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;

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 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;

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;

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 16 - Featured Preview: Espanyol vs Barcelona

Espanyol are exceeding all expectations this season and they still run with a 100% record at the Cornella El Prat heading into the biggest game of their season against city rivals FC Barcelona. Pep Guardiola's team may have more important rivals to worry about than their smaller neighbours but they are still always very serious about the Catalan derby and it holds an extra charm this year given the form of Los Pericos at their new stadium. Barca won't worry too much about their opponent's game, however. They head to El Prat confident in the knowledge that at their best they are the strongest team in the world and they have been at their best lately.

ESPANYOL

Player to Watch: Javi Marquez

Espanyol were beaten at San Mames last weekend despite taking the lead against Athletic Bilbao. Defeat for Villarreal and a draw for Valencia means that Mauricio Pochettino's side still sit in 4th place and possess a three point cushion over Unai Emery's team below them. Despite their defeat in the Basque country on matchday fifteen, Espanyol arrive at this weekend's Catalan derby with Barcelona in a good mood and there is a feeling that, despite league leaders' Barcelona's imperious form, Los Pericos could upset Pep Guardiola's team at the Cornella El Prat stadium, where they boast a 100% record in the league in 2010-11. It is bound to be a competitive, highly charged derby. Espanyol are DWWWL in their last five matches.

Raul Baena and Javi Marquez return from suspension this weekend. Baena could start from the bench with Marquez linking up with Aldo Duscher in holding midfield behind Joan Verdu, Jose Callejon and Luis Garcia in support of lone striker Pablo Osvaldo. Jesus Datolo will drop to the bench after deputizing for Marquez last week against Athletic Bilbao. Ferran Coro, Javi Lopez, Raul Rodriguez, Ernesto Galan, Felipe Mattioni and Ivan de la Pena make up the injury list and Ivan Alonso has been dropped for the biggest game of the season so far, giving yet another indication that he is not in the manager’s immediate plans. The back four is nearly at full strength so Pochettino will have some tough decisions about whom to start in front Carlos Kameni. Juan Forlin, Didac Vila, Javier Chica, David Garcia, Jordi Amat and Victor Ruiz are all in contention.

Possible starting XI: (4-2-3-1) Carlos Kameni; Didac Vila, Victor Ruiz, Javier Chica, Juan Forlin; Javi Marquez, Aldo Duscher; Luis Garcia, Joan Verdu, Jose Callejon; Pablo Osvaldo;

BARCELONA

Player to Watch: Pedro

Barcelona wrought havoc on Real Sociedad at the Camp Nou last weekend and ended up beating the Basques 5-0. It was the Cules 9th consecutive league win and they haven't conceded a goal in six matches despite amassing a total of 26 goals in the same period. They are in record-breaking form but they will be very wary of their next opponent, city rivals Espanyol, whom they visit at the Cornella El Prat stadium where Mauricio Pochettino's men have a 100% record this season. Espanyol have surprised a lot of people by laying down an early challenge for a Champions League spot and they currently reside in 4th so this is one of the most eagerly anticipated Catalan derbies in many years. If Barca play near to their mesmerizing full potential, they will beat Los Pericos on Saturday. If for some reason they do not, this encounter, which is likely to be physical and intense, could be extremely intriguing.

Gabi Milito is working hard on his fitness to earn the all-clear from the club doctors but he will not be fit before the New Year. Jeffren Suarez was the other injury concern after tweaking his groin against Rubin Kazan in the final Champions League group game but he is training again and is hoping to pass a late fitness test to warrant his inclusion on Saturday. He will not start, of course, as Guardiola is set to wheel out his “gala” eleven at Cornella. Victor Valdes’ goal will be protected by Carles Puyol, Dani Alves, Eric Abidal and the returning Gerard Pique, who will replace Maxwell after being rested as a precaution last weekend to avoid accumulating five yellow cards, which would have ruled him out here. Javier Mascherano will have to give way in midfield, I expect, as Sergi Busquets, Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta line up in midfield. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi, Pedro Rodriguez and David Villa will take to the field up front to form the most intimidating attacking triumvirate in world football. Villa and Messi often hog the headlines for obvious reasons but Pedro is back to top form and could be the man to unlock the Espanyol defence while they are distracted with the other two forwards.

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

Matchday 15 - Featured Preview: Valencia vs Osasuna

Villarreal and Espanyol both lost at the weekend so Valencia have an inviting opportunity to close the gap on the top four when they host Osasuna at Mestalla on Monday night. The relationship between Los Che manager Unai Emery and Osasuna boss Jose Antonio Camacho is decidedly frosty so both misters will be desperate to get one over on the other. While Valencia concerns themselves with European qualification, Osasuna's priorities are altogether more sobering. The Pamplonas sit just two points above the relegation zone with two league matches remaining (including this one) before the brief winter break.

VALENCIA

Player to Watch: Pablo Hernandez

Valencia concluded a difficult few days with a satisfactory 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford in midweek. Pablo Hernandez's opening goal did give Unai Emery some hope that his team would beat the Red Devils and overhaul them at the top of their Champions League group to earn a seeded place in the last-16 draw later this month. In the end it was not to be, although 1-1 in Manchester represents a much better result than the 2-0 league defeat to Real Madrid last Saturday. Emery will be hoping for a return to normality with a victory over Osasuna on Monday night. Los Che are DWWLD in their last five matches and they are now playing catch up with the top four. They currently reside 5th but Espanyol are four points above them in the last Champions League spot. Valencia beat Osasuna home and away in the league last season, triumphing 3-0 when they met at Mestalla.

Emery tends to save the 4-4-2 formation, which includes both Roberto Soldado and Aritz Aduriz, for the games against the so-called "smaller" clubs so we can expect to see both on Monday. Joaquin, Mehmet Topal, Bruno Saltor and Vicente are hoping to return after being left out in midweek. Joaquin's return could be blocked by Pablo Hernandez's key role in the Man Utd draw as he and Juan Mata could occupy the wide roles. Having said that, Emery has a deep squad and he likes to chop and change. Miguel Angel Moya is still injured and Tino Costa and David Albelda (two matches) have both been handed bans by the federation. With those latter two out and Manuel Fernandes overlooked yet again, Mehmet Topal, Hedwiges Maduro and Ever Banega will compete for central midfield berths. Marius Stankevicius was not eligible in Europe but is available again to compete in a competitive back line where every position is covered by at least two experienced players thanks to the return of captain David Navarro after a couple of games out through injury. Vicente Guaita was another of the heroes on Tuesday and he could be rewarded by keeping his place ahead of Cesar.

Possible starting XI: (4-4-2) Vicente Guaita; Jeremy Mathieu, David Navarro, Ricardo Costa, Luis Miguel; Ever Banega, Hedwiges Maduro, Pablo Hernandez, Juanma Mata; Roberto Soldado, Aritz Aduriz;

OSASUNA

Player to Watch: Walter Pandiani

Osasuna have had a tough run of games and there will be no let up on Monday night when they visit Valencia at Mestalla. The Pamplonans were at the centre of a travel storm on matchday fourteen as Barcelona initially refused to drive to Navarre by bus on the day of the game. Barca eventually conceded and they came to the Reyno de Navarra and soundly defeated Osasuna 0-3. That took Jose Antonio Camacho's team to LLWLL in their last five matches in all competitions and dropped them to 13th in the league table. As if arriving at Mestalla in troublesome form wasn't enough, Osasuna carry the unfortunate antecedent of having lost home and away to Valencia during the 2009-10 season, including a 3-0 defeat when they met on the east coast.

Javier Camunas had to come off last week against Barcelona and the diagnosis was fairly upsetting: a hamstring injury will keep one of Camacho's key players on the sidelines for up to six weeks, thus ruling him out until 2011. He joins Ruper and Damia Abella on the definite injury list and a knock picked up this week by Krisztian Vadocz also puts his participation on Monday in doubt. Javier Calleja is still carrying a slight problem from the week prior. There was some positive news for Camacho, however, as Nacho Monreal has passed all his medical tests and has been able to train normally after a minor muscular scare. Even better is the news that Carlos Aranda could be set for a return very soon. The former Numancia striker has been out for a few weeks but he resumed full training in the build-up to this game. For the last couple of games, Camacho has started with five attacking midfielders and no recognised strikers but at Mestalla we can expect at least one, if not two, forwards from the outset as Walter Pandiani and Carlos Aranda hope to complete their comebacks. In defence, Nelson is likely to start again at right back next to Sergio Fernandes, Miguel Flano and Nacho Monreal due to the absence of Damia.

Possible starting XI: (4-2-3-1) Ricardo; Nacho Monreal, Sergio Fernandez, Miguel Flano, Nelson; Patxi Punal, Javad Nekounam; Masoud Shojaei, Fernando Soriano, Juanfran Torres; Walter Pandiani;

Matchday 14 - Featured Preview: Deportivo La Coruna vs Hercules

This week, Monday night football sees Esteban Vigo's Hercules side visit Deportivo La Coruna at the Riazor. Depor have pulled clear of the relegation zone after an impressive November but they were beaten badly by Racing Santander on matchday thirteen and Miguel Angel Lotina will hope to get back on track this weekend against the small promoted club from Alicante. Hercules have surprised many since they returned to the top flight, however, and a brief glance at their team sheet suggests that they no longer deserve to be labelled minnows.

DEPORTIVO LA CORUNA

Player to Watch: Pablo Alvarez

Deportivo La Coruna's recent renaissance suffered a setback last weekend as they fell to a 1-0 defeat away to Racing Santander, which could have been a lot worse but for the profligate finishing of their victors. That ended an extended unbeaten run by the Galician club and made it WWDWL in their last five matches in the Primera Division. Their chance to get immediately back on track comes next Monday at home to Hercules. If they are to respond with a win, Miguel Angel Lotina's side will have to be far more composed on the ball as they gave it away far too readily at the Sardinero and defended badly despite playing with the five man defence which has served them so well since Lotina first implemented it around five weeks ago. Depor still have a four point cushion over the bottom three from 14th place heading to the Riazor.

Apart from a virus going around which Knut Olav Rindaroy and Jose Ze Castro appear to have got over, Miguel Angel Lotina's injury list looks very much the same with important components Riki, Jose Andres Guardado, Juliano Juca and Michel still missing. There is hope that Guardado will be training fully some time next week and will henceforth be at the manager's disposal but it is too soon to expect him fit by Monday. Lotina faces a bit of a conundrum with his team selection now as the 5-4-1 has worked wonders for them in the last few weeks but form deserted them in Cantabria and they were left with no attacking outlets and a very vulnerable defensive line despite the weight of numbers. The Racing defeat might be filed as a one-off, in which case, we will probably see a repeat of the five man defence and four man midfield behind Adrian up front. Whether or not he sticks with the same personnel is another matter. Pablo Alvarez was the big novelty last week and unfortunately his inclusion conincided with the worst performance for weeks; we will see if it counts against him when the team sheet is read out on Monday. Apart from the injured players, Lotina cannot call on Claudio Morel, who has the club's permission to be in Paraguay for personal reasons.

Possible starting XI: (4-5-1) Daniel Aranzubia; Diego Seaone, Aythami, Diego Colotto, Manuel Pablo, Alberto Lopo; Jonathan Urreta, Ruben Perez, Juan Rodriguez, Pablo Alvarez; Adrian;

HERCULES

Player to Watch: Royston Drenthe

Such has been the impression that Nelson Valdez and David Trezeguet have made in their few short months at the club that speculation is mounting that either or both strikers could be sold for hefty profits in the January transfer window. Hercules, of course, are denying the rumours. After all, why would they want to sell with the two forwards firing the goals that could keep the Alicante-based club in the Primera Division? Valdez and Trezeguet were both on the scoresheet last weekend as Hercules beat Levante 3-1 at the Jose Rico Perez. That win pushed Esteban Vigo's side up to 13th and gave them a healthy five point advantage over the relegation zone dwellers, which the blanquiazules will be hoping to increase on Monday night when they travel to the Riazor to play Deportivo La Coruna. It is about time they got an away win as their last five matches away from their east coast home have garnered just two points in a run of DLDLL.

Royston Drenthe was left out of last week's squad despite declaring himself fit for selection. The week prior, the Holland international was hospitalized due to a stomach ulcer and, although he was later given the medical all-clear by the doctors, the Hercules physios were concerned about his rapid weight loss. This week, the former Real Madrid winger is still claiming he is fully fit and he has been named in the squad to travel to Galicia. Given his excellent form since a summer loan move from Real Madrid, he should come straight back in to re-join Nelson Valdez and either Olivier Thomert, Tote or Kiko Femenia in attacking midfield behind David Trezeguet. Tiago Gomes had an excellent game last week in central midfield so he will continue in the withdrawn position next to Matias Fritzler or Abel Aguilar, while Tote was also near his best and is pushing for a start. Javier Farinos remains the only long term injury victim so he will not be involved. The back four could remain unchanged, with Noe Pamarot, Abraham Paz, Rodriguez and David Cortes starting and Pena trying to force his way in after being named in the squad. Juan Calatayud is back from a suspension and is expected to return in goal but Piet Velthuizen had a fine game in his stead against Levante and will not give up the goalkeeping position without a fight.

Possible starting XI: (4-2-3-1) Juan Calatayud; Abraham Paz, Noe Pamarot, David Cortes, Rodriguez; Tiago Gomes, Matias Fritzler; Tote, Royston Drenthe, Nelson Valdez; David Trezeguet;

Matchday 13 - Featured Preview: Barcelona vs Real Madrid

Parliamentary elections in Catalonia were scheduled on the same weekend as the Gran Clasico clash between Barcelona and Real Madrid at the Camp Nou so, for security reasons, the LFP decided to move the game to a Monday night. Criticism of this decision has been widespread, but it will not take the gloss off what is undoubtedly the calendar highlight of the league season. With twelve games played, one point separates Real and Barca in 1st and 2nd place respectively and, with both teams dropping fewer points than ever, this match could have a genuine influence on the outcome of the title race. The two Spanish giants have an unfair advantage over their domestic and European rivals due to a financial disparity in the distribution of La Liga's television rights and, technically speaking, that has turned Barcelona and Real Madrid into the supreme clubs in world football.   

BARCELONA

Player to Watch: Lionel Messi

Barcelona warmed up for the biggest game of the season so far with a 0-3 win over Panathinaikos in the Champions League. That win in Athens guarantees Barca's place in the last 16 of the Champions League and they will be seeded in December's draw as group winners. The blaugrana have won their last five matches in all competitions and their last six in La Liga so they arrive at Monday's decisive clash with Real Madrid in excellent form. Last season they beat Real 1-0 at home in the league thanks to a goal from substitute Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is no longer with the club.

Lionel Messi will be the centre of atention this time around and; the current FIFA World Player of the Year has scored in the last nine matches he has appeared in and he has a very good record against Real Madrid, with nearly a goal a game against Los Merengues. He has never scored, however, against a Jose Mourinho-led team and that is a statistic he will be looking to change on Monday night. Pep Guardiola's side will effectively be at full strength because only support centre back Gabi Milito is currently injured. Jose Manuel Pinto will return to the bench after a European ban kept him out in midweek and Jeffren is fit enough to be named in the squad. Messi will be the main danger man in the front three alongside David Villa, who is new to the Clasico experience, and Pedro Rodriguez, who is starting to find some goal scoring form after a slow start to the 2010-11 campaign. Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sergi Busquets are expected to line up in a midfield three, with the latter coming in to replace Argentina captain Javier Mascherano, who played in Denmark. Mascherano will be fighting tooth and nail for a starting role, however, and, along with the left back slot, the defensive midfield role will probably be the most hotly contended of all the positions. Maxwell and Eric Abidal are competing to play next to Gerard Pique, Carles Puyol and Dani Alves in front of Victor Valdes; I expect the defensive strengths and speed of Frenchman Abidal will prove decisive in Guardiola's final decision. Maxwell offers more going forward but, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Angel di Maria pressing down the wings, Abidal would be the more conservative option.

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

REAL MADRID

Player to Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo

Real Madrid could not be in better form heading into this crunch encounter with Barcelona at the Camp Nou. Apart from being unbeaten so far this season under Jose Mourinho, Los Merengues have also won seven consecutive league games and scored a whopping twenty-seven goals during that run. They warmed up for the trip to Catalonia with a 0-4 away drubbing of Ajax Amsterdam in the Champions League to confirm their position as group winners and ensure a seeded spot in next month's last 16 draw. Madrid would probably be out and out favourites against any team in the world at the moment with the exception of Barcelona, who are in just as devastating form. This fixture stands head an shoulders above its foreign equivalents as the biggest club game in world football and, with Real revived under Jose Mourinho, it will be the most eagerly anticipated Clasico clash in years.

Ezequiel Garay, Fernando Gago and, most notably, Kaka, will sit it out because of long running injury problems. Ricardo Carvalho, Gonzalo Higuain and Sami Khedira sat out the Champions League win on Tuesday due to niggling problems but Mourinho is hoping to have all of them available by Monday. Portuguese defender Carvalho is back in full training and will line up next to Pepe, Sergio Ramos and Marcelo in the back four. Higuain and Khedira are more of a concern as their return to training has been delayed slightly, but they are expected to take their places in holding midfield and attack respectively; Lassana Diarra and Karim Benzema will be working intensely just in case. There have been rumours in the press that Mourinho will change the habitual 4-2-3-1 formation to play with three defensive midfielders, as he did with Inter Milan against Barcelona in the Champions League last season, but that would mean a new set of instructions and the inevitable gamble that goes with it. In that case, either Angel di Maria or Mesut Ozil would have to make way for Lass. Real's team has picked itself so far, and a repeat of the regular eleven in the 4-2-3-1 is still the most likely option.

Possible starting XI: (4-2-3-1) Iker Casillas; Marcelo, Pepe, Ricardo Carvalho, Sergio Ramos; Sami Khedira, Xabi Alonso; Mesut Ozil, Cristiano Ronaldo, Angel di Maria; Gonzalo Higuain;

Matchday 12 - Featured Preview: Sevilla vs Real Mallorca

Real Mallorca will come face to face with their old mentor on Sunday when they visit Gregorio Manzano's new side Sevilla at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan. Manzano is unbeaten at home at his new club having dispatched close rivals Atletico Madrid, Athletic Bilbao and Valencia in recent weeks. Just like at Mallorca, the Andalusian coach's main priority is to build a strong home base from which to launch a top four assault. Standing in his path on matchday twelve is his old club and his shrewd managerial successor in Palma, Michael Laudrup. 

SEVILLA

Player to Watch: Antonio Luna

A last minute Alvaro Negredo winner gave Sevilla a 1-2 win over Real Zaragoza at the Romareda on matchday eleven and that win puts the Andalusians on the brink of a return to the top four. They currently sit 5th but they are level on points with Valencia, who are just above them, heading into Sunday's clash with Gregorio Manzano's former employers Real Mallorca. The Balearic club will want to show up their former boss but, with Manzano's inside knowledge of the club and most of the players who used to be under his tutelage, you would expect Sevilla to triumph. Added to that is the fact that Mallorca are awkward travellers and lack the quality that Manzano's new team boasts, on paper at least. Sevilla are LWLWW in their last five matches and this is the first of back to back home matches in La Liga from which they will hope to garner six points.

Fernando Navarro has to serve his second domestic suspension of the season on Sunday, which sees him come out of the Sevilla back four. Last time he was banned, Antonio Luna came in from Sevilla Athletic and started ahead of Mouhamadou Dabo and that could be the case again, with young Luna joining Martin Caceres, Alexis Ruano and Abdoulay Konko in defence. Federico Fazio and Ivica Dragutinovic are not physically apt to compete in that area, while further up the field injuries also keep Diego Capel, Jesus Navas and Tiberio Guarente sidelined. Romaric and Andres Palop have proven their fitness and both could start at the Pizjuan. Romaric was very nearly cast out by Antonio Alvarez but a deadline day loan to Real Zaragoza fell through and he has come back to prominence under Gregorio Manzano, even replacing Didier Zokora as the preferred midfield hardman for now. Renato, just ahead of the Ivorian, and Alejandro Alfaro and Diego Perotti in wide areas, will provide the attacking impetus from midfield, with Fredi Kanoute and Luis Fabiano hoping to continue up front with Alvaro Negredo confined to the bench despite his fine goal-scoring form.

Possible starting XI: (4-4-2) Andres Palop; Abdoulay Konko, Alexis, Martin Caceres, Antonio Luna; Alejandro Alfaro, Renato, Romaric, Diego Perotti; Luis Fabiano, Fredi Kanoute;

REAL MALLORCA

Player to Watch: Gonzalo Castro

Real Mallorca were held to a 0-0 draw at the Iberostar Estadi by Deportivo La Coruna last weekend and those dropped points restricted them to 10th position in the league table after matchday eleven. On matchday twelve they are back on the road as they visit Sevilla's Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, the new home of their former boss Gregorio Manzano. Manzano is remembered fondly by the Balearic fans for steering the club to 5th last season on a shoe-string budget, but Mallorca will be hoping to tarnish his record on Sunday with a rare away win. Michael Laudrup's team are LWWLD in their last five matches but they felt their performances deserved more from the last two games, having fallen to late goals in the 3-2 defeat at Real Zaragoza and having drawn a blank against Deportivo. Despite feeling hard done by, one of Michael Laudrup's strengths is that he knows his side's limitations so he will urge caution heading to Andalusia against a technically superior team.

The return of Enrique Corrales and Sergi Enrich this week has left the Mallorca medical room empty so Laudrup has a full compliment of players to choose from. He has opted not to rush Enrich and Corrales back into the squad and due to the surplus of numbers that goes hand in hand with a fully fit squad, they, as well as Tuni, Marti Crespi and Sergio Tejera, are left out of the travelling group. He is most likely to play with just one striker in the Pizjuan, with Fernando Cavenaghi and Pierre Webo competing for the right to lead the attack. In that case, Jonathan de Guzman, Chori Castro, Jose Luis Marti, Emilio Nsue and either Michael Pereira or Joao Victor would start in the midfield five in front of the regular back four of Pau Cendros, Ivan Ramis, Jose Nunes and Ayoze Diaz. Duda Aouate will continue in goal. One possible variation in personnel could see Ratinho start ahead of Cendros in defence, while a switch to the 4-4-2 would mean both Cavenaghi and Webo starting - unless Victor Casadeus is brought in - which would mean no place for Pereira or Victor from the outset. A fit-again Chori Castro is the main danger man as far as Sevilla are concerned; he will be looking to make up for lost time after a couple of weeks watching on from the stands.

Possible starting XI: (4-2-3-1) Duda Aouate; Pau Cendros, Ivan Ramis, Jose Nunes, Ayoze Diaz; Pep Luis Marti, Joao Victor; Emilio Nsue, Jonathan de Guzman, Gonzalo Castro; Fernando Cavenaghi;

Matchday 11 - Featured Preview: Barcelona vs Villarreal

Saturday night's clash between Barcelona and Villarreal at the Camp Nou could be a landmark game this season. The Yellow Submarine is currently two points behind Barca in the league standings and three behind leaders Real Madrid. With the other big teams alread falling well behind, Juan Carlos Garrido's side hold the last hopes for a three way championship contest but, if they lose against Barca here, La Liga is likely to narrow to a two-horse race with three quarters of the season still ahead of us.

BARCELONA

Player to Watch: Eric Abidal

Barcelona have not been their usual impeccable selves at home this season, but they will need to be on matchday eleven as Villarreal come knocking at the Camp Nou in one of the biggest games of the league calendar. A victory would pile the pressure on Real Madrid ahead of their trip to the Molinon on Sunday. Defeat would deal the blaugrana a bitter blow in their personal struggle for power with Jose Mourinho's current league leaders. Barca warmed up for this match with a 5-1 win over Ceuta in the second leg of the Copa del Rey 4th round, which confirms their place in the last 16. Guardiola's team are WWDWW in their last five and they will be hoping for a similar performance to the one they put in when Sevilla came here two weeks ago, rather than the last time Villarreal visited the Camp Nou and came away with a 1-1 draw.

Pep Guardiola's main concern on Saturday will be replacing suspended defender Gerard Pique at centre back. An injury to Gabriel Milito means that he is not in contention so the manager has two viable options: either to move Eric Abidal over from the left (with Maxwell at left back) or bring in either Marc Barta or Andreu Fontas from Barcelona B. The French veteran is the more likely option as he has already played that role this season and he offers more experience than the talented youngsters. His integration will be crucial, of course, as Villarreal's mobile forwards Nilmar and Giuseppe Rossi will look to exploit any weaknesses. Elsewhere, the "gala" midfield and attack is likely to be reunited after several big names were left out in the cup. Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta and Xavi is the preferred midfield despite the high profile signing of Javier Mascherano this summer, although said Mascherano and Seydou Keita offer more defensive alternatives in case Guardiola errs on the side of caution. Pedro, Lionel Messi and David Villa will start in attack barring any problems; Messi has 17 goals in all competitions so far this season, making him Europe's joint top scorer alongside former Barcelona colleague Samuel Eto'o, now of Inter Milan.

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

VILLARREAL

Player to Watch: Joan Capdevila

Villarreal dispelled any fears of an early cup exit with a 2-0 win over Poli Ejido at the Madrigal on Wednesday. That second leg result gave Juan Carlos Garrido's side a comfortable 3-1 aggregate win, which guarantees their place in the 5th round draw on the 18th of November. That objective achieved, attention now turns to Saturday night's matchday eleven show piece against Barcelona at the Camp Nou. Barca and Villarreal are 2nd and 3rd respectively in the league standings, with only two points between them. If the Yellow Submarine could sink the blaugrana juggernaut here it would deal Pep Guardiola's team a huge blow in the title battle with Real Madrid ahead of the Gran Clasico at the end of the month. Villarreal's form does not look that impressive on paper; they are DDLWW in their last five matches in all competitions but the fact remains they are the only one of the supposed Spanish giants who have kept pace with Barca and Real up until now. There is a lot at stakes in La Liga this weekend and Villarreal have to shoulder a big burden. Defeat in Barcelona could end their own slim title hopes and turn it into another two-horse race with three quarters of the season still to play. The corresponding fixture ended last season in a 1-1 tie and Garrido would probably take a draw if you offered it to him before 10pm on Saturday.

Marcos Senna is back in the squad after a minor injury so Villarreal are back at full strength this weekend. However, given Senna's recent problems and the efficaciousness of the Borja Valero/Bruno Soriano partnership in central midfield on matchday ten, the Brazilian-born former Spain international could possibly start on the bench. If he does come back into the fold immediately to add his weight of experience then Borja will switch back to the wing and Ruben Cani will be the casualty as he drops to the bench. Bruno Soriano and Santi Cazorla would complete the midfield four, with impressive strike duo Nilmar and Giuseppe Rossi looking to feed off them up front. Gonzalo Rodriguez was suspended in the league last weekend and, even though he is available, he will only be on the bench as Mateo Musacchio and Carlos Marchena start at centre back, with Angel Lopez on the right and Joan Capdevila on the left side of defence. Capdevila is a former graduate of the Espanyol academy, a blanquiazul Catalan, who has more reason than most to want Barcelona to fail. He could have a big say in the outcome of the game because he will be marking megastar Lionel Messi and keeping the Argentine quiet will be one of the keys to Villarreal's potential success.

Possible starting XI: (4-4-2) Diego Lopez; Angel Lopez, Carlos Marchena, Mateo Musacchio, Joan Capdevila; Santi Cazorla, Bruno Soriano, Marcos Senna, Borja Valero; Nilmar, Giuseppe Rossi;

Matchday 10 - Featured Preview: Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid

In terms of intensity, significance and pure derby passion, Sunday night's clash between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu may be the closest thing that Jose Mourinho gets to a dress rehearsal before the Gran Clasico showdown with Barcelona later this month. Los Merengues are unbeaten under the "Special One" but Quique Sanchez Flores' side are one of a handful of clubs in Spain who have the quality to do Real serious damage even if the white giants are on top of their game.

REAL MADRID

Player to Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo

Real Madrid came away from the San Siro on Wednesday with a sense of relief after earning a late 2-2 draw but, in reality, they were the better team in Milan and should have beaten the Italian giants after cruising into the lead just before half time. A brief dip in concentration allowed veteran rossoneri striker Filippo Inzaghi to end Real's 100% run in the Champions League, but the important thing for Jose Mourinho is that his unbeaten record remains intact heading into Sunday's derby with Atletico Madrid. Real are WWDWD in their last five matches in all competitions and that translates to four straight wins in the league. They remain a point above Barcelona in 1st place and they have the recent memory of a 3-2 victory against the Colchoneros in the corresponding fixture last season to provide them with an encouraging antecedent.

Mourinho's team selection has been extremely consistent so far this season and it could be that we see the same eleven that faced Milan on Wednesday at the Bernabeu on Sunday. There will be changes in the squad because Jerzy Dudek became the latest injury casualty this week, confining the Polish keeper to the sidelines next to Kaka, Ezequiel Garay and Fernando Gago who, although training now, is some way off match sharpness. Antonio Adan and Isaac have both been called into the preliminary squad from the B team, but it is Adan who will make the final eighteen instead of Dudek. Lassana Diarra has been overlooked again despite his apparent fitness, which will fuel further speculation about an increasingly likely exit in January or June. Pepe was at fault for David Trezeguet's goal last weekend, forcing Real to come from a goal behind to beat Hercules 1-3, and again he failed to track Zlatan Ibrahimovic in midweek as he provided the first assist for Inzaghi. The Portuguese defender was substituted in both of those matches as Mourinho was characteristically damning with his changes. Any more mistakes like that could see Pepe forfeit his place to Raul Albiol, who is waiting for his chance to exploit any mistakes. Cristiano Ronaldo has eleven goals so far in the league and he will be the danger man for Atletico given his form but, with Gonzalo Higuain, Mesut Ozil and Angel di Maria completing the offensive force, the rojiblancos are well aware that a match-winning intervention could come from anywhere at any time.

Possible starting XI: (4-2-3-1) Iker Casillas; Marcelo, Ricardo Carvalho, Pepe, Sergio Ramos; Xabi Alonso, Sami Khedira; Angel di Maria, Mesut Ozil, Cristiano Ronaldo; Gonzalo Higuain;

ATLETICO MADRID

Player to Watch: Jose Antonio Reyes

After a brief scare at the start of their European campaign, Atletico Madrid are back on track in their bid to retain their Europa League title thanks to consecutive wins over Rosenberg. Quique Sanchez Flores' team are still second in the group behind Bayer Leverkusen but one win in either of their remaining two matches should see them through to the last 32. This weekend Atletico appear in the showpiece in La Liga as they visit Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu for arguably the most important city derby in Spain. Real lead the league classification at the moment, while the rojiblancos are below where they would expect to be in 6th. A shock win at the Bernabeu, however, could push them back up into the top four if results elsewhere go their way. Atletico are WLWDW in their last five matches in all competitions and they will be especially motivated for the derby, a fixture they lost 3-2 last season.

Although Diego Godin and Sergio Asenjo are still injured and Luis Perea is suspended, the good news for Quique heading into the weekend is that Jose Antonio Reyes, Diego Forlan and Alvaro Dominguez are all fit again and should start on Sunday. With Godin and Perea out, Juan Valera will probably come into the back four, maybe on the right as powerful Czech defender Tomas Ujfalusi steps over to partner Dominguez in the centre and Filipe Luis or Antonio Lopez start on the left. Filipe is starting to replicate the exceptional form he showed as captain of Deportivo La Coruna last season before injury struck and currently has the edge over Atletico club captain Lopez. For the first time since his first six months at Arsenal, Jose Reyes is back to his best form and he should start on the right against his former club after returning from injury; he has a bit of a point to prove as inconsistency meant that he was never taken into the hearts of the Real Madrid faithful. Simao, Tiago and Paolo Assuncao should complete the regular midfield four with Fran Merida, Ignacio Camacho, Raul Garcia and Mario Suarez offering back-up on the bench. Diego Costa has been the most consistent Atleti forward this year but, despite his fine form of late, reputation could play a part as Sergio Aguero and Diego Forlan are expected to resume their partnership at the head of the 4-4-2 formation. Both have the quality to harm Real's defence and they will have to be marshalled very carefully by Mourinho's back four.

Possible starting XI: (4-4-2) David de Gea; Filipe Luis, Alvaro Dominguez, Tomas Ujfalusi, Juan Valera; Simao, Tiago, Paolo Assuncao, Jose Antonio Reyes; Diego Forlan, Sergio Aguero;

Matchday 9 - Featured Preview: Barcelona vs Sevilla

The crunch fixtures are coming thick and fast now and Saturday throws up another whopper as Sevilla travel to Catalonia to play Barcelona at the Camp Nou. With Real Madrid trail blazing at the moment, Pep Guardiola's team need to gather some momentum just to keep up with them. This match is a clash between two European heavyweights but it holds special importance for a couple of players; Dani Alves, Seydou Keita and Adriano count among the Sevilla alumni in blaugrana colours, while loanee Martin Caceres will be hoping to impress his mother club with a solid defensive performance for the Andalusians.

BARCELONA

Player to Watch: Lionel Messi

A Barcelona team captained by Bojan Krkic and including a whole host of young players from Barcelona B beat Ceuta 0-2 in the 4th round of the Copa del Rey on Tuesday night to practically guarantee Barca's passage into the last sixteen. That win takes the Catalan clubs form to DWWWW in their last five matches heading into Saturday's crunch encounter with Gregorio Manzano's Sevilla at the Camp Nou. Barcelona are 3rd in the league table, a point behind rivals Real Madrid who head the classification. Pep Guardiola's men thrashed Sevilla 4-0 in Barcelona in the return leg of the Super Cup in August and by the same scoreline in the league during the 2009-10 season. Messi scored a hat-trick this year and a brace last year and, given that he has also struck twice in his last two appearances, he will be the obvious danger man whom Sevilla will fear. Jeffren picked up a clavicle injury on Tuesday and he has been ruled out for a month so he will not be in the squad on Saturday. Dani Alves, Sergio Busquets, Victor Valdes, Gerard Pique, Andres Iniesta, David Villa and Lionel Messi are all back having been rested in the cup. Doubts about Xavi Hernandez and Gabi Milito, who both missed the last couple of games with physical problems, appear to have cleared up as they resumed full training on Thursday. The return of Xavi is essential to Barca's title push and he is likely to be brought back in for this vital match to pull the strings at the heart of the Barcelona midfield; they are simply not the same without him. He should join Busquets and Iniesta in the midfield three unless Iniesta plays further forward instead of Pedro in the front line next to Messi and Villa. If that is the case, either Seydou Keita or Javier Mascherano will be handed a midfield start. Maxwell scored his first goal for Barca this week and he will be hoping to hold on to his left back slot ahead of Eric Abidal next to Carles Puyol, Pique and Alves at the back. 

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

SEVILLA

Player to Watch: Martin Caceres

Sevilla are bound to be wary of Lionel Messi when they come to face Barcelona at the Camp Nou on Saturday night. The Argentine wizard scored a brace in Barca's 4-0 win in the corresponding fixture in 2009-10 and a hat-trick when these two clubs met in Les Corts in the Super Cup back in August. Five points separate 3rd placed Barcelona and 6th placed Sevilla at this juncture, but Gregorio Manzano's men arrive Catalonia in good spirits having beaten Atletico Madrid 4-3 in the league last weekend and thrashed Real Union 0-4 away from home in midweek to guarantee their progress through to the last 16 of the Copa del Rey, a competition which they won last season. Sevilla's form in the last five matches in all competitions is only tainted by that freak 2-0 defeat at Sporting de Gijon: WLWWW. There were some positive signs in training at the end of the week as Jesus Navas and Federico Fazio returned to the training ground but neither has been risked for the trip north. Tiberio Guarente also missed the trip because of muscle problems so those three join Ivica Dragutinovic and the newly crocked Andres Palop on the absent list. Javi Varas will, therefore, start in goal, and Mouhamadou Dabo could fill in at left back to cover for the suspended Fernando Navarro next to Abdoulay Konko and two from Julien Escude, Alexis Ruano and Martin Caceres. Antonio Luna is also in the squad and is in contention at left back as it is his natural position as opposed to Dabo who is more comfortable on the right. Fredi Kanoute, Luis Fabiano, Konko and Diego Perotti are all novelties on the squad list having been rested in the cup. Negredo scored twice on Wednesday so he may keep his place at either Fabiano or Kanoute's expense. Navas' absence from midfield means that Alejandro Alfaro or Diego Capel will deputise on the right, with Perotti on the left and probably Didier Zokora and Luca Cigarini in central midfield. That is not definite, though, as Romaric and Renato are also present and have seen their playing time augmented since the departure of Antonio Alvarez.

Possible starting XI: (4-4-2) Javi Varas; Abdoulay Konko, Martin Caceres, Alexis Ruano, Mouhamadou Dabo; Diego Perotti, Didier Zokora, Luca Cigarini, Alejandro Alfaro; Luis Fabiano, Alvaro Negredo;

Matchday 8 - Featured Preview: Real Sociedad vs Deportivo La Coruna

Monday night's offering this week is a clash between Real Sociedad and Deportivo La Coruna, both of whom are struggling a bit at the moment. In fact, that is an understatement in terms of Deportivo's abysmal start to the 2010-11 season. Miguel Angel Lotina is in desperate need of points to lift the Galicians out of the bottom three and to relieve some of the pressure on himself but standing in his way is a team who have not rolled over easily at Anoeta in San Sebastian.

REAL SOCIEDAD

Player to Watch: Jeffrey Sarpong

Martin Lasarte's experiment with the 4-4-2 utilising both of his regular strikers at the same time did not pay off in Sunday's 2-1 defeat against fellow promoted club Levante. This fact, added to the injury that Raul Tamudo sustained at the weekend which will keep him out for at least two games, means that we are very likely to see a return to the 4-2-3-1 formation against Deportivo La Coruna at Anoeta on Monday, with Joseba Llorente leading the attack as the lone striker. Sociedad are experiencing an early season sticky patch after an encouraging start. They are now LLLWL in their last five matches and that poor run has seen them fall to 15th in the classification, just a point above the relegation zone. Deportivo are one of the few clubs below them and the Basques have generally been much stronger at home so far this term so Lasarte will expect his team to bounce back with a win on matchday eight. Other than Raul Tamudo's injury, Paco Sutil and Diego Ifran are the only other players in the squad who are not participating in full training for physical motives, therefore there will be at least one change to the team. Jeffrey Sarpong, who has scored twice as a substitute this season and always looks dangerous when he comes on deserves a chance in attacking midfield next to Antoine Griezmann and Xabi Prieto. The back four has remained unchanged so far and I don't expect any tinkering there. Sociedad were much better after the entry of Sarpong and Zurutuza last weekend, so the latter may also be pushing for a midfield starting berth at the expense of either Mikel Aranburu or Diego Rivas.
 
Possible starting XI: (4-2-3-1) Claudio Bravo; Ion Ansotegui, Mikel Gonzalez, Carlos Martinez, Alberto de la Bella; Mikel Aranburu, Diego Rivas; Antoine Griezmann, Xabi Prieto, Jeffrey Sarpong; Joseba Llorente;

DEPORTIVO LA CORUNA

Player to Watch: Riki

Deportivo La Coruna can count themselves lucky they managed to hold on for a 0-0 draw with Osasuna at the Riazor last weekend. Such is the apparent incompetence of this team that they were inferior against the hardly awe-inspiring Pamplonans even when they had a numerical advantage. Referee Perez Lasa did everything he could to give Depor a helping hand in that match, sending off Camunas in the first half, disallowing a perfectly legal Osasuna goal and failing to spot a blatant penalty in their favour, but the Galicians did not keep up their end of the bargain. Miguel Angel Lotina is under real pressure now to turn things around. This week he came out and complained "the squad is healthy but the teamwork atrocious" and he was correct at least in his latter assessment. This weekend Depor visit Real Sociedad at Anoeta and they will be underdogs against the promoted club despite their La Liga longevity. Lotina's side are one point off the bottom of the table in 19th and their form makes for grim reading: DLLLD. In particular, they are finding goals extremely hard to come by. The week started with good news for Lotina as Juan Carlos Valeron and Riki both returned to full training and declared themselves available for Monday's game. Riki's goal threat could be particularly useful at this difficult time so he will come straight into contention for the lone-striking position. His return could see Adrian drop into attacking midifield as there are still doubts about crocked regulars Jose Andres Guardado and Jonathan Urreta in those positions. Michel is injured and Dioni is not 100%, so Lassad is the other main contender. With Juliano Juca still on the fringes of training, Antonio Tomas' thigh problem towards the end of the week was not welcome. David Rochela or Juan Rodriguez are now being prepared as the options to replace him next to Ruben Perez in the holding midfield. At the back, Claudio Morel is out because he is in Paraguay and Alberto Lopo is suspended. Laure and Jose Ze Castro could, therefore, be in line for starts next to Manuel Pablo and Diego Colotto.

Possible starting XI: (4-2-3-1) Daniel Aranzubia; Manuel Pablo, Diego Colotto, Jose Ze Castro, Laure; Diego Rochela, Ruben Perez; Adrian, Juan Rodriguez, Yves Desmerets; Riki;

Matchday 7 - Featured Preview: Barcelona vs Valencia

We will get some idea of Valencia's potential to maintain a sustained title challenge this weekend when Unai Emery's men visit Barcelona at the Camp Nou. Los Che are unbeaten so far in six matches in the league and sit top of the table, while the Catalan outfit are "languishing" in 4th having already dropped points twice at home in 2010-11. Saturday night's encounter will be particularly special for David Villa; the former Valencia legend, now sporting the blaugrana strip, lines up against his old club for the first time and is bound to have mixed emotions if he scores. This is the biggest match of the season so far and is unlikely to be eclipsed until Barcelona go head to head with Real Madrid at the end of November.

BARCELONA

Player to Watch: David Villa

There have been some worrying signs that Barcelona are understaffed this season. With only nineteen first-team squad members, Pep Guardiola's team has suffered particularly whenever any of their main strikers have been missing. That was evident on matchday six as the Catalan giants were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Michael Laudrup's awkward travellers, Real Mallorca. That was the second time Barca have dropped points at home in only three games, which is not the sort of form which will lead them to another record points haul in La Liga. On Saturday night the first blockbuster of the season brings Barcelona together with league leaders Valencia at the Camp Nou. If the blaugrana drop points again they are likely to fall below their current position of 4th and lose more ground on Real Madrid, who are still seen as their major title rivals despite the current prominence of Valencia and Villarreal in the league table. Messi hit a hat-trick last year to give Barcelona a 3-0 win in the corresponding fixture and how Guardiola could do with another match-winning performance from the World Player of the Year.

David Villa hit his 44th international goal against Scotland on Wednesday, equaling Raul's scoring record for Spain, but he also picked up a knock in Glasgow which made him an early doubt for the weekend clash with his old club; Villa missed the Mallorca game through suspension two week's ago and was clearly missed so Guardiola will be delighted that he has now been cleared to start. With Pedro unavailable through injury, the forward line is the one place where Barca have few covering options. Bojan Krkic will be hoping to start but he is not looking very sharp at present so we are more likely to see Messi, Villa, and Andres Iniesta in an advanced role, in the forward three. Javier Mascherano, Sergio Busquets and Seydou Keita would then fit into what would be a very defensive midfield line as the club doctors warned this week that it was still very early for Xavi to be considered. Adriano is fit after a short spell on the sidelines but he is not likely to start. Gabi Milito had to retire from training on Tuesday, making him a doubt, but that should have little bearing on the starting eleven as we expect to see the regular back four with Dani Alves, Eric Abidal, Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol ahead of Victor Valdes in goal. 

Possible starting XI: (4-3-3) Victor Valdes; Eric Abidal, Carles Puyol, Gerard Pique, Dani Alves; Sergi Busquets, Javier Mascherano, Seydou Keita; Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi, David Villa;

VALENCIA

Player to Watch: Juan Mata

Valencia are the current league leaders - Barcelona are the current champions. Valencia are the form team in the division at this early stage in the season - This Barcelona group deserves its status as one of the greatest sides in the history of the Spanish top flight. Egos will clash at the Camp Nou on Saturday night and it is time for one of the big boys to draw blood in by far the biggest game of the season up until now. Last season Lionel Messi scored three to hand Barca a 3-0 whitewash but form so far suggests that it will be a lot closer on this occasion. Valencia are three points above their east coast rivals at the top of the table and they are WWDWW in their last five La Liga matches having only dropped points once - at home to Atletico Madrid - since the start of the campaign.

Joaquin was crocked at the beginning of the week and he will be disappointed to miss out against Barcelona in this crunch fixture. Unai Emery will also feel the Andalusian's absence in a game in which experience could be crucial. In terms of personnel, a lot will depend on whether Emery trumps for a 4-2-3-1 or goes with both Aritz Aduriz and Roberto Soldado in a 4-4-2. If it is the former, I expect Pablo Hernandez, Juan Mata and Vicente to start, with the latter likely to be left out if two forwards are deployed. Vicente has come back strongly this season after missing the majority of the last campaign but he faces stiff opposition from skilful Argentine playmaker Chori Dominguez and young Sofiane Feghouli. Spanish internationals Mata and Pablo are more assured of their places and both could be key. Pep Guardiola is well aware of Mata's talent and the tricky winger has been linked with a move to Barcelona on numerous occasions in the last couple of years. Ever Banega and Tino Costa have emerged as the preferred holding midfield pair for now and are favourites to complete the line-up despite competition from Manuel Fernandes, Mehmet Topal and David Albelda. There have been some physical doubts in defence with Hedwiges Maduro and Luis Miguel both on the fringes of training due to knocks. Miguel was ruled out towards the end of the week so Bruno Saltor will step in as the alternative at right back, joining David Navarro, Ricardo Costa and Jeremy Mathieu in defence. Fiery former Real Madrid and Tottenham goalkeeper Cesar will continue between the sticks and his contribution could be crucial in the face of Barcelona's formidable attack.

Possible starting XI: (4-4-2) Cesar; Jeremy Mathieu, David Navarro, Ricardo Costa, Bruno Saltor; Tino Costa, David Albelda, Juanma Mata, Pablo Hernandez; Roberto Soldado, Aritz Aduriz;

Matchday 6 - Featured Preview: Sevilla vs Atletico Madrid

Gregorio Manzano takes to the home dugout at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan for the first time this weekend ahead of the visit of Atletico Madrid on Sunday afternoon. Besides that added intrigue, this fixture is one of the gems of the La Liga calendar, a clash between two genuine giants of the Spanish game.

SEVILLA

Player to Watch: Luis Fabiano

Gregorio Manzano gave off good vibes in his first match in charge of Sevilla in the Europa League this week. A 0-1 win over Borussia Dortmund in Germany is an excellent result for the Andalusians, which puts them right back in contention for a qualifying spot in their group. The real proof of Manzano's credentials, however, will come on Sunday afternoon when his side face Atletico Madrid in his debut at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan. Sevilla have failed to win at home in all but their Super Cup game first leg against Barcelona this season and that home frustration was one of the key factors in Antonio Alvarez's dismissal last weekend. Manzano, of course, had an excellent home record at Real Mallorca, converting the Ono Estadi in Palma into a veritable fortress, and he will be looking to transfer that strength with him to his new club. The injury news has been generally positive in the build-up to this game. Renato is back in the squad after a couple of weeks on the sidelines through injury and Abdoulay Konko also makes it after doubts. He could come in at right back to replace fresh injury victim Mahamadou Dabo, who joins Ivica Dragutinovic and Federico Fazio in the treatment room after picking up a problem which forced his substitution in Dortmund. Martin Caceres and Alexis Ruano started at centre back on Thursday but Julien Escude is also a major contender in that position so the Frenchman could come in, while Fernando Navarro is almost certain to continue at left back. The rest of the team will depend on whether Manzano repeats the 4-2-3-1 formation he used in Germany at home or decides to bring in Fredi Kanoute or Alvaro Negredo next to Luis Fabiano in attack. The Brazilian number 9 has reverted to his status as the club's focal point in attack after a clash of personalities soured the last few weeks of Alvarez's reign. Behind Fabiano, Didier Zokora, Diego Perotti, Jesus Navas and Luca Cigarini are favourites to start in midfield, with Tiberio Guarente or Renato as well if we see a five man midfield. Alejandro Alfaro has forfeited his place in the squad to Renato this weekend due to tactical reasons, so he will watch on from the stands.

Possible starting XI: (4-2-3-1) Andres Palop; Abdoulay Konko, Alexis Ruano, Julien Escude, Fernando Navarro; Luca Cigarini, Didier Zokora; Jesus Navas, Tiberio Guarente, Diego Perotti; Luis Fabiano;

ATLETICO MADRID

Player to Watch: Filipe Luis

Atletico Madrid's path to the knockout stages of the Europa League was further complicated by a home draw against Bayer Leverkusen on Thursday night, which leaves Quique Sanchez Flores' holders without a win in that competition this term. Atletico's league form is good. They beat Real Zaragoza 1-0 on matchday five to register 5th position in the league ahead of this mouth-watering tie against Sevilla at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on Sunday. The Andalusians have not won at home yet in the league this season but they have an expert at that task in Gregorio Manzano now at the healm. Quique Sanchez Flores has some problems heading into this game on the player front. Argentinean international Sergio Aguero is back in the treatment room due to a small muscle tear so Diego Costa and Diego Forlan will start up front as the only strikers in the matchday squad. Diego Godin is also injured at the moment and Jose Antonio Reyes will serve a suspension after his petulant red card last weekend. That means Flores needs to replace a centre-back and a right-winger at the Pizjuan. Godin's replacement in defence could be Luis Perea who will link up next to Alvaro Dominguez allowing Tomas Ujfalusi to slot back in at right back after completing a two-match ban. Filipe Luis should start again at left back after a stunning debut against Zaragoza. It is fantastic to finally see him back to his old self after a long period of recuperation following an ankle break at the start of 2010. In midfield, Simao, Paolo Assuncao and Tiago Mendes could be joined by former Arsenal star Fran Merida as a replacement for another former Gunner, Jose Reyes. Playing Raul Garcia out of position on the right wing is another tempting option, if Quique decides that this game has come too soon for young Merida.

Possible starting XI: (4-4-2) David de Gea; Tomas Ujfalusi, Luis Perea, Alvaro Dominguez, Filipe Luis; Simao, Tiago, Paolo Assuncao, Fran Merida; Diego Forlan, Diego Costa;

Matchday 5 - Featured Preview: Malaga vs Villarreal

Villarreal visit Malaga's Rosaleda on Monday night in what promises to be an exciting clash between two in-form teams who both recorded wins last Thursday night. Jesualdo Ferreira's new Malaga side are yet to win at home this season and, in fact, they have not won at the Rosaleda in La Liga for six months dating back to a win over Villarreal but the Andalusians will be hoping that their raw pace is enough to hurt their opponents. Juan Carlos Garrido's organised team arrive in Malaga full of confidence. A win here could see the Yellow Submarine move up to 2nd place in La Liga.

MALAGA

Player to Watch: Jose Rondon

On Thursday Malaga picked up another fine away win to go along with their 3-5 thrashing of Real Zaragoza earlier in the season, beating Getafe 0-2 at the notoriously frugal Coliseum Alfonso Perez. Malaga have a lot of work to do before they finally look like a decent team but that is hardly surprising given the level of change over the summer. Jesualdo Ferreira's men are LWLW in their first four matches, which leaves them in 8th position at this early stage in the season. On Monday night they host Villarreal at the Rosaleda and all the signs are it will be a complicated match for the Andalusians. They are yet to register a point at home and Villarreal are currently on a hot streak of three wins in a row which has seen them rise as high as 3rd after the minor setback of an opening day defeat. Curiously enough, Malaga have not won at home for exactly six months and that time it was against Villarreal. Jesus Gamez is suspended on Monday night after picking up a red card in Thursday's win so there will be a replacement required at right back. Manu Torres is the most obvious like-for-like change but Patrick Mtiliga could also shift right allowing Ivan Gonzalez to play in the middle next to Weligton. Rodrigo Galatto is still injured so Ruben is included in the squad again and he will be hoping to start in goal ahead of Arnau for the second time in a week. Manolo Gaspar, Duda and Helder Rosario are also sidelined at the moment but Juanito is back in the team so there are plenty of options in centre midfield with Antonio Apono, Fernando and Sandro Silva all competing for places. We are likely to see a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1 formation so there could be room for two or three of those four in the middle of the pitch with wide men Quincy and Eliseu completing the midfield behind a lone striker. Seba Fernandez, Juanmi, Jose Rondon and Nabil Baha are all in the squad and, as he scored the other day, Rondon has to be favourite to start even ahead of teenage prodigy Juanmi. Alberto Luque, Edinho and Javier Malagueno were left off the list for tactical reasons.

Possible starting XI: (4-3-3) Ruben; Manu Torres, Ivan Gonzalez, Weligton, Patrick Mtiliga; Sandro Silva, Fernando, Antonio Apono; Eliseu, Quincy Owesu-Abeyie, Jose Rondon;

VILLARREAL

Player to Watch: Nilmar

Villarreal currently sit 3rd in the table thanks to confident 1-0 win over Deportivo La Coruna on Thursday night. Brazilian striker Nilmar was the goal-scorer for the Valencian club and he has now become La Liga's leading scorer having notched up four goals in four matches of the 2010-11 season. Juan Carlos Garrido's team look far more organised this season than they did throughout the last, as the new manager has cleared out the dead wood and the team is obviously benefiting from the stability and consistency Garrido has provided. Villarreal are LWWW in their last four matches heading into Monday night's clash with Malaga at the Rosaleda. Villarreal's form, coupled with Malaga's poor home form this season probably makes Garrido's team the favourites to win this match and boost their already impressive credentials. With no injury worries at all at the moment, Juan Carlos Garrido has named the same 18-man squad as he named for the last two matches. Consistency in his team selection is part of the efficaciousness of Villarreal's play at the moment and this is manifesting itself in their improved organisation and togetherness. It is highly likely that we will see the same 4-4-2 formation as before, with Giuseppe Rossi and Nilmar acting as the key men up front, Santi Cazorla and Borja Valero wide of Bruno Soriano and Marcos Senna in midfield and Matteo Musacchio, Angel Lopez, Joan Capdevila and Carlos Marchena in front of Diego Lopez at the back. To compliment that line-up, Jefferson Montero, Ruben Cani, Jozy Altidore and Marco Ruben can all make decisive impacts if called into action from the bench.

Possible starting XI: (4-4-2) Diego Lopez; Angel Lopez, Matteo Musacchio, Carlos Marchena, Joan Capdevila; Santiago Cazorla, Bruno Soriano, Marcos Senna, Borja Valero; Nilmar, Giuseppe Rossi;