Real Madrid vs. Sporting Gijon: Preview, Live Stream, Start Time and More

Real Madrid is looking to build on their lead, while Sporting Gijon is fighting to stay in La Liga. It may seem easy, but Jose Mourinho and assistant coach Aitor Karanka agree that Real must be at their best.

Madrid lost to Sporting last year, as Sporting was one of only two teams to beat Madrid at the Bernabéu. This season, Real Madrid has only one loss at the Bernabéu, but it was a Classico against Barcelona, 3-1. 

Mourinho will be serving a two-game ban after being given a red card against Real Murcia during Wednesday's Copa del Rey win.

Madrid has a four-point lead over Barcelona with one more Classico at Nau Camp to go.

This means that Madrid will have to put the foot on the accelerator and not be afraid to blow out their opponent, not letting their guard down against a team that looks inferior based on the current table standings.   

Where: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid

When: Saturday, April 14 at 2:00 p.m. ET

Watch: Gol TV

Player to Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo

It is too easy.

The argument of whether Ronaldo or Lionel Messi is the world's best is hard to settle.

In a game against a team that is fighting to stay in the top flight and with 40 goals to his name, Ronaldo can dazzle anybody with his fancy footwork.

His name will be called out by the commentators a lot against Sporting. 

War of Words

According to ESPNstar.com, Jose Mourinho and Manuel Preciado have made comments that have created a bit of tension between the two clubs. 

Mourinho questioned Sporting's commitment against Barcelona at the Nou Camp in September when the Sporting coach sent out a much different side, which lost 1-0.

Mourinho reiterated his point in a radio interview this week.

Preciado responded by saying "Who the hell does he think he is? What he has done with Sporting is a serious lack of respect. If nobody at Madrid tells him what respect is, then I'll tell him."

Madrid made an official statement last night "lamenting" the "discrediting" comments of Preciado.

Such tension could lead to some rough play on the pitch on Saturday. If the play is rough, the referee will be reaching into his pocket often. It would not be surprising to see a player or two sent off as a result. 

Prediction: Real Madrid 4-0 Sporting Gijon

Real Madrid will overpower Sporting.

With the game being at the Bernabéu, Sporting will not be able to handle a hungry Madrid team with a resurgent Barcelona breathing down their backs.

Madrid will be well-prepared with Barcelona in the back of their heads. They certainly will not want to be within one point of Barcelona heading into the final Classico.

That alone will drive them forward to beat Gijon.