Real Madrid vs Malaga preview - Karim Benzema hailed by Rafa Benitez once again ahead of Malaga clash

Real Madrid are looking to earn their fifth league win in a row as they continue their pursuit of a first La Liga title since the 2011/12 campaign when they take on Malaga at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.

A 2-1 win at Athletic Bilbao in midweek took Los Blancos top of La Liga on goal difference, level on points with Celta Vigo, who thrashed reigning champions Barcelona 4-1, and Villarreal.

One of the main reasons for their recent form has been the play of Karim Benzema. The French forward has scored in five consecutive games and his brace against Bilbao took his season tally to six goals in all competitions.

The Frenchman's future at the club looked in doubt as transfer rumours loomed over a move to Arsenal. But Madrid boss Rafa Benitez has applauded the striker's scintillating form.

"He's a fantastic player. He's a a number nine with a difference," Benitez said on the club's official website.

"He has a really good understanding with Cristiano Ronaldo. The movement and the quality that he brings cause problems for the opposition defence and create spaces for his team-mates.

"I've set him the target of scoring 25 goals, and we've talked about assists, too. He's going well. What is important is that he scores and that the team win."

Captain Sergio Ramos, Gareth Bale, Danilo and James Rodriguez all remain doubts for the game despite taking part in training on Friday.

The hosts go into the fixture as firm favourites as their opponents Malaga travel to the Bernabeu without a victory so far in the 2015/16 campaign.

La Rosaleda have also failed to score a goal this season and lie 19th with just two points from five games but vice-captain Weligton believes the team is better than last year's squad, who finished ninth in La Liga.

The defender said: "Right now I still maintain that we have a better team than last year.

"All the teams have bad times, we are experiencing ours now and hopefully we can change the dynamics before we face the mighty Real Madrid."

Moroccan midfielder Nordin Amrabat could return to the starting line-up after struggling with an ankle ligament sprain but loanee Roque Santa Cruz, Ignacio Camacho and Flavio Ferreira are still out.