Real could be without Raul

Real could be without their leading goalscorer and talisman, Raul Gonzalez when they travel across town to meet Rayo Vallecano on Sunday. Raul has not been able to train due to suffering a bot of the flu, putting his chances of starring against neighbours, Rayo in jeopardy.

If Raul doesn't recover by Sunday then coach Vicente Del Bosque is expected to field strikers Jose Maria Guti and Pedro Munitis in the Real attack.

Del Bosque has further problems with Ivan Helguera and Fernando Hierro ruled out on Sunday's game through suspension. Helguera's absence may mean that Steve McManaman will return to a central midfield role partnering Claude Makelele.

Hierro's place in the back four will probably go to Ivan Campo but Del Bosque will wait to make his decision as to whether to stick with 'keeper Cesar Sanchez for the second week running or to bring back Iker Casillas to guard the Mardid net.

Real have the chance to seal the league title at Rayo, if Real win and closest rivals, Deportivo lose at Oviedo then the Merengues will finish as champions, but Sunday's opponents, Rayo won't be doing their neighbours any favours at the weekend - the Vallecas-based outfit need the three points to make sure of their survival in the Primera Liga.

Rayo have 40 points and are loitering just above the danger zone and will give it everything to try and stop their city rivals winning the Championship.