

Real: Diego Lopez; Arbeloa, Pepe, Ramos, Coentrao; Khedira, Illarramendi; Ronaldo, Isco, Di Maria; Benzema

Malaga: Caballero; Gamez, Sanchez, Angeleri, Antunes; Darder, Tissone; Duda, Morales, Portillo; Santa Cruz.

Sports Mole says: 2-0