Villarreal vs. Real Madrid: Key Issues That Will Shape La Liga Game

Real Madrid come to El Madrigal to face Villarreal on Saturday afternoon looking to continue their goalscoring glut.

They have scored a quite incredible 18 goals in their last three games, smashing five past Basel and Elche, with eight rammed past Deportivo La Coruna in between.

Villarreal have not beaten Real Madrid in their last eight clashes and drew 1-1 with Eibar in midweek.

However, playing Marcelino's side in their own stadium is rarely an easy task.

Here are the key issues that will shape this La Liga clash.

Can Cristiano Ronaldo Keep It Up?

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Can Villarreal stop Ronaldo taking the match-ball?

Real Madrid's talisman Cristiano Ronaldo has scored an obscene amount of goals in the past few days already.

He grabbed a hat-trick against Deportivo on Saturday, before putting Elche to the sword with four on Tuesday.

There are two questions to answer ahead of the game against Villarreal.

Is he fit enough to play three games in eight days?

And if so, can he get his 10th La Liga goal in only his fifth game?

Ronaldo was plagued by injury during the summer and the start of the season, with a knee problem seeing Carlo Ancelotti rotate him out for the 4-2 defeat by Real Sociedad.

But judging by his performance against Elche, where he showed no signs of slowing down, he will be fit and ready to take on Villarreal.

And as for the second question? You'd never bet against him finding the net, especially not in current form.

Iker Casillas or Keylor Navas?

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Will Carlo pick Iker (right)?

One of the huge issues for Real Madrid in recent seasons has been the choice of goalkeeper.

Veteran Iker Casillas was dropped by Jose Mourinho for Diego Lopez, while Carlo Ancelotti continued that in La Liga last season.

Lopez has signed for Milan and Casillas was restored to first choice at the start of the season. Or so it seemed.

After the team shipped four at Real Sociedad fans became disgruntled and started whistling Casillas.

Ancelotti picked Keylor Navas in goal against Elche in midweek and he played well, only conceding one, from the penalty spot.

Now Ancelotti has to make a choice between the two for the game against Villarreal.

Some suggested that he played Navas at home to take Casillas out of the line of fire from his own supporters, so that would mean the Spaniard could be recalled for this fixture.

Navas said the whistles were unfair on Casillas, but he was hoping to keep his place.

After the game, per ESPN, he explained:

"

The whistles are unfair because he has had a great career at Madrid. Those who whistle Casillas are being unfaithful to Madrid. What we ask our fans to do is support us.

I always hope to play the next game. I try to train as if I was the No. 1, so that when the chance comes I am not taken by surprise. The boss told me [I was starting] yesterday. I have not spoken with Iker. We have a good relationship, but there is not much to talk about when it comes to these things. I am very relaxed.

At no time do I want to start a controversy or get on badly with anyone. I have always liked to work, to make an effort and to earn things. I am here to train well and to show the coaches I can play.

When I get the opportunity I will give everything as if it were the last game of my life. I do not look any further than that. But I hope to have more minutes in future.

"

We will see what happens on Saturday, as the great Real Madrid goalkeeper debate continues.

Can Villarreal Repeat Barcelona Performance?

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Villarreal were tough for Barcelona to overcome.

Against Barcelona on August 31, Villarreal put in a brilliant display, although they were eventually foiled by Sandro Ramirez's winner eight minutes from time.

For most of the match they held out, but a cunning dribble by Messi culminated in his ball being stabbed home from close range to earn Barcelona a vital 1-0 win. 

Real Madrid may also come up against stubborn resistance at El Madrigal.

Tomas Pina hit the post for Villarreal, while Messi saw the brilliant Sergio Asenjo push his free-kick onto the woodwork as well.

Mateo Musacchio is an excellent defender and he will be striving to keep Real Madrid at bay.

Meanwhile Denis Cheryshev is on loan from Real Madrid at Villarreal and, while he has had an excellent season so far, may not feature.

There may be some sort of clause in the deal which means Villarreal have to pay if he plays against Real Madrid.

So don't be too surprised if he is dropped from the team.

What Happens to Asier Illarramendi and Isco?

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Isco may be dropped back to the bench.

Asier Illarramendi and Isco were afforded rare starts on Tuesday night as Real Madrid dispatched Elche.

The latter fared better than the former, but both could lose their places with Luka Modric and Karim Benzema set for a recall.

Carlo Ancelotti needs to manage his squad well and how he treats these two players could have a big impact on the club's season.

If they remain happy and get frequent games, then it should mean the atmosphere in the squad is maintained and they will be ready when they are really needed.

Illarramendi is the only true defensive midfielder in Real Madrid's squad.

Modric and Toni Kroos play in deep roles for Ancelotti, but neither is a natural shield for the defence.

Illarramendi, signed at great expense from Real Sociedad, is, with Xabi Alonso gone, perfect for that role.

Or at least, he would be if he could get his form together.

To do that, he needs to play a few games in a row, which is a cost that Real Madrid might not be willing to pay, given that with Barcelona at the top of the table, they are already playing catch-up.