Real fans were instrumental in forcing the sacking of Vanderlei Luxemburgo two weeks ago and have not yet had the chance to react to the changes that have been made.

Last Sunday's 2-0 win at Malaga was a positive start in the league for the former youth team coach but high-flying Osasuna, who have won six of their last seven outings, are a much tougher proposition.

The Navarrans have defied the odds to keep pace with champions and league leaders Barcelona after 15 matches.

Osasuna are level on 34 points with the Catalans but second on goal difference. Real occupy third with 28 points.

Coach Javier Aguirre maintains Osasuna's objective for the season is still to avoid relegation, though their form has bred plenty of confidence.

"The Bernabeu is always a difficult place to get a result. If you don't play well they could put four past you," said the Mexican.

"We know they always take the game to you but we have a lot of self belief at the moment. We will show them respect but without having any complexes".

Real have England captain David Beckham available after suspension but France midfielder Zinedine Zidane is struggling with an ankle injury.

Barcelona have the chance to beat a club record of 11 consecutive victories in all competitions, set in the 1955-56 season, when they visit Cadiz on Saturday.

Frank Rijkaard's side equalled the record last week with a 2-1 triumph over Sevilla and are favourites to make it 12 wins against a side with two points from their last seven games.

Another interesting game is the Galician derby between seventh-placed Celta Vigo and fifth-placed Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday. Both teams have 26 points.

FIXTURES
Saturday, December 17 (GMT)
Athletic Bilbao v Real Betis (1900)
Celta Vigo v Deportivo Coruna (1900)
Cadiz v Barcelona (2100)
Sunday, December 18 (GMT)
Alaves v Valencia (1600)
Racing Santander v Malaga (1600)
Espanyol v Real Zaragoza (1600)
Sevilla v Real Sociedad (1600)
Villarreal v Getafe (1600)
Real Mallorca v Atletico Madrid (1800)
Real Madrid v Osasuna (2000)