Not since October 2016 have Real Madrid gone four games without a win, but that is the fate which could befall Julen Lopetegui's side away to Alaves this weekend.

Indeed, the European champions have not only failed to win any of their last three games, they have also failed to score in any of them as they begin to feel the weight of Cristiano Ronaldo's summer exit.

A shock 1-0 defeat to CSKA Moscow in midweek followed a chastening 3-0 reverse against Sevilla and a goalless derby against Atletico Madrid, with the latter two results also preventing Real from taking advantage of Barcelona's own poor league form.

Los Blancos travel to Estadio de Mendizorroza hoping to get their season back on track, then, and here Sports Mole looks at how they could line up for Saturday's showdown.

Out: Marcelo (calf), Isco (appendicitis), Dani Carvajal (muscle)
Doubtful: Gareth Bale (groin)

Real Madrid are expected to welcome Gareth Bale back into their starting lineup for this match, with the winger having been included in the latest Wales squad after a scan showed no sign of injury to his groin.

Bale was taken off at half time of the Madrid derby and subsequently missed Tuesday's defeat in Moscow, but given Real's recent troubles in front of goal he is likely to be rushed back if there is a possibility of him starting.

The likes of Luka Modric and Sergio Ramos will also return to the starting lineup after being rested in midweek, while Toni Kroos will hope to put his costly Moscow error behind him.

Tuesday's defeat was made even worse by Dani Carvajal limping off just before half time, and the muscle injury he sustained will keep him out until after the international break.

Alvaro Odriozola replaced him in the side against CSKA, and should start at the weekend with Nacho switching back to the right flank as a result.

There is also expected to be a change in goal, with Thibaut Courtois coming back in for Keylor Navas, who was handed the gloves in midweek.