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

La Liga leader Real Madrid heads out on the road in search of three points against Sporting Gijon. Los Blancos scored a convincing 4-1 win over Atletico Madrid in their most recent match, while the Rojiblancos will be looking to rebound from a 4-0 loss to Levante.

With one-third of the La Liga season completed, Real Madrid is three points clear of Barcelona with a game in hand. After finishing four points behind their rivals last season, Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. would love nothing more than to win the league title for the first time since 07-08.

It's a completely different story for Sporting, which is currently in the relegation zone after finishing in 10th last season. Following a slow start to the season, the Rojiblancos have been playing better since mid-October. They've picked up at least one point in five of six games during that span.

Where: Estadio El Molinon in Gijon, Spain

When: Saturday, Dec. 3 at 12 p.m. ET

Watch: ESPN Deportes and ESPN3

Betting Odds: Real Madrid -475, Sporting Gijon +1140, Draw +500

Player To Watch for Sporting Gijon: F David Barral

Barral has been the long bright spot in an otherwise dreary season in Gijon. The 28-year-old Spaniard has scored five goals in 12 games after scoring the same amount all of last season. His best performance came against Real Zaragoza, when he scored both goals in a 2-2 draw.

An interesting side note is that Barral spent several years playing for Real Madrid's B and C teams, but never performed well enough to see main squad action. He moved to Sporting in 2006 and has since scored 40 goals in 175 appearances.

Player To Watch for Real Madrid: F Gonzalo Higuain

Real Madrid is hoping to get Cristiano Ronaldo back for Saturday's game, but the famous striker still has not returned to training. If he misses the game, Higuain will get a chance to shine. The Argentine national team member usually gets overshadowed by his global icon teammate.

That said, he's having a very productive year in his own right. El Pipita has scored 12 goals in 13 games, split between the starting lineup and substitute duty. Perhaps Higuain's most impressive stat is his shooting percentage, which current checks in at 43 (12 of 28).

Key Matchup: Rojiblancos GK Juan Pablo vs. Los Blancos top-ranked offense

Pablo will have his work cut out for him this weekend against Real Madrid's high-powered attack. The veteran keeper has started 12 of the team's 13 league games, picking up two clean sheets. Against Barcelona, he made three saves in a 1-0 loss.

Los Blancos are averaging more than three goals per game and have only been held scoreless twice all season. Even if Ronaldo isn't fit to play, they have more than enough depth to compensate for his loss, including Karim Benzema, who has seven goals.

What They're Saying

Sporting Gijon midfielder Alberto Ramos is dealing with a hamstring injury and will likely miss Saturday's game. The injury has been called mild, but could still cost him a couple of weeks (via team website).

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It is unclear where it could produce, if it was in Valencia, in the match against Levante on Sunday, or in either practice yesterday, which ended with some discomfort.

In reporting this morning from them, the Medical Services arranged an emergency ultrasound, which [was] made early in the afternoon and left the clear will for a two-week low.

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Xabi Alonso is keeping a level head despite Real Madrid's strong start. There is still two-thirds of a season left to play, and a lot can change before season's end. Hopefully, his word of warning will resonate with some of the team's younger players (via ESPNsoccernet).

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"This season we have taken a step forward," he told Marca. "We have a fantastic defence, with a great attack and we do not stop.

"Collectively we are working very well and we all benefit from that. We'll see how it goes this season. Sure we take plenty of joy, but also some disappointment, for sure. There is a long way to go.''

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Prediction: Real Madrid 3, Sporting Gijon 0