Villarreal threat to weakened Madrid

Real Madrid CF face two significant obstacles as they attempt to stretch their seven-point lead in the Primera División this weekend. They must overcome the hurdle of an eight-player injury list before they even take the field against high-flying Villarreal CF.

Selection worries
The pacesetters have doubts against Javier Saviola (ankle/knee), Gabriel Heinze (thigh), Arjen Robben (thigh), Roberto Soldado (calf), Pepe (achilles/calf) and Christoph Metzelder (foot). Miguel Torres and Wesley Sneijder are more likely to feature for coach Bernd Schuster despite respective ankle and neck complaints. Despite the absentees, Madrid will want to extend their nine-game unbeaten run in the league, dating back to the defeat at Sevilla FC on 3 November.

Midweek action
They have a slight advantage in that Villarreal hosted the first leg of their Copa del Rey quarter-final against FC Barcelona on Thursday – a 0-0 draw – while the Merengues had the week off. Captain Raúl González has opened the scoring with six of his nine goals this season, including his ice-breaker in Madrid's 5-0 win at Villarreal in September. A repeat at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday might effectively end third-placed Villarreal's title hopes – they sit 12 points off the pace.

Caution
Madrid vice-captain Guti said: "We're on a good run. We have to continue to be strong at home, without dropping points. Villarreal are a great team, with great players, who can easily score goals." Guti is right to be wary of the visitors, who saw off Valencia CF 3-0 last Saturday. Striker Nihat Kahveci said: "We're not after revenge against Madrid [after the 5-0 defeat] but we are looking to win. We know that if we score a goal we are in with a chance. Although we know it's a tough place to do that." The Turkish international has registered eleven goals in 16 top-flight games this term. Such prowess will be vital if Villarreal are to close the five-point gap on second-placed FC Barcelona, who travel to Athletic Club Bilbao on Sunday.