Atletico Madrid and FC Barcelona will play the most important match of the week. Successful in the Champions League but crushed for Europa League, Spain's toughest teams will engage in close quarters in the fight for La Liga's title.
The wheels are in motion and only the fittest will be able to keep up with this year's Liga race. Barcelona has to overcome an unexpected defeat against Hercules last week while Real Madrid grows stronger week after week. Atletico Madrid's shinning present will have them taking on Barcelona's Blaugranas, eager to feed on Colchoneros' confidence to claim the top for their own.
Fernando Llorente's Athletic is aware Sporting has started the season in perfect shape and won't hesitate on sending them back empty handed after this furious clash this Saturday. Joaquín Caparrós might choose Markel Susaeta as Llorente's partner to boost team's offense to its maximum. This will be neccessary considering Iker Muniain's injury on his right thigh during the weekend. He'll be joining Koikili Lertxundi and Gaizka Toquero in the list of players physically compromised. Sporting has a busy schedule waiting ahead, with Barcelona and Sevilla waiting for them, and thus some modifications from the team that beat Mallorca are likely to take place to save his best players for such important matches.
Athletic has not suffered a defeat at the Molinon in the last 19 years, but Sporting Gijon's general strategy changed dramatically during the summer. If Manolo Preciado's manage to control Llorente they will have a clear opportunity to fight among Spain's best.
This will be one of the best opportunities for both squads to obtain their first victory in the tournament and start adding some units to escape from the basements and secure their permanence in Spain's highest football category. They both had to suffer against Real Madrid and they shouldn't let this opportunity to open a gap against a direct rival go to waste. Javad Nekounam, Asier Riesgo and Damià Abella are back in Osasuna's starting squad recovered from their injuries against the Merengues, unlike Sergio Fernández and Josetxo, both physically compromised. Mallorca and Osasuna have not yet scored a single goal in the tournament and whoever scores the first goal will be fully buffed for the rest of the match to claim this six-pointer.
RCD Mallorca's coach Michael Laudrup is aware Rojinegros' main weakness is the offense, an area that will surely be strengthened with Josep Lluìs Martí's return to the team, but at the same time Laudrup will have to do without Dudú Aouate, Ayozé Díaz and team's captain Nunes. Both teams have shown they know how to defend, but a goalless draw won't help any of them to escape from the bottom.
Mauricio Pochettino's Espanyol should take full advantage of this game at the Cornella to recover from the wounds inflicted by Villarreal one week ago. Six players joined the local team during the summer, but their defense is still very young and will have a tough time securing the three points against Almeria. Espanyol's forces grow stronger when playing at their own home, and during the last season they obtained 33 out of 44 points at the Cornella. Javi Chica and Osvaldo will be unable to perform, forcing Aldo Duscher to assume the offense on his own thanks in his second game with the team. Iván de la Peña is still struggling with injuries and might not be ready to perform, especially when RCD Espanyol travels to Madrid in the midweek. This match is a must win for the Periquitos, as the next matches will have them facing rivals of unparalleled strength.
UD Almeria's coach Juan Manuel Lillo will have it difficult against Espanyol this Sunday, as his predecessor was doomed after his visit to the Cornella. "every war requires different warriors" were his words when asked about his strategy to defeat RCD Espanyol. Carlos García, Miguel Angel Nieto and Kalu Uche are back on the starting eleven and their presence will boost Almeria's offensive capabilities to its maximum. Watch out for Diego Valeri, a highly technical player that will play a key role assisting Almeria's strikers against Espanyol's goal.
Fernando Llorente's Athletic is aware Sporting has started the season in perfect shape and won't hesitate on sending them back empty handed after this furious clash this Saturday. Joaquín Caparrós might choose Markel Susaeta as Llorente's partner to boost team's offense to its maximum. This will be neccessary considering Iker Muniain's injury on his right thigh during the weekend. He'll be joining Koikili Lertxundi and Gaizka Toquero in the list of players physically compromised. Sporting has a busy schedule waiting ahead, with Barcelona and Sevilla waiting for them, and thus some modifications from the team that beat Mallorca are likely to take place to save his best players for such important matches.
Athletic has not suffered a defeat at the Molinon in the last 19 years, but Sporting Gijon's general strategy changed dramatically during the summer. If Manolo Preciado's manage to control Llorente they will have a clear opportunity to fight among Spain's best.
Real Sociedad will be hosting Jose Mourinho's Galactic squad in San Sebastian eager to follow Hercules' example and drink the blood of a giant to settle a precedent on how determined they are to retain the category. Martín Lasarte's boys were defeated only once in the last season of the Liga Adelante while Real Madrid has not yet won playing away this season. Team's top striker Raúl Tamudo has been able to score against Madrid five times and his partnership with Joseba Llorente has been rather prolific. If they manage to beat Iker Casillas' goal the Erreala will have a golden opportunity to bag the three points.
Both Claudio Bravo and Iker Casillas will play a main role in the outcome of this match. The Chilean goalkeeper is one of the main reasons why Real Sociedad made it to La Liga so quickly, while Casillas has kept Madrid's goal shut both in the domestic league and in the Champions League. Mesut Ozil has become one of the main engines of Mourinho's strategy, pleasing the crowds goal after goal. Gonzalo Higuain has been unstoppable, leading the offense and communicating efficiently with Madrid's drivers. This match will be difficult for Xabi Alonso facing his former team, but he'll count with a lot of assistance in the midfield to break through Sociedad's defense. The Merengues are sweet after defeating Ajax for the Champions and won't hesitate against Martin Lasarte early this Saturday.
This will be one of the derbies of the week. The Herculeans made a strong declaration of principles by defeating Barcelona last week. Tiago Gomes is confident their performance will only improve from now on "Valencia is a great teams and it's going to be a tough match at the Rico Perez. We must be ready to grab the bull by its horns, our rivals should respect us from the first minute" were his experienced words. Esteban Vigo has to take advantage of the quality of his offense (David Trezeguet and Nelson Haedo Valdez) to tame Valencia from the first minutes. Watch out for Drenthe, for his presence in the midfield greatly boosts the advance of the Blanquiazules.
Four consecutive victories, a brilliant debut in the Champions League, La Liga's first position.. things could hardly be better for Valencia, as this is without a doubt one of the most promising moments in Valencia's history. Team's captain Vicente Rodríguez might make it into the starting squad, but this will be linked to the evolution of his injury in the following days. The Ches have received only one goal in the last month, but Unai Emery tries to remain calm and pay attention to every step, as two rivals for the title will be facing each other hours earlier and a victory will have them experience the loneliness of the top. Marius Stankevicius might be playing his first match for the Valencia, and he'll have to deal with
The Valencian derby will be of capital importance for Juan Carlos Garrido's boys, as they need to react fast and make Dinamo's ghosts go away with a sounding victory at the Ciutat. The Granotas have lost the first two matches played and the morale of the players will greatly diminish unless they starting adding some units soon. The local team will have to do without Juanfran leading the advance from the left wing, while the second winger (Javi Venta) will be playing a very special match against his former team. Luis Garcia's offense can be deadly when given some space to create, and the Yellow Submarine could get into troubles unless they tame Garcia's boys from the very beginning.
Being the favorite was a burden too heavy for the Yellow Submarine to deal with in the Champions League, and Dinamo Zagreb took full advantage of this. Juan Carlos Garrido's boys went through a nightmare in Croatia "We need to overcome what happened against Dinamo and focus on Levante. This will be a new final for us because our main objective is keep a clear path in every competition. There's a lot to fight for and we shall give everything week after week" were Villarreal's coach words. Nilmar returns to the offense and as long as Borja Valero takes the main voice in the attack, Levante will have a tough time trying to stand against Yellow's electric playing.
Both Racing Santander and Real Zaragoza will be looking forward to celebrating their first victory in this competition this Sunday at El Sardinero. Markus Rosenberg might not make it into the starting eleven, struggling with injuries. Without the Sweden striker, Miguel Angel Portugal will have to find a way to sharpen his offensive weapons and secure the three points in Santander. Last week was disastrous for both squads -Real Zaragoza received five goals against Malaga and Racing was beaten for the second consecutive time- and only one of them will be able to leave the bottom of the positions table upon a victory.
The second match of the tournament exposed many weaknesses in Real Zaragoza's defense, and the celebrated draw against FC Barcelona has not been enough to please the crowds, eager to secure the category without fighting until the last moment in the relegation fight. Without Jorge López, Jose Aurelio Gay will have to come up with a scheme to break Racing's defense and return home with three decisive points. Sergio Canales' departure is still hurting Racing's creativity, and without a victory it'll take a long time for the Racinguistas to jump back on the fight for the title.
Colchonero's flawless performance reach an end when Aris left Atletico empty handed on Greek ground. Barcelona has shown clear signs of improvement beating Panathinaikos 5-1. The Blaugranas they have it difficult playing away against Quique Flores' team, as Barcelona has been unable to leave the Calderon Stadium with a victory in the last three years. David Villa and Lionel Messi vs Diego Forlan and Sergio Aguero (he should be fully fit to return to the team) will play a game of aggression and wits to claim the three points for their sides.
While Barcelona tries to climb back to the top from the eighth position with three points, Atletico are joint with Valencia at the top with perfect scoring. Barcelona's creative engine will have to stop the Colchoneros from reaching Barcelona's goal, and they'll count with Carles Puyol's expertise, who returns to the squad to make things even worse. Watch out for Javier Mascherano, eager to celebrate his first victory in La Liga with the team. Both teams need a victory to feed their dreams of grandeur. Atletico grows stronger in such decisive matches but they might not be able to deal with Barcelona's overwhelming forces.
This week's Andalusian derby will have Sevilla visiting Malaga. The Boquerones have not been able to celebrate a single victory in the last month while the Sevillistas are seriously in need of the three points to keep the wheels in motion of the team and keep up with the title's race. It's been over two years since Malaga lastly defeated Sevilla, who lost more than three points against PSG on Thursday: Jesus Navas got injured and will be sidelined for almost a month, while Luis Fabiano and Abdoulay Konko are struggling with injuries and might not be able to perform.
Antonio Alvarez's players are without a doubt the favorites, but Malaga's endless thirst for glory might stun Sevilla and claim the victory. Watch out for Juanmi, shiniest Boquerones' player.
The Herculeans are with Real Madrid the only two teams that have not conceded goals in the tournament, and this has much to do with Deportivo's goalkeeper Manu, of excellent performance. But a game is never won by defending well, and Deportivo earned only two points up to now in La Liga. Michel's Getafe on the other hand are going through through a winning streak that even spread to the Europa League, granting the Azulones an important victory over Odense. Getafe's coach will have to do without Jaime Gavilán. He was slowly becoming the main driver of the Geta, but he got injured against Odense and might be given a chance to rest.
Miguel Angel Lotina will be able to deploy his whole artillery against Getafe for this match, while Michel will be unable to count with Gavilan, Juan Albin, Pablo Pintos and Ibrahim Kas. The winner will be joining the top fight, who will claim the three points?
Fernando Llorente's Athletic is aware Sporting has started the season in perfect shape and won't hesitate on sending them back empty handed after this furious clash this Saturday. Joaquín Caparrós might choose Markel Susaeta as Llorente's partner to boost team's offense to its maximum. This will be neccessary considering Iker Muniain's injury on his right thigh during the weekend. He'll be joining Koikili Lertxundi and Gaizka Toquero in the list of players physically compromised. Sporting has a busy schedule waiting ahead, with Barcelona and Sevilla waiting for them, and thus some modifications from the team that beat Mallorca are likely to take place to save his best players for such important matches.
Athletic has not suffered a defeat at the Molinon in the last 19 years, but Sporting Gijon's general strategy changed dramatically during the summer. If Manolo Preciado's manage to control Llorente they will have a clear opportunity to fight among Spain's best.
This will be one of the best opportunities for both squads to obtain their first victory in the tournament and start adding some units to escape from the basements and secure their permanence in Spain's highest football category. They both had to suffer against Real Madrid and they shouldn't let this opportunity to open a gap against a direct rival go to waste. Javad Nekounam, Asier Riesgo and Damià Abella are back in Osasuna's starting squad recovered from their injuries against the Merengues, unlike Sergio Fernández and Josetxo, both physically compromised. Mallorca and Osasuna have not yet scored a single goal in the tournament and whoever scores the first goal will be fully buffed for the rest of the match to claim this six-pointer.
RCD Mallorca's coach Michael Laudrup is aware Rojinegros' main weakness is the offense, an area that will surely be strengthened with Josep Lluìs Martí's return to the team, but at the same time Laudrup will have to do without Dudú Aouate, Ayozé Díaz and team's captain Nunes. Both teams have shown they know how to defend, but a goalless draw won't help any of them to escape from the bottom.
Mauricio Pochettino's Espanyol should take full advantage of this game at the Cornella to recover from the wounds inflicted by Villarreal one week ago. Six players joined the local team during the summer, but their defense is still very young and will have a tough time securing the three points against Almeria. Espanyol's forces grow stronger when playing at their own home, and during the last season they obtained 33 out of 44 points at the Cornella. Javi Chica and Osvaldo will be unable to perform, forcing Aldo Duscher to assume the offense on his own thanks in his second game with the team. Iván de la Peña is still struggling with injuries and might not be ready to perform, especially when RCD Espanyol travels to Madrid in the midweek. This match is a must win for the Periquitos, as the next matches will have them facing rivals of unparalleled strength.
UD Almeria's coach Juan Manuel Lillo will have it difficult against Espanyol this Sunday, as his predecessor was doomed after his visit to the Cornella. "every war requires different warriors" were his words when asked about his strategy to defeat RCD Espanyol. Carlos García, Miguel Angel Nieto and Kalu Uche are back on the starting eleven and their presence will boost Almeria's offensive capabilities to its maximum. Watch out for Diego Valeri, a highly technical player that will play a key role assisting Almeria's strikers against Espanyol's goal.
Fernando Llorente's Athletic is aware Sporting has started the season in perfect shape and won't hesitate on sending them back empty handed after this furious clash this Saturday. Joaquín Caparrós might choose Markel Susaeta as Llorente's partner to boost team's offense to its maximum. This will be neccessary considering Iker Muniain's injury on his right thigh during the weekend. He'll be joining Koikili Lertxundi and Gaizka Toquero in the list of players physically compromised. Sporting has a busy schedule waiting ahead, with Barcelona and Sevilla waiting for them, and thus some modifications from the team that beat Mallorca are likely to take place to save his best players for such important matches.
Athletic has not suffered a defeat at the Molinon in the last 19 years, but Sporting Gijon's general strategy changed dramatically during the summer. If Manolo Preciado's manage to control Llorente they will have a clear opportunity to fight among Spain's best.
Real Sociedad will be hosting Jose Mourinho's Galactic squad in San Sebastian eager to follow Hercules' example and drink the blood of a giant to settle a precedent on how determined they are to retain the category. Martín Lasarte's boys were defeated only once in the last season of the Liga Adelante while Real Madrid has not yet won playing away this season. Team's top striker Raúl Tamudo has been able to score against Madrid five times and his partnership with Joseba Llorente has been rather prolific. If they manage to beat Iker Casillas' goal the Erreala will have a golden opportunity to bag the three points.
Both Claudio Bravo and Iker Casillas will play a main role in the outcome of this match. The Chilean goalkeeper is one of the main reasons why Real Sociedad made it to La Liga so quickly, while Casillas has kept Madrid's goal shut both in the domestic league and in the Champions League. Mesut Ozil has become one of the main engines of Mourinho's strategy, pleasing the crowds goal after goal. Gonzalo Higuain has been unstoppable, leading the offense and communicating efficiently with Madrid's drivers. This match will be difficult for Xabi Alonso facing his former team, but he'll count with a lot of assistance in the midfield to break through Sociedad's defense. The Merengues are sweet after defeating Ajax for the Champions and won't hesitate against Martin Lasarte early this Saturday.
This will be one of the derbies of the week. The Herculeans made a strong declaration of principles by defeating Barcelona last week. Tiago Gomes is confident their performance will only improve from now on "Valencia is a great teams and it's going to be a tough match at the Rico Perez. We must be ready to grab the bull by its horns, our rivals should respect us from the first minute" were his experienced words. Esteban Vigo has to take advantage of the quality of his offense (David Trezeguet and Nelson Haedo Valdez) to tame Valencia from the first minutes. Watch out for Drenthe, for his presence in the midfield greatly boosts the advance of the Blanquiazules.
Four consecutive victories, a brilliant debut in the Champions League, La Liga's first position.. things could hardly be better for Valencia, as this is without a doubt one of the most promising moments in Valencia's history. Team's captain Vicente Rodríguez might make it into the starting squad, but this will be linked to the evolution of his injury in the following days. The Ches have received only one goal in the last month, but Unai Emery tries to remain calm and pay attention to every step, as two rivals for the title will be facing each other hours earlier and a victory will have them experience the loneliness of the top. Marius Stankevicius might be playing his first match for the Valencia, and he'll have to deal with
The Valencian derby will be of capital importance for Juan Carlos Garrido's boys, as they need to react fast and make Dinamo's ghosts go away with a sounding victory at the Ciutat. The Granotas have lost the first two matches played and the morale of the players will greatly diminish unless they starting adding some units soon. The local team will have to do without Juanfran leading the advance from the left wing, while the second winger (Javi Venta) will be playing a very special match against his former team. Luis Garcia's offense can be deadly when given some space to create, and the Yellow Submarine could get into troubles unless they tame Garcia's boys from the very beginning.
Being the favorite was a burden too heavy for the Yellow Submarine to deal with in the Champions League, and Dinamo Zagreb took full advantage of this. Juan Carlos Garrido's boys went through a nightmare in Croatia "We need to overcome what happened against Dinamo and focus on Levante. This will be a new final for us because our main objective is keep a clear path in every competition. There's a lot to fight for and we shall give everything week after week" were Villarreal's coach words. Nilmar returns to the offense and as long as Borja Valero takes the main voice in the attack, Levante will have a tough time trying to stand against Yellow's electric playing.
Both Racing Santander and Real Zaragoza will be looking forward to celebrating their first victory in this competition this Sunday at El Sardinero. Markus Rosenberg might not make it into the starting eleven, struggling with injuries. Without the Sweden striker, Miguel Angel Portugal will have to find a way to sharpen his offensive weapons and secure the three points in Santander. Last week was disastrous for both squads -Real Zaragoza received five goals against Malaga and Racing was beaten for the second consecutive time- and only one of them will be able to leave the bottom of the positions table upon a victory.
The second match of the tournament exposed many weaknesses in Real Zaragoza's defense, and the celebrated draw against FC Barcelona has not been enough to please the crowds, eager to secure the category without fighting until the last moment in the relegation fight. Without Jorge López, Jose Aurelio Gay will have to come up with a scheme to break Racing's defense and return home with three decisive points. Sergio Canales' departure is still hurting Racing's creativity, and without a victory it'll take a long time for the Racinguistas to jump back on the fight for the title.
Colchonero's flawless performance reach an end when Aris left Atletico empty handed on Greek ground. Barcelona has shown clear signs of improvement beating Panathinaikos 5-1. The Blaugranas they have it difficult playing away against Quique Flores' team, as Barcelona has been unable to leave the Calderon Stadium with a victory in the last three years. David Villa and Lionel Messi vs Diego Forlan and Sergio Aguero (he should be fully fit to return to the team) will play a game of aggression and wits to claim the three points for their sides.
While Barcelona tries to climb back to the top from the eighth position with three points, Atletico are joint with Valencia at the top with perfect scoring. Barcelona's creative engine will have to stop the Colchoneros from reaching Barcelona's goal, and they'll count with Carles Puyol's expertise, who returns to the squad to make things even worse. Watch out for Javier Mascherano, eager to celebrate his first victory in La Liga with the team. Both teams need a victory to feed their dreams of grandeur. Atletico grows stronger in such decisive matches but they might not be able to deal with Barcelona's overwhelming forces.
This week's Andalusian derby will have Sevilla visiting Malaga. The Boquerones have not been able to celebrate a single victory in the last month while the Sevillistas are seriously in need of the three points to keep the wheels in motion of the team and keep up with the title's race. It's been over two years since Malaga lastly defeated Sevilla, who lost more than three points against PSG on Thursday: Jesus Navas got injured and will be sidelined for almost a month, while Luis Fabiano and Abdoulay Konko are struggling with injuries and might not be able to perform.
Antonio Alvarez's players are without a doubt the favorites, but Malaga's endless thirst for glory might stun Sevilla and claim the victory. Watch out for Juanmi, shiniest Boquerones' player.
The Herculeans are with Real Madrid the only two teams that have not conceded goals in the tournament, and this has much to do with Deportivo's goalkeeper Manu, of excellent performance. But a game is never won by defending well, and Deportivo earned only two points up to now in La Liga. Michel's Getafe on the other hand are going through through a winning streak that even spread to the Europa League, granting the Azulones an important victory over Odense. Getafe's coach will have to do without Jaime Gavilán. He was slowly becoming the main driver of the Geta, but he got injured against Odense and might be given a chance to rest.
Miguel Angel Lotina will be able to deploy his whole artillery against Getafe for this match, while Michel will be unable to count with Gavilan, Juan Albin, Pablo Pintos and Ibrahim Kas. The winner will be joining the top fight, who will claim the three points?
