Kaka, Ronaldo, and Marcelo

THE STANDINGS

Real Madrid are sixth in the the table thanks to a narrow 3-2 home win against Deportivo two weeks ago. Los Blancos lack behind the leaders Getafe, Barcelona, Malaga, Mallorca, and Valencia.
Meanwhile, Espanyol are eight places behind Real Madrid with zero points following their 1-0 defeat against Atletico Bilbao.

At the end of the day, Real Madrid could reach the top of the league standings with a win if Barcelona and Getafe draw between them in Saturday’s first match.

Meanwhile, Espanyol could move up to the top half of the table if they manage to beat the Spanish giants.

EXPECTATIONS

Manuel Pellegrini might risk to play Sergio Ramos who has reportedly recovered from an injury that sidelined him since July. Kaka should fill the midfield alongside La Furia Roja’s Xabi Alonso and Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema, Raul, and maybe Higuain, should compose Real Madrid’s foward front.

For Espanyol who are without the late Jarque, there is a boost with the return of Ivan de la Pena on the field of play. In defense, Facundo Rocaglia is expected to play the role of the team’s former captain Jarque. There could also be a debut for Rocaglia’s former team mate at Boca Juniors, Juan Forlin.

According to interviews made by the media earlier this week, Saturday’s home side, Espanyol, are confident of bouncing back with a victory against Real Madrid. Can they effectively revenge themselves from the 2-0 defeat they experienced in the hands of Madrid the last time they had to play them at home?

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