Real Madrid head into Thursday's encounter with Getafe on Thursday evening knowing that victory will be enough to remain at the top of the La Liga table.

Meanwhile, Getafe make the trip to the Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium having extended their unbeaten record to four games with a win over Real Sociedad on Monday night.

Match preview

With Barcelona said to be in disarray behind the scenes, Zinedine Zidane will acknowledge that this is Real Madrid's time to take advantage as they bid to end their wait for another league crown.

While there have been times this season when Los Blancos have under-performed on a regular basis, five successive wins have put the club in pole position with six games left.

Real are not making a habit of scoring goals with just five coming from their last three outings, but Zidane will be delighted with the defensive effort of his side.

Just two goals have been conceded since the resumption, ensuring that they have remained with the best record in the division, and it is now up to the players in the final third to raise their game.

Zidane will want to avoid becoming overly reliant on Karim Benzema, who has contributed three goals and one assist from his last four appearances.

Although Getafe head into the contest as the clear underdogs, Jose Bordalas will be optimistic about his team's chances after putting together a four-match undefeated record.

Despite three of those games ending in draws, Monday's important 2-1 success against Real Sociedad has moved the club into fifth position in the standings.

Back to within two points of third-placed Sevilla and holding a five-point advantage over seventh position, Getafe can take on the league leaders with less pressure on their shoulders.

Courtesy of his double over Sociedad, Jaime Mata is now into double figures in La Liga this season, while as many as 14 goals have been registered in all competitions.

Real Madrid La Liga form: LWWWWW

Getafe La Liga form: DLDDDW

Team News

After only being used as a substitute against Espanyol, Vinicius Junior could be handed a recall to the Real starting lineup.

With Isco likely to drop out of the team, Eden Hazard may switch to the right flank in order to accommodate the inclusion of the Brazilian.

Ferland Mendy and Luka Modric, both back after suspension, could take the places of Marcelo and Federico Valverde if Zidane opts to freshen up his team.

While Nacho is closing in on a return to the squad, Lucas Vazquez and Luka Jovic are expected to miss out through injury.

Barring any late fitness issues, Bordalas could stick with the team which began the victory over Sociedad.

Although Jorge Molina chipped in with an assist after coming off the bench, the 38-year-old will almost certainly remain among the replacements.

Real Madrid possible starting lineup:
Courtois; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Mendy; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos; Hazard, Benzema, Junior

Getafe possible starting lineup:
Soria; Suarez, Etxeita, Rodriguez, Olivera; Nyom, Maksimovic, Arambarri, Cucurella; Duro, Mata

We say: Real Madrid 2-0 Getafe

In theory, this contest should be Real's toughest since the resumption. However, we feel that the extra day of recovery could prove crucial, resulting in Zidane's side being able to record a solid win over the Champions League contenders with minimal fuss.