Liga Preview: Alaves v Real Madrid
Both Alaves and Real Madrid are desperate for three points from this encounter, but for very different reasons.
Both Alaves and Real Madrid are desperate for three points from this encounter, but for very different reasons.
The Basque Country side will be keen to put on a good display against their star-studded visitors after last weekend's 6-0 defeat at Deportivo La Coruna.
Alaves are only six points above the relegation zone and even a draw against Madrid would lift them into a relatively safe mid-table position.
But for Vicente Del Bosque's side victory could see them go back to the top of the table, albeit for 24 hours again.
Last weekend's win over Valladolid saw them move into first position before they were removed the following day by Real Socidedad.
The Madrilenian side have not enjoyed much success in the north of Spain this term as they haev yet to secure a victory from their trips to Athletic Bilbao, Deportivo, Racing Santander or Osasuna.
RECENT FORM GUIDE
Alaves: Last Six Matches - DWDLWL
After opening the New Year with a run of five games unbeaten, Alaves have slipped back down towards the bottom of the table with two defeats in their last three outings. Having lost 2-0 at Racing, they beat Villarreal at home in a tough game, but last weekend they were thumped by Depor.
Real Madrid: DWLWWD
Despite beating Valladolid last Saturday, the fact remains that Madrid are not performing at their best. The midweek showing during the 1-1 draw in Dortmund against Borussia was evidence of that as they had to rely on an injury time goal from Javier Portillo just to earn a point.
LATEST TEAM NEWS
Alaves: Luis Helguera is suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card last week, while Martin Astudillo is still innjured. Edu Alonso and Adrian Ilie will undergo late fitness tests to see if they can be included in the squad.
Real Madrid: Steve McManaman is set to replace Luis Figo in the midfield again after the Portuguese wide man will miss his second league game in a row withan injury. Claude Makelele is suspended and so Esteban Cambiasso will take his place in the side. Raul is set to start despite missing training during the week.
Alaves: (4-4-2) Dutruel, Geli, Abelardo, Karmona, Ochoa, Llorens, Jordi Cruyff, Turiel, Tomic, Magno Mocelin, Ruben Navarro
Real Madrid: (4-4-2) Casillas, Salgado, Helguera, Pavon, Roberto Carlos, Conceicao, Cambiasso, Zidane, McManaman, Raul, Ronaldo
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Magno Mocelin (Alaves): The lively forward us the driving force in the home side's attack and his speed will cause Ivan Helguera and Francisco Pavon enormous problems.
Steve McManaman (Real Madrid): After becoming a bit-part player at the Bernabeu, Macca revels in the role of Figo's replacement when he is given the chance.