Atletico Madrid will extend their unbeaten run to 12 matches if they avoid defeat at Rayo Vallecano on Sunday evening.
Los Rojiblancos missed the opportunity to go top of La Liga last weekend when they could only muster a draw at home against Sevilla, which means that they sit second on goal difference behind Barcelona.
Vallecano remain in the relegation zone after their 2-0 defeat at Elche last week, which was their fourth defeat in their last six outings.
The visitors come into the match off the back of their narrow success over Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of their Copa del Rey quarter-final on Thursday.
Vallecano midfielder Raul Baena will miss out following his red card against Elche, while Adrian will also be absent as he serves a one-match suspension.
Atletico coach Diego Simeone will be without the injured Mario Suarez, while fellow midfielder Tiago is a doubt due to a knock. David Villa could return to the starting XI after being named among the substitutes in the Copa del Rey.
Recent form
Vallecano: DLLLWL
Atletico: WWWWDD
Possible starting lineups
Vallecano: Ramiro; Tito, Castro, Rodri, Nacho; Niguez, Trashorras; Lass, Bueno, Viera; Castillo
Atletico: Courtois; Manquillo, Miranda, Godin, Luis; Koke, Tiago, Gabi, Turan; Costa, Villa
Sports Mole says: 0-2
Steven Toplis
