Matchday 21 - Player to Watch

Aritz Aduriz (Valencia)

Aritz Aduriz has enjoyed a positive start to his Valencia career, scoring eight La Liga goals and receiving a first international call-up for Spain's EURO 2012 qualifiers in October as a result. He has not yet hit prolific heights, though, partly because he has to share playing time with Roberto Soldado as Unai Emery doesn't always opt to play them together. They are expected to both line up at the Sardinero on Monday, however, where their objective is to unravel a stubborn Racing defence which, before the Barcelona defeat last weekend, had conceded just three goals in the last five games.

Matchday 21 - Featured Preview: Espanyol vs Villarreal

Sunday throws up what promises to be a thrilling encounter between Espanyol and Villarreal at the Cornella El Prat. Mauricio Pochettino's men's stunning home form this season has seen them lose just once in El Prat (to Barcelona) and away victories in recent weeks have kept them in the hunt for Champions League football. One of their major rivals on that front is Villarreal and victory for Los Pericos on matchday twenty-one could bring them ever closer to their top four dream. Financial difficulties have forced Espanyol to sell young defensive prodigies Didac Vila and Victor Ruiz to AC Milan and Napoli respectively this week. We will get some idea of how that will affect the team on Sunday when they face Villarreal's impressive attack.

ESPANYOL

Player to Watch: Luis Garcia

Espanyol's stock continues to rise as their problems away from home seem to have been put to rest for the time being. Previously, the only doubts about their ability to compete for a Champions League spot stemmed from their failure to balance their outstanding home form with away wins. Victories on the road over Sevilla and Getafe in the last two matches have put paid to those fears and kept Espanyol in the hunt for a top four finish. At the moment, the only obstacle is the fine form of Villarreal and Valencia just above them, but their progress is in their hands this weekend when they welcome the Yellow Submarine to the Cornella El Prat stadium. They have only been beaten once there this season, by Barcelona, and their overall form is LLWWW in their last five league encounters. They were thrashed 4-0 at the Madrigal in September so Mauricio Pochettino will invite his players to prove they are better than that.

Financial restraints at Espanyol mean that, if they receive decent offers for any of their high performers they have to consider them. That eventuality occurred twice this week as Napoli swooped for Victor Ruiz and Milan snapped up Didac Vila. The young defenders will be a big loss to Pochettino, but the manager understands the situation. With Ruiz and Didac gone, there will be novelties in the back four. David Garcia will resume his place when he is fit and Victor Alvarez has been called up from the youth team for now as cover. Jordi Amat, Javier Chica, Juan Forlin and Javi Lopez may start this weekend if Garcia is eased back in from the bench. Raul Baena, Pablo Osvaldo, Felipe Mattioni and Ivan de la Pena are still injured. The fresh uncertainty this week surrounded Luis Garcia, who had to withdraw from training to put his participation in doubt, but he has recovered to take his place in the squad and, after last week's heroics against Getafe, he could be in the mood to do some damage again. If he were not fully fit, Jesus Datolo could come in next to Joan Verdu and Jose Callejon behind Sergio Garcia, or Garcia himself could slip back and allow Ivan Alonso or Alvaro Vazquez to play in the lone striking role. Ernesto Galan returns to Pochettino's matchday squad after over four months out injured but is unlikely to be named from the start.

Possible starting XI: (4-2-3-1) Carlos Kameni; Javi Lopez, Juan Forlin, Javier Chica, Jordi Amat; Aldo Duscher, Javi Marquez; Joan Verdu, Jose Callejon, Luis Garcia; Sergio Garcia;

VILLARREAL

Player to Watch: Giuseppe Rossi

Villarreal have Valencia and Espanyol snapping at their heels at the moment but another win, their fourth in five La Liga matches, at home to Real Sociedad on matchday twenty keeps the Castellon-based club in 3rd place in the table. Their long-term ability to consolidate that position will come under scrutiny this weekend when Juan Carlos Garrido takes his team to Barcelona to play Espanyol at the Cornella El Prat. The Catalans are five points behind Villarreal but their recent form is enough to match the Yellow Submarine's own WWLWW run. A defeat to the Pericos, whom they beat 4-0 at home in September, would throw the Champions League race wide open.

Giuseppe Rossi is in splendid form at the moment but the attacking dynamic at Villarreal could be about to improve as Nilmar started training again this week after a significant lay-off. When both first choice strikers are firing on all cylinders, Villarreal's front line is a match for anyone in the world. The Brazilian has been named in the squad and, if he is deemed fit enough, he will replace Marco Ruben up front next to Rossi. Ruben has proved a worthy deputy in the Brazilian's absence but Nilmar definitely offers a lot more. Of Juan Carlos Garrido's regulars it is just Marcos Senna and Angel Lopez missing due to injury now, as well as substitute keeper Juan Carlos. Cicinho is finding it hard to break into the team since joining from Roma as Mario has made the step up from Villarreal B without any hitches. One of the two will line up at right back next to Joan Capdevila and two from Gonzalo Rodriguez, Matteo Musacchio and Carlos Marchena, who is ready to start for the first time in weeks. The midfield four of Bruno Soriano, Borja Valero, Santi Cazorla and Ruben Cani will probably go unchanged.

Possible starting XI: (4-4-2) Diego Lopez; Mario, Matteo Musacchio, Carlos Marchena, Joan Capdevila; Bruno Soriano, Borja Valero, Santiago Cazorla, Ruben Cani; Giuseppe Rossi, Marco Ruben;

La Liga - Matchday 21

Saturday 29th January
Levante vs Getafe (18:00)

Real Mallorca vs Sporting de Gijon (18:00)

Malaga vs Real Zaragoza (18:00)
Real Sociedad vs Almeria (18:00)
Hercules vs Barcelona (20:00)
Deportivo La Coruna vs Sevilla (22:00)
Sunday 30th January

Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao (17:00)
Osasuna vs Real Madrid (19:00)
Espanyol vs Villarreal  (21:00)
Monday 31st January
Racing Santander vs Valencia (21:00)

Long term injuries

Injuries have the potential to make or break a club’s season. Just ask Miguel Angel Lotina. Deportivo La Coruna have arguably been hit harder than any other top flight team on the injury front this term, with their two best players, Riki and Jose Andres Guardado, confined to just a handful of games so far.

Imagine how Barcelona would fare without Xavi and Lionel Messi and then consider that Depor don’t have the likes of Javier Mascherano and Bojan waiting for their chance from the bench; you start to understand why the blanquiazules are struggling so badly.

Guardado and Riki have managed less than ten La Liga starts between them in 2010-11 and the Galicians have been playing like a team that is missing its best players. Riki was given the all-clear to play this week and Lotina is expecting to have Guardado back within the next couple of weeks so that should help the club in its quest to pull away from the bottom third of the table. Lotina must proceed with great caution with his prize Mexican winger, who lasted just a few minutes into his last injury comeback before suffering a recurrence.

I highlight the Deportivo La Coruna case because they have been missing their star men but there are some players who would call three starts in twenty league games (Riki’s personal tally for the current campaign) a thoroughly satisfactory return. Here are five players who, since the beginning of the season back in August, are yet to kick a ball in anger.

Ikechuckwu Uche (Real Zaragoza)

Ikechuckwu Uche is pictured above in Nigeria colours, not in a Real Zaragoza shirt and there is a good reason for that. Since the international striker joined the Aragonese club from top flight rivals Getafe in the summer of 2009 - for an undisclosed fee thought to be in the region of several million euros - he has managed just two starts. In his second game for the club he picked up a serious knee injury and missed practically the whole of the 2009-10 season. He returned to training last summer and quickly proceeded to crock himself again, this time before the campaign had even started. He didn't play much for Marcelino Garcia (who signed him), he didn't play at all for Jose Aurelio Gay and you would forgive Javier Aguirre for failing to recognise him. His brother, Kala Uche, also plays in the Spanish top flight for Almeria. I say "also",  Kala is the only Uche brother who actually plays.

Ivan de la Pena (Espanyol)

Ivan de la Pena's injury problems are particularly tragic because of the calibre of this once great player, who, sadly, is unlikely ever to make a full recovery. Physical setbacks have dogged the midfielder for at least three years now but he did make a short comeback in early 2009, during which time he famously scored a brace to help bottom of the table Espanyol beat league leaders Barcelona in the Catalan derby. However, last season he made just four appearances and he has not managed a start yet for Los Pericos in 2010-11. He said a while ago that, if his problems persisted, he would call it a day, so most Espanyol fans are resigned to the fact that he will hang up his boots this summer.

Felipe Mattioni (Espanyol)

Felipe Mattioni's story will hopefully have a much happier ending than Ivan de la Pena's. The attacking wing back enjoyed a very successful spell at Real Mallorca last season on loan from AC Milan and that convinced Mauricio Pochettino to move for the player on a permanent basis last summer. A pre-season injury immediately ruled Mattioni out until 2011 and he is still some way off a complete recovery. When the 22-year-old does return, we will hopefully see his great potential fulfilled at the Cornella El Prat.

Diego Ifran (Real Sociedad)

Real Sociedad's highly rated young Uruguayan striker Diego Ifran has had a torrid time of injuries and false dawns. On several occasions this term it has looked like the 23-year-old was ready to make his debut for the Basque club but every time his knee fails to hold up to close scrutiny. He has not played since he signed a five year contract under compatriot Martin Lasarte but now would be a good time to prove his fitness as Joseba Llorente has been struck down by a back problem again and Lasarte is looking for a hungry player with plenty of quality to keep Raul Tamudo on his toes.

Francisco Javier Farinos (Hercules)

Last season, Fran Javi Farinos was an integral part of Hercules' promotion push. The Valencia-born midfielder hardly missed a minute of Esteban Vigo's side's 2009-10 campaign but this year he has not featured at all. There is light at the end of the tunnel, though. The cultured midfielder, who boasts long spells at European giants Valencia and Inter Milan on his c.v., has been named in Hercules' matchday squad for the first time this season for Saturday's showpiece clash with FC Barcelona at the Jose Rico Perez. Hopefully a successful comeback will spell the end of Farinos' injury woes once and for all.

Matchday 20 - Player of the Round

Giuseppe Rossi (Villarreal)

Giuseppe Rossi scored twice to seal Villarreal's comeback against Real Sociedad at the Madrigal and the Italio-American forward, formely of Manchester United, celebrated his brace by agreeing a deal to stay in Castellon until the summer of 2016. Tying Rossi down to a long term contract extension is a major coup for the Valencian club, as speculation of a big money move back to Italy or England was beginning to surface due to the striker's exceptional form this season. Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted in the past that letting Rossi leave Old Trafford was a big mistake and it is not hard to see why.

Matchday 20 - Round-up

Karim Benzema answered his critics by scoring the winning goal at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday night to prevent Real Madrid from suffering another slip-up against Real Mallorca. Michael Laudrup’s team were well organized, bold in attack and generally impressive, but the Madrilenos were in no mood to drop more points and their patience and superior quality paid off when Benzema struck in the second half to secure a 1-0 win. It was a narrow but well-deserved win for Jose Mourinho’s men but it does not completely detract from the concurrent problems at the club, such as the lack of striking depth, the uncertainty surrounding Mourinho’s future and perceived factions within the club’s hierarchy.

Barcelona didn’t let their let their minor midweek cup blip affect their league form on Saturday. Pep Guardiola’s men made light work of beating Racing Santander 3-0 at the Camp Nou, repeating the same result they achieved at the Sardinero on the opening day of the season. Pedro Rodriguez, Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta scored the goals and, even though Racing created their share of chances, a three goal margin was a fair reflection of proceedings.

A goal from Aritz Aduriz in the last minute of regulation time produced a 4-3 win for Valencia over an improved Malaga side at Mestalla. Manuel Pellegrini’s side were superior in the first half and twice took the lead through Jose Rondon but first Juanma Mata and then Roberto Soldado cancelled out their lead. Fifteen minutes into the first half Martin Demichelis was sent off and just over fifteen minutes into the second half Helder Rosario followed, so Malaga played the last half an hour with nine men and it proved to much of them. Ever Banega put Unai Emery’s team ahead and, although Julio Baptista scored his first Malaga goal to point the match in the direction of a draw, Aduriz’s last gasp winner eventually settled the result in Valencia’s favour.

Levante fell to their fifth consecutive league defeat at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on Saturday night as Luis Fabiano ran riot, scoring a hat-trick to lead his team to a 4-1 triumph in front of the home fans. Julien Escude scored the other Sevilla goal and Xisco Munoz grabbed Levante’s solitary mark in response but Luis Garcia Plaza, who was watching on from the stands due to a touchline ban, will be hard pushed to extract any positives from his side’s performance. 

Sporting de Gijon put together back to back victories for the first time this season, complementing last weekend’s triumph over Hercules with a 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid at the Molinon on Sunday. After a total non-event of a first half, Sporting settled the tie in the second when David Barral exploited a dreadful defensive error by Atletico to score the only goal of the game. 

Getafe usually pride themselves on their home performances but they were beaten for the fourth consecutive match at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez this weekend by Espanyol. Mauricio Pochettino’s men came from a goal behind to win 1-3 to keep themselves within three points of the top four. It was looking good for Michel’s men at the break with a slim advantage provided by Miku’s first half goal but Luis Garcia, Jose Callejon and Sergio Garcia struck in the second period to disappoint the few home fans who turned out for the game. 

Almeria’s exceptional Copa del Rey form was finally in evidence in La Liga on matchday twenty as they beat Osasuna 3-2 at the Juegos Mediterraneos to drag themselves off the bottom of the table. Carlos Garcia opened the account for the Andalusians and Leandro Ulloa scored twice either side of a Carlos Aranda response for Osasuna. Jose Luis Oltra’s side’s first home league win of the season was more comfortable than the scoreline suggests as the Pamplonan’s second goal, finished by Serbian giant Dejan Lekic, arrived in the very last minute of regulation time. 

Said Boutahar goal-bound free-kick, which beat Daniel Aranzubia to give Real Zaragoza a 1-0 win over Deportivo La Coruna at the Romareda, was a rare highlight in a very dull match between two underperforming clubs. 16th placed Zaragoza are now just two points behind Depor in 13th as the pool of potential relegation candidates continues to grow.

Villarreal had to come from a goal behind to beat Real Sociedad at the weekend. Martin Lasarte’s team’s intention was to defend to the hilt but they snatched an early goal through Mikel Aranburu in the first half which gave them hope of victory. They were not counting on the attacking genius of Giuseppe Rossi, though, and the Americo-Italian popped up with a goal either side of the break to settle the tie 2-1 in Villarreal’s favour. Juan Carlos Garrido’s team remain unbeaten at the Madrigal this season.

Athletic Bilbao were vastly superior to Hercules at San Mames on Monday night, where they ran out 3-0 victors in a strictly one-sided affair. Hercules’ away day blues continue after another dreadful display far from the home comforts of Alicante. Javi Martinez was a powerhouse in central midfield and he put the Basques in front early on before Fernando Llorente and Iker Muniain chipped in with goals in the second half.

Matchday 20 - Featured Preview: Athletic Bilbao vs Hercules

Athletic Bilbao are a difficult prospect at San Mames, as Racing Santander found out to their cost last weekend. On matchday twenty it is the turn of Hercules, perhaps the worst away team in La Liga, to vist Bilbao on the north coast and they will need a uncommonly good performance on the road if they are to upset Joaquin Caparros' men. With Athletic battling to stay among the European chasers and Hercules battling to avoid a relegation struggle, points are at a premium for both clubs. 

ATHLETIC BILBAO

Player to Watch: Fernando Llorente

Athletic Bilbao are in good form heading into Monday night's clash with Hercules at San Mames. In the last five La Liga games, Joaquin Caparros' side are WWLDW, with only one defeat this year coming at home to Deportivo La Coruna and that was completely against the run of play. Hercules have won just once away from home this season (strangely enough, away to champions Barcelona) so Caparros will expect back to back victories after a 2-1 win over Racing Santander on matchday nineteen. Athletic beat Hercules 0-1 at the Jose Rico Perez in August so they are looking to do the double.

At the beginning of the week, Joaquin Caparros had major concerns about both of his first choice strikers. Fernando Llorente and Gaizka Toquero were carrying knocks from last weekend's games and Llorente's neck injury, which forced him to withdraw from the pitch against Racing Santander, was of particular concern. Mikel San Jose and Aitor Ocio were also doubts in the immediate aftermath of the weekend but, with Fernando Amorebieta sidelined by a pubic injury, it is quite important that those two are fit as Ustaritz and Ekiza are the only other fit centre backs at the club. Jon Aurtenetxe and Ibai Gomez are the other long-term injury absentees so, in lieu of the former, Koikili will start at left back. The midfield is well stocked despite the problems in other areas so, if Caparros did have to cover for the loss of one or both of his strikers, his answer would surely be to play a five man midfield behind a lone striker, a position which Oscar de Marcos could conceivably play, but, hopefully for the Basques, it won't come to that. Inigo Diaz de Cerio is also named on Caparros' 18-man list after ending a loan spell at Cordoba but he, too, is likely to be confined to the bench as Llorente and Toquero have both recovered sufficiently to warrant places in the squad. Xabi Castillo, who hasn't featured much this season as third choice behind Aurtenetxe and Koikili, is left out for tactical reasons.

Possible starting XI: (4-4-2) Gorka Iraizoz; Andoni Iraola, Mikel San Jose, Ustaritz, Koikili; Javier Martinez, Iker Muniain, Carlos Gurpegui, Markel Susaeta; Fernando Llorente, Gaizka Torquero;

HERCULES

Player to Watch: Nelson Valdez

Hercules are 12th in the table at the halfway point in the 2010-11 league campaign and, if they finish in that position, it will represent a thoroughly successful return to the Primera Division this year. The main pifall as far as the club are concerned is their away form. On Monday night they travel again, this time to Athletic Bilbao's San Mames stadium on the north coast and their form guide suggests Esteban Vigo's men are going to struggle. Their away form reads a dire LLDLL in the last five and they have only won once away from home all season, a 0-2 shock triumph over Barcelona at the Camp Nou. Hercules were beaten 0-1 by Athletic at the Jose Rico Perez on matchday one and they will need at least their second best away performance of the season to avoid another defeat.

Royston Drenthe is slowly working his way back into favour with Esteban Vigo. He has not started a game since his acrimonious row with the club over payment at the turn of the year but he did come off the bench last weekend for the second game running. He will be prevented from playing on Monday due to a hard knock he sustained in that game, which has given him some knee trouble. He and Olivier Thomert are not ready but the medical room at the club may be vacated soon as medium-term absentee Tiago Gomes and long-term injury victim Javier Farinos are reportedly very close to receiving the all clear from the club doctors. Tiago is back in the squad this weekend but Farinos will have to work his way back slowly as he hasn't kicked a ball in a competitive match since the beginning of last year. Given Drenthe and Thomert's problems, Sendoa, Tote and Kiko Femenia will probably battle it out for two wide roles in attacking midfield with Nelson Valdez playing behind David Trezeguet, who is still yet to score away from home this season. Abraham Paz has been cleared to play so he is looking to upset the status quo in defence, which currently consists of Pena, Rodriguez, Noe Pamarot and David Cortes.

Possible starting XI: (4-2-3-1) Juan Calatayud; Pena, Noe Pamarot, David Cortes, Abraham Paz; Matias Fritzler, Abel Aguilar; Kiko Femenia, Tote, Nelson Valdez; David Trezeguet;

Matchday 20 - Player to Watch

Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)

Karim Benzema's relegation to the bench last weekend led to some guarded criticism of Jose Mourinho's team selection by Real Madrid's sporting director Jorge Valdano and Mourinho, not one to bow to public, directorial, presidential or any other kind of outside pressure, kept the Frenchman out of the starting eleven against Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey on Thursday as well. Despite his generally underwhelming form this season, Real Madrid do seem more complete with a number nine in the side, even if it is the form of the attacking midfield players which benefits rather than Benzema directly. The 23-year-old is set to return up front against Real Mallorca at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday evening and, with Real Madrid now actively and openly seeking another striker in the transfer market (Ruud van Nistelrooy is purportedly the first choice), Benzema is running out of time to prove his worth to this team.

La Liga - Matchday 20

Saturday 22nd January
Sevilla vs Levante (18:00)

Barcelona vs Racing Santander (20:00)

Valencia vs Malaga (22:00)
Sunday 23rd January

Sporting de Gijon vs Atletico Madrid (17:00)

Real Zaragoza vs Deportivo La Coruna (17:00)
Getafe vs Espanyol (17:00)
Almeria vs Osasuna (17:00)
Real Madrid vs Real Mallorca (19:00)
Villarreal vs Real Sociedad (21:00)
Monday 24th January
Athletic Bilbao vs Hercules (21:00)

Matchday 19 - Player of the Round

Jose Callejon (Espanyol)

Jose Callejon scored twice to lead Espanyol to a 1-2 win over Sevilla at the weekend. It was a landmark victory for Los Pericos, a six-pointer against one of their immediate rivals for European qualification spots which puts them back in the hunt for Champions League football. Callejon joked after the game that he hadn't scored a brace in a competitive match since his days with Real Madrid Castilla and it is true that the forward does not chip in with the quantity of goals that his vibrant talent deserves. Neither, however, does he play as an out and out striker in Espanyol's 4-2-3-1 system and he offers a whole lot more than just goals to Mauricio Pochettino's exciting young team.

Matchday 19 - Round-up

Almeria dealt Real Madrid’s title hopes a massive blow on Sunday night as the bottom of the league side held Jose Mourinho’s megastars to a 1-1 draw at the Juegos Mediterraneos. It could have been worse for Los Merengues as Leandro Ulloa put Almeria ahead on the hour mark. Granero leveled the playing field fifteen minutes later but, however much they pushed, Real could not find a winner. They drop to four points behind league leaders Barcelona. 

Barcelona took full advantage of Real Madrid’s slip up on Sunday evening with a 4-1 stroll at home to Malaga. Andres Iniesta, David Villa (twice) and Pedro Rodriguez scored the goals on a comfortable night for Barca, who have increased their lead at the top of La Liga to four points. Duda scored a consolation free-kick but Malaga were not on the same level, even with recent big-name signing Julio Baptista among the ranks.

It was a case of better late than never for Valencia on matchday nineteen as they beat Deportivo La Coruna 2-0 thanks to goals from Jeremy Mathieu and Pablo Hernandez in the 77th and 93rd minutes respectively. Miguel Angel Lotina’s team tried parking the team bus in front of the away goal for the duration of the game but someone left a window open and they was exposed in the final fifteen minutes.

Atletico Madrid finally recorded a win in 2011 as things came together at home to Real Mallorca on Monday even without talismanic captain Sergio Aguero in the team. Juan Valera, Diego Forlan and Jose Antonio Reyes scored three goals spread out over the ninety minutes to give the Vicente Calderon faithful a 3-0 win and something to cheer about after a difficult few weeks.

Jose Callejon struck twice at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan as Espanyol ended Sevilla’s unbeaten start to 2011 with a 1-2 win on Saturday night. It was a rare occasion on which Mauricio Pochettino’s team were superior away from home and they made Sevilla pay the price for their defensive vulnerability, which surfaced again at the Pizjuan. Alvaro Negredo scored a consolation goal late in second half stoppage time but a comeback was never on the cards.

Only goal difference confines Real Zaragoza to a place in the bottom three as they made it back to back home wins with a 1-0 victory over Levante at the Romareda. Visibility was very poor inside the stadium due to heavy fog but Luis Garcia Plaza had a good enough view to complain that a disallowed which prejudiced his team was perfectly legal. Zaragoza skipper Gabi scored the only goal on the stroke of half time and it was a fine effort worthy of the match-winner. 

Villarreal concluded business in the first half of the league campaign with a 4-2 win over Osasuna, which means Juan Carlos Garrido’s maintain their unbeaten run at the Madrigal in what has been a record breaking season for them so far. Marco Ruben, Ruben Cani, Joan Capdevila and Gonzalo Rodriguez scored for the hosts and Krisztian Vadocz and Javier Calleja responded for the visitors. Osasuna were not the worst we have seen them in 2010-11 but they were simply outclassed in Castellon.

Sporting de Gijon squeezed themselves out of the relegation zone with a 2-0 win over Hercules at the Molinon on matchday nineteen. David Barral and Nacho Cases’ first half goals helped the Asturians end a run of eleven league games without a win and eased the pressure on club manager Manuel Preciado’s head. Hercules painted a sorry picture on the road yet again.

The big shock of matchday nineteen was not Real Madrid’s draw at Almeria or Sevilla’s home defeat to Espanyol. The major surprise was reserved for the Coliseum Alfonso Perez where Real Sociedad, who have not been very convincing away from home this season, thrashed Getafe 0-4 thanks to goals from Xabi Prieto, Antoine Griezmann and a brace from substitute Mikel Aranburu. Getafe boss admitted that the defeat was deserved but suggested that a four goal margin was a little steep. I’m not so sure. 

Two goals in the opening ten minutes were enough to give Athletic Bilbao victory over Racing Santander at San Mames on Saturday. After Javi Martinez and Iker Muniain struck early it looked like Racing were in for a hiding but they recovered their composure and eventually hit back through Ivan Bolado to contribute to a 2-1 final scoreline.

Matchday 19 - Player to Watch

Akihiro Ienaga (Real Mallorca)

Only the failure to secure a work permit prevented Akihiro Ienaga from joining Plymouth on a permanent deal in 2009. Now, after a loan spell at Cerezo Osaka where the Kyoto-born midfielder came to prominence as one of the most exciting young players in Japan, Ienaga has been snapped up by Real Mallorca. As I can't pretend to be an avid follower of J-League football, Ienaga arrives as something of an unknown quantity for me. An injury to Josep Luis Marti has opened up a place in Michael Laudrup's squad for the trip to the Vicente Calderon on Monday night and hopefully we will see something of the Japanese midfielder against Atletico Madrid.

Matchday 19 - Featured Preview: Barcelona vs Malaga

During his second spell at Real Madrid, Julio Baptista scored the only goal in a 0-1 victory at the Camp Nou, thus writing himself into Real folklore. The Brazilian forward, known as "The Beast" because of his impressive physical build, is hoping to prove the scourge of Barcelona again on his debut for Malaga on Sunday night. It is not certain that the former Roma hitman will play from the start in Les Corts but his mere presence in the squad is indicative of the growing ambition at the Andalusian club, which demands a greater win economy than Malaga have managed so far this season.

BARCELONA

Player to Watch: Lionel Messi

Not since the shock defeat at home to Hercules in early September have Barcelona been beaten in any competition. Since then they have played twenty-seven matches without loss and that impressive sequence equals a record which dates back to 1974. If Pep Guardiola's men avoid defeat to Malaga at the Camp Nou on Sunday, they will break that long-standing record and add to the current crop's numerous historic feats. Barcelona are highly fancied against Manuel Pellegrini's men. Not only do they play at home to a team struggling down in the bottom quarter of the classification, they are also in fine form after a 0-4 league win last weekend was followed up by a 5-0 victory over Real Betis in the first leg of the Copa del Rey quarter-finals. Their progress is now all but assured in that competition, but it is vital they keep a step ahead of Real Madrid in La Liga. There should be a slight note of caution as they go in search of their twelfth consecutive league win: Malaga are a team going through a transitory period and a lot of money has been invested in new players so there is an element of the unknown to contend with.

At the time of writing, Pep Guardiola has no injury concerns. His team provides a formidable threat to anyone, let alone a club struggling down in the bottom third of the table. With the Copa del Rey semi-final progress practically assured, the Catalan manager could name his strongest team to play Malaga on Sunday night and then rest the big names against Real Betis in Seville. That would mean the restoration of French international ack Eric Abidal at left-back in place of Maxwell. Dani Alves has not been in great form recently and he is stalling over a new contract, presumably due to some unreasonable demands he is making of the Catalan club but, for wont of a better alternative, he will keep his place at right-back. The World Cup-winning midfield triumvirate of Sergi Busquets, Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta could be reunited behind the dangerously skilful and mobile front three of David Villa, Pedro Rodriguez and Lionel Messi. The two-time World Player of the Year celebrated his Balon d'Or gong with a cup hat-trick on Wednesday.

Possible starting XI: (4-3-3) Victor Valdes; Eric Abidal, Carles Puyol, Gerard Pique, Dani Alves; Sergio Busquets, Xavi, Andres Iniesta; Pedro Rodriguez, Lionel Messi, David Villa;

MALAGA

Player to Watch: Julio Baptista

Malaga were denied a win at the Rosaleda on matchday eighteen by a last minute Javi Martinez goal which gave Athletic Bilbao a fortuitous 1-1 draw. It was a game which Manuel Pellegrini's side desperately wanted to win to give themselves a cushion heading into two of the most difficult encounters of the season awaiting the Andalusians on matchdays nineteen and twenty, namely Barcelona and Valencia away. The harder of the two on paper comes first, with Malaga travelling to the Camp Nou on Sunday night to face Barca. Malaga are WLLWD in their last five matches in the league, which has seen them move four points clear of the relegation zone into 16th. They won't be expecting too much from the Camp Nou, but they should relish the care-free tag of underdogs, especially with the added incentive of so many new faces trying to prove themselves.

The team has changed significantly since the beginning of the month thanks to five important signings made during the winter transfer window. The most eagerly anticipated of the transfers, that of Brazilian forward Julio Baptista, could be the final piece of the puzzle if the Brazilian is cleared to make his debut at the Camp Nou. In a 4-4-2 formation, that would probably mean the forward coming in to partner Venezualan striker Jose Rondon in attack. Eliseu is back from a suspension and Duda has recovered from a minor knock so those two could start in wide areas, with new men Enzo Maresca and Ignacio Camacho competing with the likes of Antonio Apono, Sandro Silva, Recio and Fernando for central midfield berths. Edinho and Ivan Gonzalez proved their fitness this week but neither is included in the matchday squad as the extensive nature of Manuel Pellegrini's playing staff means that half a dozen senior stars have to be rested again. Jesus Gamez and Javier Malagueno are not available in defence due to minor physical problems so Manolo Gaspar could come into start next to Weligton, Martin Demichelis and Patrick Mtiliga. Ruben is still crocked so the recently incorporated Sergio Asenjo will continue in goal.

Possible starting XI: (4-4-2) Sergio Asenjo; Manolo Gaspar, Martin Demichelis, Weligton, Patrick Mtiliga; Ignacio Camacho, Antonio Apono, Duda, Eliseu; Julio Baptista, Jose Rondon;

La Liga - Matchday 19

Saturday 15th January
Villarreal vs Osasuna (18:00)

Getafe vs Real Sociedad (18:00)

Real Zaragoza vs Levante (18:00)
Sporting de Gijon vs Hercules (18:00)
Athletic Bilbao vs Racing Santander (20:00)
Sevilla vs Espanyol (22:00)
Sunday 16th January

Valencia vs Deportivo La Coruna (17:00)

Almeria vs Real Madrid (19:00)
Barcelona vs Malaga (21:00)
Monday 17th January
Atletico Madrid vs Real Mallorca (21:00) 

How will Real Zaragoza cope without a January spending spree?

Real Zaragoza are struggling badly in La Liga this season. The Aragonese club have won just twice in eighteen league games so far in the 2010-11 campaign and that kind of form has left them bottom of the table as we reach the halfway juncture.

Jose Aurelio Gay was sacked in the middle of November and replaced by former Mexico coach Javier Aguirre, but since Aguirre took the reins, the club’s trajectory has not improved.

At the same stage last season, Real found themselves in a similar position. In fact, the club were one place better off in 19th heading into matchday nineteen, with only lowly Xerez below them. (Xerez spent 31 out of 38 weeks of the 2009-10 season rooted to the bottom of the table.)

Something catalytic occurred, however, last winter, which turned around Zaragoza’s ailing season and saw the club recover sufficiently in the second half of the campaign to eventually finish 14th. Club president Agapito Iglesias embarked on a spending spree in the January transfer window, bringing in no less than seven players who would play a major part in keeping Los Manos up.

Eliseu, Adrian Colunga, Roberto, Jiri Jarosik, Edmilson, Matteo Contini and Humberto Suazo were all signed on large wage packets, the majority on loan, and they provided Jose Aurelio Gay with the quality to lift the club out of its unhappy predicament.

Of that rescue party, only Jarosik, Edmilson and Contini remain at the club. The attacking creativity of Adrian Colunga and Eliseu has certainly been missed, but more than anything Real Zaragoza have regressed without the top class striking instincts of “Chupete” Suazo, who went on to play for Chile at the World Cup and could have made a big name for himself were it not for the injuries which dogged him in South Africa.

The blueprint, therefore, for top flight survival appears tried and tested, but this year there will be no parachute signings to aid Javier Aguirre in his struggle against relegation. With debts at the club rising above the 100 million euros mark, Agapito simply cannot afford to pay the wages of players who could make a difference, let alone sign them on a permanent basis.

This year, the Aragonese club will have to rely on old-fashioned hard graft to avoid a return to the Liga Adelante. There is talent in the squad, but it remains to be seen whether Aguirre can harness that talent and turn the club into a competitive top flight contender.

This weekend, Real Zaragoza host Levante at the Romareda in the biggest match of their season so far. If they fail to win, their prospects for the second half of term will look very grim indeed.

Matchday 18 - Player of the Round

Fredi Kanoute (Sevilla)

Gregorio Manzano could be heard eulogising Malian striker Fredi Kanoute after the 2-3 win over Real Sociedad at the weekend. The former Tottenham striker scored two goals and was the key to Sevilla’s link-up play at Anoeta; without him the side surely would have slumped to a defeat in San Sebastian. Kanoute was one of the few players whose reputation was not harmed by Sevilla’s poor form at the back end of 2010 as, unlike the majority of his team mates, his level did not drop during that dark period. The fans voted him joint-Player of the Year for 2010 alongside Jesus Navas, which shows just how highly he is regarded on the “terraces” at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan. Perhaps the greatest testament to his development is the plain fact that he has crept ahead of Brazil’s number nine, Luis Fabiano, in the Sevilla pecking order. 

Matchday 18 - Round-up

There was no sign of complacency within Barcelona’s ranks as they stormed to a 0-4 victory over Deportivo La Coruna at the Riazor on Saturday night. This victory was Barca’s twelfth straight league win and their ninth triumph on the road, which means they conclude the first half of the 2010-11 season with an incredible 100% record away from home. David Villa, Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Pedro scored the goals which keep Pep Guardiola’s team two points ahead of Real Madrid at the summit of La Liga. Depor are 12th following this home defeat but they remain a comfortable eight points above the relegation zone.

Athletic Bilbao denied Malaga’s new-look team a win on matchday eighteen as a 93rd minute equaliser from Javier Martinez gave the Basques a 1-1 draw at the Rosaleda. Martin Demichelis, a new signing recently incorporated from Bayern Munich, scored what looked like the winner for Manuel Pellegrini’s team with ten minutes remaining but their hopes of a second consecutive league win in 2011 were spoiled by Athletic’s late set-piece.

Two goals in two second half minutes from Luis Fabiano and Fredi Kanoute inspired Sevilla to a 2-3 comeback win over Real Sociedad at Anoeta. Real Sociedad led twice during the game but were overrun in the second half. Diego Rivas’ initial opener was cancelled out by Kanoute in the first half but Joseba Llorente restored the hosts’ lead just before half time. Sevilla rallied after the break, however, and deserved their three point reward thanks to a fine attacking display.

Real Mallorca exacted revenge for their cup exit at the hands of Almeria with a 4-1 demolition job at the Iberostar Estadi on Sunday evening. Ivan Ramis, Victor Casadeus, Emilio Nsue and Michael Pereira scored the goals which condemned Almeria to another week in the relegation doldrums.

Juan Mata popped up with another late controversial goal a week after his winner against Espanyol and again it looked like the Spanish international scored from an offside position. That goal gifted Valencia a 0-1 win over Levante in the east coast derby and left Luis Garcia Plaza and his players bemoaning what they perceive as unfair treatment from match officials.

Diego Castro popped up with a crucial goal in second half stoppage time to earn Sporting de Gijon a 1-1 draw against Racing Santander at the Sardinero. Miguel Angel Portugal’s team were afforded a lead by a Gregory Arnolin goal and they wasted opportunities to kill the game. Sporting did enough in the second half to prove worthy winners of a precious point on the road, which might just have kept Manuel Preciado in a job for now.

Osasuna and Getafe played out a 0-0 draw at the Reyno de Navarro on matchday eighteen to ensure a cordial point each for former Real Madrid legends Jose Antonio Camacho and Michel. Getafe were the better team in the first half but were denied an opening goal by some fine Ricardo saves. Osasuna had the initiative in the second period, however, so a draw was a fair result on balance. 

Espanyol ended a run of five matches without a win in truly comprehensive style as they whitewashed Real Zaragoza 4-0 at the Cornella El Prat stadium to lift the mood after a disappointing week in which they were knocked out of the Copa del Rey. Mauricio Pochettino’s men took an early lead through Pablo Osvaldo and were three up by half time as Luis Garcia and exciting young forward Alvaro Vazquez added to the tally. Sergio Garcia’s late strike was the icing on the cake. The win keeps Espanyol in the Champions League hunt and condemns Zaragoza to the bottom of the table again. 

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick at the Bernabeu on Sunday to help Real Madrid to a 4-2 victory over Villarreal in this clash between second and third in the table. Juan Carlos Garrido’s men were scintillating in the first half and took the lead twice through Ruben Cani and Marco Ruben. Ronaldo, however, levelled the score twice before giving his team the lead twelve minutes from the end, a lead which was then extended in the dying minutes by an elated Kaka, who is yet to start a game after five miserable months on the sidelines.

Atletico Madrid fell to an embarrassing defeat on matchday eighteen as they were totally outplayed in a memorable first half by Hercules at the Jose Rico Perez. Esteban Vigo’s men ran out 4-1 winners after a flurry of first half goals from Tote, Nelson Valdez, Olivier Thomert and David Trezeguet. Atletico did not respond until Jose Antonio Reyes’ 89th minute consolation goal but it was far too little too late for a team supposedly competing for a Champions League place.

Matchday 18 - Player to Watch

Elias (Atletic Madrid)

Elias signed from Corinthians at the beginning of the month as a replacement for departing winger Simao Sabrosa but he is not a like-for-like swap for the Portuguese international. The seven million euro Brazlian is being lined up as an eventual replacement for Paolo Assuncao in central midfield. Quique Sanchez Flores has called Elias up for the first time for the trip to Hercules on Monday night and we will hopefully see something of him in the second half. Tiago is currently injured and Paolo Assuncao had a head scare at the end of last week but Mario Suarez and Raul Garcia are standing in the way of a starting position for the 25-year-old. Elias has a reputation as a box-to-box midfielder but he has more of an eye for goal than Assuncao and some of that Brazilian flair you would expect from a player who learned his trade on the streets of Sao Paolo.

Matchday 18 - Featured Preview: Hercules vs Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid manager Quique Sanchez Flores is not happy about having to play on Monday again and, after the dreadful performance in the 0-0 draw at home to Racing Santander last week, I don't really blame him. The rojiblancos will have to improve substantially if they are to overcome Hercules at the Jose Rico Perez. Esteban Vigo's team have struggled lately but they tend to pull it together at home. David Trezeguet is a prime example of this: he has scored all eight of his goals so far for Hercules in Alicante. He will be the main danger man up front for the hosts.

HERCULES

Player to Watch: David Trezeguet

Hercules were a sorry state last weekend in the 3-0 defeat to Real Mallorca at the Iberostar Estadi. The row between the club and star midfielder Royston Drenthe over late payments cast a shadow over the team and, even though they usually perform far worse away from home than at the Jose Rico Perez, they were particularly bad on matchday seventeen. Drenthe has since returned to training but his inclusion against Atletico Madrid this weekend is still in doubt due to the general disaffection with his antics. Hercules' home form is strong but Atletico Madrid will be a tough opponent so long as the same apathy that saw the Madrilenos draw 0-0 with Racing last weekend does not arise. Esteban Vigo's club are WLWDL in their last five games but they have won they last three consecutive matches at home.

The fallout from the Royston Drenthe affair continues to rumble on. The Dutch player has obviously fallen in Esteban Vigo's regard as the boss overlooks him even though he has been training over the course of the week. Other than that, the news is all good for Vigo as he gears up for Atletico's visit. Pena could return to the back four after serving a domestic suspension and the squad has also been bolstered by the addition of Tote, who missed the first match of the year due to injury. Tiago Gomes and Javier Farinos are crocked so they are the only players unavailable at the Alicante club this week.

Possible starting XI: (4-2-3-1) Juan Calatayud; Pena, Rodriguez, Noe Pamarot, Abraham Paz; Matias Fritzler, Abel Aguilar; Kiko Femenia, Tote, Nelson Valdez; David Trezeguet;

ATLETICO MADRID

Player to Watch: Elias

Atletico Madrid are set for two derby games in two weeks after setting up a quarter-final clash with Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey. Atletico drew 1-1 with Espanyol at the Cornella El Prat stadium in midweek to seal a 2-1 aggregate advantage over two matches. Those will be two highly-charged encounters but before Quique Sanchez Torres' team return to cup action they have a league game with Hercules on Monday night to prepare for. Hercules are going through a difficult moment but they are a hard team to beat at home and Atletico's performance in their last league outing at home to Racing Santander was foul. Their form reads DWWDD in their last five matches and they are 6th in the league standings. A win would help the Madrilenos close the gap on Espanyol to just one point.

The club's latest signing, Brazilian midfielder Elias, has been named in Atletico's travelling squad for the first time. Tiago Mendes is injured so there is a space in central midfield up for grabs. Paolo Assuncao, who was hospitalized with a head injury last Thursday has proved to everybody's satisfaction that he is fit for action but he may start on the bench, with Raul Garcia and Mario Suarez therefore favourites to come into plug the hole in the middle of the park. Diego Forlan has also proved his fitness this weekend and could come straight back into the starting eleven next to Sergio Aguero up front; Aguero was handed the club captaincy after signing a new long term deal last week.

Possible starting XI: (4-4-2) David de Gea; Filipe Luis, Luis Perea, Alvaro Dominguez, Tomas Ujfalusi; Jose Antonio Reyes, Mario Suarez, Raul Garcia, Fran Merida; Diego Forlan, Sergio Aguero;

La Liga - Matchday 18

Saturday 8th January
Malaga vs Athletic Bilbao (18:00)

Real Sociedad vs Sevilla (20:00)

Deportivo La Coruna vs Barcelona (22:00)
Sunday 9th January

Real Mallorca vs Almeria (17:00)

Osasuna vs Getafe (17:00)

Espanyol vs Real Zaragoza (17:00)
Racing Santander vs Sporting de Gijon (17:00)
Real Madrid vs Villarreal (19:00)
Levante vs Valencia (21:00)
Monday 10th January
Hercules vs Atletico Madrid (21:00) 

Matchday 17 - Player of the Round

Jesus Navas (Sevilla)

Sevilla lost five consecutive league matches in the run up to Christmas and they were not helped by the fact that their best player was injured for the duration of that unhappy sequence. Jesus Navas was a doubt in the build-up to the Osasuna game on Sunday due to a lack of match fitness but he was thrown straight into the starting eleven at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan and Gregorio Manzano's decision was entirely justified. If Alvaro Negredo had been on top form, Jesus Navas probably would have had a couple of assists to go with his dazzling comeback in front of the home crowd. He was undoubtedly the best Sevilla player on the pitch and, even though he tired in the second half - which is understandable given that he hasn't played in two months - it was his energy, incision and desire which inspired his team mates to victory.
 

Matchday 17 - Round-up

Athletic Bilbao were left with a bitter aftertaste at San Mames thanks to a 1-2 defeat to Deportivo La Coruna on Sunday. Joaquin Caparros’ men had far more chances than their Galician visitors but poor luck, poor finishing and a fine display by Daniel Aranzubia denied them their dues. Adrian hit a double for Deportivo to convert the only clear away chances before Fernando Llorente cut the deficit late in the second half. Mikel San Jose and Juan Rodriguez both saw red in the first half and Ustaritz was sent off two minutes before the end in what was a feisty encounter. Referee Rubinos Perez came under the spotlight for awarding Depor a penalty that never should have been and sending off San Jose in very harsh circumstances. 

Malaga got off to the perfect start in 2011 by beating Sporting de Gijon 1-2 at the Molinon and they did it without the incorporation of any of their new signings. Diego Castro gave Sporting a lead from the penalty spot towards the end of the first half but Weligton levelled the score again before the break and a second half spot kick from Antonio Apono settled the tie in Manuel Pellegrini’s side’s favour. Neither team was particularly impressive, however, but Malaga are rewarded with a relegation zone reprieve.

Pedro Rodriguez stole the show at the Camp Nou on the day that Xavi Hernandez made history by equalling Migueli’s massive 549 game haul for Barcelona. The Canary Islander scored both of Barca’s goals to help them to a 2-1 win over Levante. It was not as comfortable as many expected as Lionel Messi was sorely missed. Christian Stuani even gave the home side something to worry about with his goal ten minutes from time to ensure a tight finish, although the win did reflect Pep Guardiola’s team’s overall dominance.  

Jesus Navas showed Sevilla exactly what they have been missing during his protracted injury absence as he inspired the club to a 1-0 win over Osasuna at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan to end a run of five straight league defeats. Navas set up Fredi Kanoute to score the only goal of the game in the first half. Gregorio Manzano’s team looked more defensively organised as well, although they were helped by a distinct lack of bite in the Pamplonan attack.

Valencia stole a march on their Champions League rivals Espanyol on Sunday as Juanma Mata scored a second half stoppage time winner to give Unai Emery’s men a deserved 2-1 win at Mestalla. Mata’s goal looked suspiciously as though it was scored from an offside position but Valencia deserved the winner for taking the game to the Catalans despite playing with ten men for most of the second half. Aritz Aduriz, who gave Los Che a first half lead which was cancelled out by a Ricardo Costa own-goal just before the break, was sent off on the hour mark for making contact with Javier Chica with his elbow but it was a harsh sending off for a fairly innocuous incident. Valencia now possess a three point cushion over Los Pericos in 4th place.

Despite the absence of four key players, Villarreal cantered to a 2-0 victory over Almeria on matchday seventeen. Juan Carlos Garrido’s men did not display the slick passing and lightening quick runs that they have done for most of the season but two goals from set pieces credited to Jose Manuel Catala and Borja Valero were enough against an Almeria team who offered very little in response.

Real Zaragoza finally showed some real urgency and desire and it paid off as Braulio struck late to earn Javier Aguirre’s side a 2-1 win over Real Sociedad at the Romareda. Florent Sinama-Pongolle’s brilliant opening goal was cancelled out by Xabi Prieto in the first half but the Aragonese team never gave up hope of victory.

Atletico Madrid stumbled at the first hurdle in 2011 with a dour display at the Vicente Calderon. Fortunately for Quique Sanchez Flores, Atletico’s opponent was not much better and a 0-0 draw with Racing Santander reflected both the balance of play and the just reward for two teams that performed well below par.   

Hercules’ away day misery continued at the Iberostar Estadi on Monday night where they were roundly thrashed 3-0 by Real Mallorca. The fallout from the Royston Drenthe affair might have affected Esteban Vigo’s side but it is hard to gauge just how much as this was not an atypical away performance. Emilio Nsue, Victor Casadeus and Michael Pereira scored the goals to set Mallorca on the path to victory.

Two goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and another from Mesut Ozil were enough to hand Real Madrid a 2-3 victory over Getafe at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez on Monday night, but Michel’s men made Los Merengues work for their money. Dani Parejo scored a dazzling individual goal to originally cut a two-goal deficit and Juan Albin then pulled another back late on to ensure a tense finish. Besides the derby result, there was more good news for Jose Mourinho as Kaka completed his injury comeback to play the final fifteen minutes of the game in what was his first appearance of the season.

Matchday 17 - Featured Preview: Real Zaragoza vs Real Sociedad

Real Zaragoza took full advantage of a get out of jail free card last season when a considerable cash injection in the January transfer window rescued their ailing season and several high profile signings helped to drag the Aragonese club away from the relegation zone in the second half of the campaign. With huge debts piling up at the club, such a rescue package is unlikely this month, so Javier Aguirre may have to make do with his current crop of players unless club president Agapito Iglesias can draw some shrewd loan targets from the transfer well. Zaragoza start 2011 at home to Real Sociedad and they desperately need a win to pull themselves off the bottom of the table. Real Sociedad, meanwhile, are 10th in the league classification and a full twelve points ahead of their next opponent. Martin Lasarte's team are well on track in their bid to avoid an immediate return to La Segunda and can still aspire to an unlikely European qualification spot from their current position.

REAL ZARAGOZA

Player to Watch: Ander Herrera

Real Zaragoza concluded 2010 with a run of seven matches without a win and they are quite fortunate to be only three points away from safety with more than half the season still to play. Javier Aguirre's team are bottom of the league standings and their domestic form reads DLDLD in the last five. In 2010 they drastically improved their form after Christmas to drag themselves away from the relegation zone but that came on the back of an expensive January spending spree. The club's huge debts suggest that such expenditure will not be forthcoming in 2011, but Aguirre may still shop around for some appealing loan deals as he looks to boost his new side's chances of staying up this year. Zaragoza start 2011 at home to Real Sociedad and it is not a game they can really afford to lose.

Mateo Contini and Angel Lafita were minor doubts in the build-up to this clash but both players have recovered in time to make Javier Aguirre's preliminary list for the match against Sociedad. The Mexican manager revealed in his pre-match press conference that it was easier to name all of his players rather than have to justify leaving regular first squad members out so, duly, he has selected all twenty senior players available and that will be reduced to eighteen just ahead of kick-off. The only two players not available are the perennial medical centre residents Ikechuckwu Uche and Victor Laguardia. Maurizio Lanzaro is back on the list after serving a ban just before Christmas. He will attempt to break into a back four where Carlos Diogo, Jiri Jarosik, Mateo Contini and Javier Paredes currently hold sway. Alex Pinter, Jorge Lopez, Edmilson, Gabi, and Leonardo Ponzio are eyeing central midfield places, while Ander Herrera, Angel Lafita and Nicolas Bertolo would be the regular choice in attacking midfield. That is a talented supporting triumvirate but the manager has to demand a lot more from them in the second half of the season. If Ander can emulate the form of the 2009-10 campaign, particularly, Zaragoza might be able to control matches rather than find themselves over run in midfield. Florent Sinama-Pongolle, Braulio and Marco Perez are competing for what is likely to be just one available striker role in the starting eleven. Braulio would be the fans choice as Columbian Perez has failed to settle properly since his summer move and Sinama-Pongolle was roundly booed the last time he started at the Romareda.  

Possible starting XI: (4-2-3-1) Leo Franco; Javier Paredes, Mateo Contini, Jiri Jarosik, Carlos Diogo; Gabi, Edmilson; Ander Herrera, Angel Lafita, Nicolas Bertolo; Braulio;

REAL SOCIEDAD

Player to Watch: Xabi Prieto

Real Sociedad's last happy memory of 2010 was beating Athletic Bilbao at Anoeta at the beginning of December to send out a message of intent with regards the current Basque supremacy. That victory moved Martin Lasarte's team above their local rivals but that is a position that they have since conceded following back to back defeats against Barcelona and Valencia. It was a tough conclusion to the year but the blanquiazules will head into 2011 with confidence having exceeded expectations so far this campaign. Real are 9th in the table as we approach the halfway mark and have shown since their promotion that they have no intention of being embroiled in a relegation scrap. This weekend Sociedad visit a team who will almost certainly be involved in that struggle when they challenge bottom of the league side Real Zaragoza at the Romareda. Lasarte's team are an inconsistent LWWLL in their last five games but that is a better record than their opponent, so they will not start as immediate underdogs just because they are away from home.

Diego Rivas will be missing from central midfield due to suspension so Mikel Aranburu will be looking for a new partner in the engine room. Among those vying for the privilege are Gorka Elustondo, Markel Bergara and a fit-again Paco Sutil, who is named in the squad after several months in the injury wilderness. Diego Ifran, Asier Illarramendi and Carlos Martinez are not available due to physical problems. Martinez's absence disrupts the consistency of the regular back four and Gorka Larrea, Dani Estrada or Liassine Cadamuro will have to deputise next to the regulars, Alberto de la Bella, Mikel Gonzalez and Ion Ansotegui. Agirretxe finally committed to the club this week after weeks of dithering over a new contract and he has been fittingly rewarded by being left out of the squad by Martin Lasarte. Joseba Llorente will start up front anyway ahead of Raul Tamudo, with Antoine Griezmann, David Zurutuza and Xabi Prieto supporting from offensive midfield positions. Those three have been most impressive this season and, if the game goes the way of the San Sebastian club, one, two or all of them will surely have something to do with it. Sociedad signed Vadim Demidov from Rosenberg ahead of the January transfer window but he is not available yet.
 
Possible starting XI: (4-2-3-1) Claudio Bravo; Ion Ansotegui, Mikel Gonzalez, Alberto de la Bella, Dani Estrada; Mikel Aranburu, Markel Bergara; Antoine Griezmann, David Zurutuza, Xabi Prieto; Joseba Llorente;

Matchday 17 - Player to Watch

Kaka (Real Madrid)

Despite reports in Marca at the weekend that Emmanuel Adebayor has been offered to the club, it is still looking unlikely that Real Madrid will dip into the transfer market in January. Jose Mourinho shrugged off concerns about a shortage of forwards a few weeks ago and pointed out that Kaka will be like a new signing when his is finally fit. That moment has now arrived as the Brazilian maestro has been named in Mourinho's matchday squad for the first time after a miserable four months on the sidelines nursing his pubalgia problems. Due to an understandable lack of match fitness, the former World Player of the Year is likely to start on the bench but hopefully he will get some minutes to make what would undoubtedly be the most eagerly anticipated appearance of the jornada. Given the emergence of Mesut Ozil and Angel di Maria this season, Kaka will have to fight for his place at the club and cannot afford to be as inconsistent as he was in his first season at the Bernabeu. If he does find his best form under Mourinho, he will be among an exclusive pool of truly world class players plying their trade in La Liga.

La Liga - Matchday 17

Sunday 2nd January
Athletic Bilbao vs Deportivo La Coruna (16:00)

Barcelona vs Levante (18:00)

Sporting de Gijon vs Malaga (18:00)

Sevilla vs Osasuna (20:00)

Valencia vs Espanyol (22:00)
Monday 3rd January

Villarreal vs Almeria (20:00)

Real Zaragoza vs Real Sociedad (20:00)

Atletico Madrid vs Racing Santander (20:00)
Real Mallorca vs Hercules (20:00)
Getafe vs Real Madrid (22:00)