Karim Benzema
Karim Benzema scored as Real Madrid eked out a 1-0 win over Granada Reuters

Real Madrid will look to keep pace with rivals Barcelona when they travel to San Mames to take on Athletic Bilbao on 23 September.

Where to watch live

Kick-off is set for 8pm BST. The game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports 2 HD.

Overview

Athletic Bilbao have made an underwhelming start to the La Liga season, losing three of their four matches to date. The Basque side, who began their 2015/16 campaign with a stunning victory over Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup, crashed to a 3-1 defeat at Villarreal on 20 September to slump to 13th in the La Liga standings.

Athletic midfielder Ander Iturraspe has recovered from a thigh injury and is available to face Real Madrid, but Inaki Williams, Iker Muniain and Eneko Boveda all remain sidelined. Real Madrid were unconvincing at the weekend as they edged out a 1-0 win over Granada thanks to Karim Benzema's goal.

All eyes will be on Cristiano Ronaldo, who needs a hat-trick to overtake Raul's club goalscoring record of 323 goals. Rafael Benitez's side are without Gareth Bale (calf), James Rodriguez (thigh) and Danilo (foot), while Sergio Ramos (shoulder) is a doubt.

What managers say

Ernesto Valverde: We haven't started the season well. Three points in the league are far too few and it's the league which tells you if you're doing the right or wrong things and if you're not doing well in the league, things become tense. Therefore we have to win. I know Madrid are next, but we need a win.

Rafael Benitez: We knew before the game that [Granada] could be difficult to face. They're a well-organised team who hit you on the counter. We didn't take our chances but still had more control and more possibilities. Madrid didn't underestimate Granada. I told you and my players of Granada's potential.

Form guide

  • Athletic Bilbao (all competitions): LWWLW
  • Last result: Villarreal 3-1 Athletic Bilbao
  • Real Madrid (all competitions): WWWWD
  • Last result: Real Madrid 1-0 Granada

Betting odds (888sport)

  • Athletic Bilbao win: 43/10
  • Draw: 13/4
  • Real Madrid win: 8/13

Team news

Athletic Bilbao possible XI: Iraizoz; De Marcos, Gurpegi, Laporte, Balenziaga; San Jose, Rico; Sabin, Eraso, Aketxe; Aduriz

Real Madrid possible XI: Navas; Carvajal, Varane, Pepe, Marcelo; Modric, Kroos; Vasquez, Isco, Ronaldo; Benzema

Real Madrid