Matchday 9 - Player to Watch

Alvaro Vazquez (Espanyol)

Pablo Osvaldo's suspension gives Alvaro Vazquez an opportunity to keep his place as Espanyol's lone striker after a brace helped his side to a 0-2 win over Real Valladolid in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday. Vazquez has some stiff competition with veterans Sergio Garcia and Ivan Alonso also pushing for starts but Mauricio Pochettino has shown he has no qualms about favouring youth over experience as the Espanyol academy continues to churn out exciting young talent. Vazquez is just the latest in a long line of impressive cantera graduates but, as a skilfull forward with a natural eye for goal, he will attract more immediate attention than the likes of Victor Ruiz, Jordi Amat, Javi Marquez, Raul Baena and Didac Vila, who are all established first team members now. Even if he doesn't start at the Riazor, he is bound to get some second half playing time and Deportivo La Coruna's vulnerable defence should be wary of his presence.