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By their own impossibly high standards, Real Madrid have had a pretty slow start to the new season. Sure, they're sat top of La Liga having only dropped a couple of points in five rounds of football, but Rafael Benítez's side haven't won by the emphatic margins that they're used to. Though they've had big victories over Real Betis and Espanyol, their last two games have been one-goal wins over struggling Granada and Athletic Club.
They'll be looking for a more comfortable margin of victory in front of their home fans at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday, as they take on a poor Málaga side. Javi Gracia's men are sat second-from-bottom, having failed to score a single goal in any of their first five matches of the season. Surely they're not going to break their duck away at one of the strongest teams in the world, are they?
Recent history
History would suggest not. Real Madrid have won every one of their last five games against Málaga, with the Andalusian outfit having not caused an upset against the Merengues since a 3-2 home victory in 2012. And that's when they were good. They've never in their history managed to win at the Bernabéu, and that doesn't look likely to change here.
Upset potential: Low
So, from the form book to the history books, it doesn't look good for Málaga. Though they finished in a relatively comfortable ninth place last season, Gracia's side just haven't clicked in La Liga so far this season, and unless they show signs of quick improvement, they're going to find themselves getting dragged into a relegation battle. Expect Real Madrid to win by a healthy margin.
Real Madrid injuries and suspensions
Out: Gareth Bale (calf), James Rodríguez (hamstring), Danilo (ankle/foot). In doubt: Sergio Ramos (shoulder).
Málaga injuries and suspensions
Out: Flávio Ferreira (back), Nacho Camacho (hernia), Roque Santa Cruz (thigh). In doubt: Nordin Amrabat (ankle).
Real Madrid will still be without a few of their most important first-teamers in Gareth Bale and James Rodríguez, though Sergio Ramos could return after a shoulder injury. Málaga, meanwhile, will be without Flávio Ferreira, Nacho Camacho and Roque Santa Cruz, but could have Nordin Amrabat back in action.
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 12:15 p.m. ET, 6:15 p.m. local
Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid, Spain
TV: beIN Sports (U.S. and Canada - English), beIN Sports en Español (U.S. and Canada - Spanish), Sky Sports 2/HD (U.K.)
Online: Fubo TV (U.S.), beIN Sports Connect (U.S. and Canada), Sky Go (U.K.)