Real Madrid can stretch their winning run in La Liga to eight consecutive games if they snatch all three points from Saturday's encounter against Rayo Vallecano at the Bernabeu.

Carlo Ancelotti's side are in scintillating form having won their last 12 games in all competitions, and they head into this weekend's league match on the back of a 1-0 victory over Liverpool in the Champions League.

While Brendan Rodgers's side gave a good account of themselves in Spain, Los Blancos were comfortable throughout and will have one eye on Barcelona's early kickoff against Almeria as they try to stay at the top of the league table.

Madrid have a one-point lead over Valencia and Atletico Madrid, while rivals Barcelona reside just two points below in fourth place.

In contrast, Rayo are already 13 points adrift of Saturday's opponents after 10 games and they travel to the Bernabeu having suffered back-to-back defeats against Malaga and Eibar.

On Monday, Paco Jemez's side came close to taking a point from Eibar, but an 86th-minute winner from Mikel Arruabarrena sealed a 3-2 victory for the visitors.

Traditionally, Rayo have not had much luck against the Spanish giants having lost all of their last five meetings, and matches have been high-scoring with Madrid storming to a 5-0 triumph at the Bernabeu in March last season.

Due to Madrid's impressive form, Ancelotti is not expected to make too many changes, especially with Cristiano Ronaldo at the helm as he aims to add to his already 22-goal tally in all competitions this season.

Gareth Bale could return to the starting lineup following a bout of injury, which would result in either Isco or James Rodriguez making way for the Welshman.

For the visitors, Leo Baptistao is likely to lead the line in the hope of causing an upset to league leaders.

Recent form

Real Madrid: WWWWWW

Rayo Vallecano: LLWLWW

Possible starting lineups

Real Madrid: Casillas; Arbeloa, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo; Isco, Modric, Kroos, Bale; Benzema, Ronaldo

Rayo Vallecano: Tono; Tito, Amaya, Ze Castro, Nacho; Baena, Trashorras; Aquino, Bueno, Kakuta; Baptistao

Sports Mole says: 4-0

Previews by email