Espanyol vs Real Madrid preview - Cristiano Ronaldo goal threat concerns Espanyol players despite drought

Espanyol players are bracing for a Cristiano Ronaldo backlash when they host Real Madrid on Saturday in La Liga.

The Portuguese international is looking to score his first goal of the season after being shut out in Real's first two games.

In all, Ronaldo has not scored in his past seven games - five for Real and two for Portugal.

"It's true that he hasn't had the start we are accustomed to but he is a very ambitious player who can decide a game in no time," Espanyol midfielder Victor Sanchez said to Marca. "I don't think that goal drought will affect him."

The 30-year-old Ronaldo is in his seventh campaign with Real and coming off one of his best seasons since his arrival in 2009 from Manchester United.

He scored 61 goals in all competitions in 2014-15, 48 of which came in 35 league games, to finish as the top scorer in La Liga for the third time in his career.

Despite Ronaldo's impressive numbers, Real finished the year empty handed.

Rivals Barcelona won the Primera Division, Copa del Rey and Champions League.

"He will be hungry and determined to silence the critics," Espanyol defender Ruben Duarte said to Marca.

"He has not scored for Real or his national team and will want to rediscover the feeling and the joy of beating a rival.

"But in any case, we are working so that this does not happen."

Espanyol won their league opener 1-0 against Getafe but lost 3-1 at Villarreal the following weekend.

History suggests that Sergio Gonzalez's side will struggle because Ronaldo has scored in 10 previous games against Espanyol.

Moreover, Real, who began their campaign with a goalless result at promoted Sporting Gijon, showed their goalscoring power in a 5-0 win over Real Betis prior to the international break.

Los Blancos, however, will not be at full strength.

Real Madrid right-back Danilo is out for a month because of a foot injury while on international duty with Brazil, while midfielder James Rodriguez will be sidelined for four weeks with a thigh injury picked up while playing for Colombia earlier this week.

Real coach Rafael Benitez is expected to hand Spanish midfielder Isco a start in place of Rodriguez while Dani Carvajal will take Danilo's position in defence.

Real are two points adrift of Atletico and Barcelona, who have had perfect starts to the league and face each other at the Vicente Calderon stadium on Saturday.

"A draw between Atletico and Barca would be a a very good result for us," Real Madrid president Florentino Perez said to the Spanish press. "But we don't fear anyone.

"We have a great coach and a fantastic team."

Real's Keylor Navas, looking to keep a clean sheet for a third successive game, will start in goal for the first time since his failed transfer to Manchester United.