Real Madrid return to domestic action in the Primera Division on Saturday after starting the defence of their Champions League crown with a win over Stuttgart during the week.

Los Blancos face an Espanyol side who have had up and down fortunes in the new campaign so far.

Match Preview

Real Madrid Recent Form

Real Madrid are unbeaten in six games in the new season and in true Madrid fashion, they already have a trophy under their belt in the form of the European Super Cup.

In the league, they have drawn with Real Mallorca and Las Palmas and defeated Real Valladolid, Real Betis and Real Sociedad.

During the week, they emerged victorious 3-1 against Stuttgart in the Champions League.

Real Madrid Injury News

Madrid haven’t had much luck with injuries recently as Brahim Diaz, Dani Ceballos, Eduardo Camavinga and David Alaba remain absent.

They were boosted by the recent returns of Eder Militao and Jude Bellingham, however.

Last Real Madrid Lineup

Here’s how Real Madrid lined up against Stuttgart.

Espanyol Recent Form

Espanyol have had mixed fortunes so far in La Liga as they lost their first two games against Valladolid and Real Sociedad before earning a positive away draw at Atletico Madrid.

They have improved over the last couple of weeks with consecutive victories versus Rayo Vallecano and Alaves.

Espanyol Injury News

There are no fresh injury concerns for Espanyol from last week, but Fernando Calero and Edu Exposito are still out.

Last Espanyol Lineup

Here’s how Espanyol lined up against Alaves.

Real Madrid – Player To Watch

Kylian Mbappe may not be at his swashbuckling best for Real Madrid yet, but he is still crucially finding the back of the net with two goals in his last two games and four overall in the new campaign.

Espanyol – Player To Watch

Javi Puado has enjoyed an excellent start to the season for Espanyol, with three goals scored in five matches. None of his team-mates have even reached two.

Real Madrid vs Espanyol – Prediction

The Stuttgart game highlighted that Madrid don’t need to be anywhere near their best to emerge victorious so Espanyol should be wary of that. That front four of Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior is good enough to win any game of football.

Scoreline prediction – Real Madrid 2-0 Espanyol

Real Madrid vs Espanyol – Betting Tips

Real Madrid to Win and Under 2.5 Goals Scored

– Real Madrid have won 5 of their last 6 home games.

– In five of Espanyol’s last six away game, here has been under three goals scored

– Three of Espanyol’s games this season have ended with just a single goal scored

Real Madrid to score a penalty

– Real Madrid have been awarded four penalties so far in La Liga, which is double the amount of any other team in the league