Madrid derby danger: Real recovery against Atletico?

Gareth Bale and vice-captain Sergio Ramos were Los Blancos’ scorers last time out, and also netted for their nations over the international break, making them 17/10 and 11/2 to net anytime respectively.

With the Champions League holders overloaded with top quality attacking options, it will be the resilience of their defence and lack of a solid midfield base which should be of more concern to Ancelotti. After conceding an eyebrow-raising four goals in their last game, Real look likely to miss the lung-busting runs and industry of Argentina international Di Maria.

Fans feared that the sales of versatile attacker Di Maria and midfield shield Xabi Alonso would leave them soft in the centre, with maestros Luka Modric and Toni Kroos lacking in bite and dynamism. With Sami Khedira suffering a further injury setback, Los Blancos will have to hope the Germany star can make a swift return to offer them an alternative option.

He will certainly not return in time to face an energetic Atletico midfield renowned for their never-say-die spirit, grit and determination, though, a factor which may propel Diego Simeone’s men on to victory.

Real right back Dani Carvajal is facing a spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, meaning Ancelotti may have to reshuffle his pack. Ex-Liverpool defender Alvero Arbeloa may slot in to save centre back Ramos from being moved back to his old position.

This encounter will be the third time Los Blancos and Atleti have duelled this season, after the two teams competed for the Spanish Super Cup.

Diego Simeone’s well-drilled side secured the spoils by out-battling Real over two legs, and are 4/1 to taste victory over the Champions League holders once again.

Ancelotti’s defensive woes should play into the hands of Atleti, who appear to be in bullish form as they continue to defend their La Liga crown and sit one point above their capital rivals.

In contrast to Real’s swashbuckling style, the Vicente Calderon outfit conceded the least La Liga goals last season, with their controlled approach bearing fruit, and appears their successful style is not set to change anytime soon.

Speaking ahead of the clash, loan star Cristian Ansaldi said: “We will keep playing the same way.”

“Many people are bothered by the way Atletico Madrid play, but that just make us happy. If they are annoyed by something, well we are just going to keep playing this way. We like it.”

Prolific striker Mario Mandzukic, recruited to fill the departed Diego Costa’s boots, has already made a bright start to his Atletico career and will be looking to pounce on any defensive frailties. He is 13/5 to score anytime, or 40/1 to hit a hat-trick against Real. Fellow new signing Antoine Griezzman is also available at 10/1 to strike first for the underdogs.

Los Blancos cannot afford to fall to their bitter opponents again this season, and to do so for the second time within a month would surely lead to serious questions.