Real Madrid striker Fernando Morientes is hoping to finally get his chance to play when his side face Real Betis on Saturday night in a game which could affect their title hopes - even though it's only October.

The striker returned to the club this summer after spending a season on loan at Monaco, where his 14 goals in the Champions League helped take them to the final and made him the competition's top scorer.

However, the arrival of Michael Owen saw him drop down the pecking order and, despite scoring in Madrid's Champions League preliminary round in August, he has yet to start a Primera Liga game.

Now, with both Ronaldo and Raul arriving back late in Madrid following a week and a half on international duty, Morientes could be given his chance and he is ready.

"When I came here, my aim was to win titles," he said.

"I want to continue enjoying my profession until my body tells me to stop and, at the moment, it is asking me for more football.

"I don't feel helpless about not playing. I am convinced that, with the work I am doing, I will play, and the most important thing is to be around when your turn comes.

"I have faith in my chances."

If he does start, Morientes will be looking to help improve on Madrid's dreadful scoring record, one that has seen them only hit the net on only four occasions this season - two of them from David Beckham free-kicks.

"It is one of the hardest things to explain about this season. In other years it has been our strong point, but now it appears to be a handicap," he said.

"However, I know that with the quality there is, all this will end up being an anecdote."

That "handicap" means Madrid go into the game desperately needing a win after consecutive defeats at Athletic Bilbao and at home to Deportivo La Coruna.

These results have left Mariano Garcia Remon's side 10th in the table, seven points behind early Primera Liga pacesetters Barcelona.

Zinedine Zidane has already stressed the importance of the two games.

"Against Betis and then Valencia is where we have to get points," he said.

"If we win both those games then we'll be okay, but, if we lose, we will continue to be mediocre. This could be a turning point."

Betis, meanwhile, have problems of their own, especially in defence.

Wednesday saw Italian defender Paulo Castellini injure ligaments in his left knee in a training session.

He will need an operation and will be out of action for six months.

Spain international Juanito is out for a month after pulling a muscle on international duty and youngster Meli is also sidelined with injury problems.

That will give Luis Fernandez a chance to stake his claim on the left, with Washington Tais, David Rivas and Arzu making up the rest of the home side's defence.

Madrid will, however, have to beware of winger Joaquin who clearly feels he has a point to prove after being left in the stands for Spain's 0-0 draw in Lithuania on Wednesday.

"I was up there and it hurt," he said.

"I have played on all sorts of pitches and it's stupid to say my football wouldn't suit that ground.

"I am going to forget all about the national team for a few months now and concentrate on my club. I am going to help Betis, which is the most important thing."