Real Madrid v Alaves - Preview and possible lineups
Real Madrid host La Liga strugglers Alaves on Saturday with both sides aiming to extend their fine form in recent weeks. Zinedine Zidane's men look to cut the gap with Barcelona down to 11 points.
Real Madrid's recent return to form with four straight wins was praised by manager Zidane, who stated: "It is clear that we have character, personality and to score 26 goals in six games is very good. We want to continue this good run."
Alaves have also been in fine form, winning three consecutive league games for the first time this season. Victories over Celta Vigo, Villarreal and Deportivo La Coruna have lifted them clear of relegation zone. The visitors have picked up 22 points since Abelardo Fernandez took charge to move 10 points clear of the relegation trouble.
"We are at our best and we will try to get the three points," winger Ibai Gomez told the official Alaves website. "But we know we are playing a team that is obliged to win all their matches and we must have a positive mentality."
Despite leaving him out of three of the last four matches, Zidane insisted Gareth Bale will "always be important" to Real Madrid, and the Welshman could make a start against the Basque side.
"He will always be important in the team and is in the process of getting himself right," said Zidane. "A player always misses out, I am not thinking of one or two but all the players. I see Bale like all of them and I count on all of them. The important thing is that they train well and focused. I want him to be 100 per cent and I do not want to lose him again."
Marco Asensio was absent from training on Friday due to trouble with a wisdom tooth and Bale could fill in for the Spaniard. Cristiano Ronaldo and Keylor Navas are set to return after being rested in midweek, but injured trio Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Marcelo will definitely miss out while Sergio Ramos is suspended.
Munir El Haddadi is also suspended for Alaves after the former Barcelona forward picked up a fifth yellow card, while Hector Hernandez and right-back Carlos Vigaray are both doubtful.
Recent form:
Potential lineups:
Real Madrid: Navas, Carvajal, Nacho, Varane, Hernandez, Kovacic, Casemiro, Isco, Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo.
Alaves: Pacheco, Ruano, Ely, Laguardia, Duarte, Gomez, Garcia, Pina, Pedraza, Guidetti, Sobrino.