Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo believes his side are in for a tough game when they travel to the Vicente Calderon to face rivals Atletico Madrid.
Rafa Benitez's side, who have not won La Liga since the 2011-12 campaign, were held to a goalless draw against Malaga last weekend and go into Sunday's game in third place in the standings, two points adrift of league leaders Villarreal.
Real have not beaten Atletico in La Liga since the 2012-13 campaign, and have lost three of their last four league meetings with their capital city rivals, but Ronaldo insists his Madrid are ready for the challenge.
"The derby is always a difficult game. It's always complicated to win at Atletico," he said.
"They are a top team but we are ready for them. I was surprised (Atletico) lost on Wednesday."
Atleti come into the game on the back of back-to-back defeats. Diego Simeone's men were beaten 2-1 at home by Benfica in the Champions League and they also lost 1-0 at Villarreal last weekend to drop to fifth, two points adrift of Real.
"Against Benfica, we did all that we could to win," Atletico captain Gabi told Marca.
"We are in a difficult situation but we need to move on. In terms of our play, we are on the right path but need to improve a lot more."
A lack of potency up front is Atletico's biggest problem, despite the array of attacking talent they possess.
Atletico coach Diego Simeone could drop Jackson Martinez to the bench, with the Colombia forward having scored just one goal in eight games since joining the Rojiblancos from Porto this summer.
"Jackson is struggling to score but we need to help him to improve and to find the back of the net," Gabi said.
Antoine Griezmann is set to lead Atletico's attack alongside Fernando Torres.
Real captain Sergio Ramos and winger Gareth Bale are expected to return to action this weekend after shaking off their respective injuries, while James Rodriguez is still out with a thigh problem.
Atletico midfielder Koke is fighting against the clock to recover from a thigh injury sustained last month.