FC Barcelona visits Esteban Vigo's Hercules, the only blot on Barcelona's record this season.
There might be some major modifications to La Liga's standings upon this week's games. While Barcelona visits Hercules and Real Madrid hosts Osasuna, four top European contenders take on each other, as Athletic travels to Madrid to challenge Atletico and Villarreal visits Espanyol.
Valencia and Sevilla, on the other hand, take on relatively weak rivals and they should take full advantage of this situation to climb as high as possible in the title's chase. Sevilla's controversial defeat against Real Madrid for Copa del Rey left a bitter aftertaste on Gregorio Manzano's boys mouth, and there's no better medicine than success, which they'll be looking for on Saturday's late game against Deportivo.
Only two squads have defeated FC Barcelona this season; Real Betis and Hercules. Paraguayan international Nelson Haedo Valdez was Blaugrana's executioner in the second round of this tournament, but the striker has been experiencing some major physical pain and might not be fully fit to perform this Saturday, just like Royston Drenthe.
Malaga and Zaragoza play a decisive six-pointer for the bottom fight, while Valencia visits Santander on Monday to end La Liga's 21st round.
La Liga's bottom fight is restless and grows more and more complicated as the weeks go by. Everyone agrees on the importance of this clash, for the loser will be sank below the relegation line while. Zaragoza's two points advantage over Zaragoza will not be enough for Javier Aguirre's boys to leave La Rosaleda comfortably upon a defeat.
Zaragoza's coach believes the last games offered a few important lessons to his squad. "We must learn from what happened against Espanyol three weeks ago, for we started the game a little bit asleep and we paid hard for it (Mauricio Pochettino's Pericos celebrated a sound 4-0 victory). If we do the same against Malaga, things can get out of control" he said. Two consecutive victories fed Zaragoza's spirit, and their momentum might help them to overwhelm Malaga from the first minute on.
Zaragoza's last acquisition Guirane N'Daw might be playing his first game, perhaps taking over Matteo Contini's place, as the Italian received his fifth yellow card last week and won't be able to perform. Ivan Obradovic might also be ruled out, as the defender experienced high fever during the last week's trainings.
Malaga's manager Manuel Pellegrini recovers two decisive players on his defense, Kris and Javier Malagueño. "Zaragoza will be a harsh, complicated rival" said the Chilean boss when asked about this game. Satisfied with his attacking duo, Jose Rondon and Julio Baptista will once again be leading the advance.
Martin Lasarte's Errealas wants to return to the upper half of the positions table by taking advantage of weakened Almeria, occupying the 18th position with 17 points.
Jose Luis Oltra's Almeria recovers Santiago Acasiete, Marcelo Silva and Argentinean striker Fernando Ulloa, sharpening his weapons for a tough match in Anoeta. Juanma Ortiz and Juanito, on the other hand, are likely to watch this game from the bench, struggling with injuries.
Real Sociedad misses its top striker Joseba Llorente. This might be a golden opportunity for Raul Tamudo to recover his place as Erreala's most dangerous striker, perhaps not such a difficult task now that David Zurutuza returns to the starting eleven.
Kalu Uche and Pablo PIatti will try to overwhelm Real Sociedad' defense and generate enough goal-scoring opportunities for the visitors to take the full scoring home. Newly promoted Txuri-Urdin won't give in without fighting, will they obtain the three points?
Sporting has a busy schedule ahead, as Athletic, Barcelona and Sevilla will be waiting for Manolo Preciado's boys in the weeks to come and without a positive result in Mallorca, it looks like los Rojiblancos will be struggling to maintain the category, as the relegation line stands only two points below their head. Mallorca, on the other hand, fights in the upper half of the positions table, perhaps too far away from the European places.
Mallorca's coach Michael Laudrup will have to come up with an idea to sharpen his attack, as Argentinean striker Fernando Cavenaghi traveled to Brazil to negotiate with Internacional and Victor Casadesus is ruled out with injuries for at least two months.
This turns Pierre Webo into Bermellones' offensive leader, but he might be isolated without a strong partner in the attack. Young Sergi Enrich might be given a shot among the starting eleven. Aged 20, the pressure of this game might be too heavy for the Spaniard to deal with.
Things have been working out pretty well for Sporting with David Barral and Nacho Novo leading the attack. Uruguayan international Sebastian Eguren and Diego Castro played a major role in Rojiblancos' scheme, associating with the wingers and building strong offenses on their own.
Action seems to be guaranteed for this clash, as the last three times these two teams took on each other, 10 goals were scored with two victories for Sporting and one for Mallorca. The Iberostar Stadi will host a game between two rivals of equal forces, who'll succeed?
Luis Garcia's Levante wants to avoid a sixth consecutive defeat at home as they host Getafe on Saturday evening. Getafe isn't doing much better, having obtained a single point in the last four games.A victory is mandatory for los Granotes to boost their morale before visiting Villarreal and Real Madrid in the weeks to come.
Levante's coach will have to do without Sergio Gonzalez, while former Getafe's Nano and Ruben Gonzalez might not be fully fit to perform. In 12 visits to the Estadio Ciutat, Getafe has never been able to celebrate a single victory.
This clash is a must-win for Michel's Azulones, for it might be the only way to put Getafe's wheels back into motion. Getafe's midfielder Jaime Gavilan returns to the starting eleven and will provide a major boost to team's attack.
Only a victory can help Getafe with the European chase and Levante with the bottom fight. The future of them both depends on this game, who'll take the three points?
Unai Emery's Valencia visits Santander eager to connect a sixth consecutive victory to help them secure their ticket for the next edition of the Champions League. Racing, on the other hand, has failed to celebrate a single victory in the last five weeks, and the three points are mandatory to stay afloat in this restless Spanish fight.
It won't be easy for Miguel Angel Portugal's Montañeses, specially considering Pedro Munitis, Oscar Serrano and Alexandros Tziolis won't be able to perform. At least Pablo Pinillos is fully fit to perform,and his experience will surely come in handy dealing with Emery's deadly strikers.
The visitors, on the other hand, will have to do without Juan Mata, an essential engine in Emery's scheme. Pablo Hernandez is his natural replacement, and his partnership with Joaquin has already proven to be successful many times in the past.
Ever Banega grows as the main driver in Valencia, associating with Hedwiges Madur both in the attack and the defense. Roberto Soldado and Aritz Aduriz lead the attack, and they've shown they wield weapons of mass destruction.
El Sardinero will host two rivals in great need of a victory, who'll bag the victory?
It's pay back time for Barcelona and the perfect opportunity to correct their only mistake in La Liga's first half. Hercules' victory at the Camp Nou back in September shocked everyone, but the defeat made Barcelona even stronger and the undisputed leader knows the crowds won't accept anything but a victory.
Barcelona has won the last 14 Liga games, a truly impressive record. Hercules' most creative midfielder Royston Drenthe will not be part of the squad, greatly undermining Blanquiazules' attack. To make things even worse, Abraham Paz and Noe Pamarot are both struggling with injuries, making way for Mohammed Sarr and Sergio Rodriguez to control the ball.
Barcelona's captain Carles Puyol will once again be watching the game from the bench, while Brazilian international Daniel Alves returns to the starting eleven. Sergio Busquests, Xavi and Andres Iniesta will look forward to dominate the midfield, leaving Hercules' David Trezeguet and Nelson Haedo Valdez isolated in the attack.
Lio Messi's fury will most surely be decisive for the outcome of the game. David Villa and Pedro can pose a serious threat, specially considering that between the three of them they've already scored 70 goals this season.
Midweek's sound victory 5-0 over Almeria for Copa del Rey gave Barcelona the needed confidence after falling 3-1 in the previous leg with Real Betis. Another victory secures the top for Barcelona for two more weeks, will they make it?
Reigning Copa del Rey champion Sevilla failed to defeat Real Madrid in the first leg of the cup semi-finals and will be looking forward to redeem themselves by taking advantage of the unstable Deportivo. Sevilla's winger Jesus Navas is ruled out with a stomach virus, while Ndri Romaric is out with injuries and Frederic Kanouté banned from performing.
Deportivo's coach Miguel Angel Lotina will also have to deal with many absentees on his squad. Mexican international Andres Guardado struggles with a long-term injury and will be missing yet another game, while Albert Lopo finished week's training experiencing major leg pain and might not be risked for this clash.
Lotina recovers Manuel Pablo, who finished last week's game against Zaragoza with a minor leg injury but his evolution has been rather favorable. Deportivo's 5-men defensive back line might not be enough to stop Luis Fabiano, whose recent awakening can turn this game into an endless nightmare for Deportivo at the Riazor.
Deportivo can finish the week only one point above the relegation line upon a defeat while the last European place can escape up to eight points above Sevilla's head if the visitors fail to secure the three points.
Atletico wants to recover his place among the European candidates. Athletic occupies the last qualifying place with 32 points, but the two-points advantage might not be enough upon a Colchonero victory this Sunday at the Vicente Calderon. Atletico's coach Quique Sanchez Flores recovers Sergio Aguero and Jose Antonio Reyes, two of his main weapons and won't hesitate on sending Joaquin Caparros' Lions back home empty-handed.
Uruguayan international Diego Forlan will play a major role in the development of the game: In fact, Forlan has already scored 12 goals against Athletic since he joined Atletico. Tiago and Juanfran will be responsible for feeding Rojiblancos' trio of doom with enough goal-scoring opportunities to bag the victory from the first minute on.
Athletic's aerial superiority will be a headache for Atletico's defense. "This game has to bring joy and redemption to our followers" said Atletico's coach, who also recognized that nullifying Fernando Llorente should be the main concern of the hosts' defense.
The visitors will be missing defender Ustaritz Aldekoaotalora and striker Iñigo Díaz de Cerio, but Aitor Ocio's returns might make up for these absentees. Atletico has won the last two matches between these two squads and the three points are mandatory not to be left at least five points below Europa's last place.
This game is likely to define the future of both Athletic and Atletico, the winner will finish January as one Spain's top six teams, who shall succeed?
Having defeated Copa Del Rey reigning champion Sevilla at the Sanchez Pizjuan, the morale of Jose Mourinho's Rojiblancos received a major boost as they prepare to visit Osasuna on Sunday's night. Emmanuel Adebayor might be playing his debut match with los Blancos this Sunday, but Madrid's coach might choose to give French international Karim Benzema another shot as the attacking leader, after a satisfying performance in the last two games.
"We're facing Real Madrid, not Benzema or Adebayor exclusively" said Osasuna's defender Sergio Fernandez when asked about this game. The hosts will be missing two key players, as Javad Nekounam and Masoud Shojaei have both returned from their respective Asian Cup football teams struggling with injuries. Jose Antonio Camacho misses also Nacho Monreal and Alvaro Cejudo, greatly undermining Osasuna's back line.
Real Madrid prepares for a sounding feast at the Reyno de Navarra, as they need to take advantage of their momentum to advance to Copa del Rey semi-finals at the beginning of the next week. Xabi Alonso and Marcelo won't be able to perform, both of them with influenza: without them, Madrid might be lost in the midfield without projection from the left wing. Sami Khedira will have to take over Xabi Alonso's role as long as Mourinho wants to maintain the same 4-2-3-1 formation that has proven to be so successful in the last few weeks.
Real Madrid is forced to bag the three points to keep up with Barcelona's furious pace. Osasuna must rescue at least one point not to finish the week below the relegation line, will they survive Merengues' visit?
Villarreal has fought hard to become the top third alternative for Barcelona and Real Madrid's eternal leadership. With 42 points after 20 games, Juan Carlos Garrido's Submarines are without a doubt one of the toughest rivals on the league, perhaps as strong as Mauricio Pochettino's Espanyol playing at their own home, a true fortress that has helped los Pericos claim the fifth position with 37 points.
Brazilian striker Nilmar returns to the starting squad for the first time in over a month, as the evolution of his knee injury has been rather favorable. Marcos Senna, Jozy Altidore, Jefferson Montero and Cristóbal Márquez, on the other hand, are all ruled out from the game, the first due to injuries, the last three waiting to decide their future in the market. Borja Valero and Santi Cazorla will be joining Giuseppe Rossi on the attack, ready to return home with three major points in the fight for the Champions League.
"We'll be playing against a formidable rival. We want to demonstrate we're ready for the Champions League fight" said Villarreal's boss Garrido when asked about this clash. "They've earned our respect with hard work and dedication. They're doing the best they can, so we'll have to work our hearts out to defeat them" he added.
Espanyol's coach Mauricio Pochettino will be missing Víctor Ruiz and Dídac Vilà, both sold to the Italian football in the last days. Ernest Galan and David Garcia, on the other hand, return to the starting eleven after months struggling with injuries. Argentinean striker Jesus Datolo and Ivan Alonso will have a tough nut to crack with Villarreal's defense, as the visitors have conceded an average of only one goal per game so far this season.
An important clash between two rivals of equal forces. The winner will set a precedent for the European chase, while a draw might not be enough to any of them to secure their current standing. Who'll celebrate at the Cornella-El-Prat this week?
Valencia and Sevilla, on the other hand, take on relatively weak rivals and they should take full advantage of this situation to climb as high as possible in the title's chase. Sevilla's controversial defeat against Real Madrid for Copa del Rey left a bitter aftertaste on Gregorio Manzano's boys mouth, and there's no better medicine than success, which they'll be looking for on Saturday's late game against Deportivo.
Only two squads have defeated FC Barcelona this season; Real Betis and Hercules. Paraguayan international Nelson Haedo Valdez was Blaugrana's executioner in the second round of this tournament, but the striker has been experiencing some major physical pain and might not be fully fit to perform this Saturday, just like Royston Drenthe.
Malaga and Zaragoza play a decisive six-pointer for the bottom fight, while Valencia visits Santander on Monday to end La Liga's 21st round.
La Liga's bottom fight is restless and grows more and more complicated as the weeks go by. Everyone agrees on the importance of this clash, for the loser will be sank below the relegation line while. Zaragoza's two points advantage over Zaragoza will not be enough for Javier Aguirre's boys to leave La Rosaleda comfortably upon a defeat.
Zaragoza's coach believes the last games offered a few important lessons to his squad. "We must learn from what happened against Espanyol three weeks ago, for we started the game a little bit asleep and we paid hard for it (Mauricio Pochettino's Pericos celebrated a sound 4-0 victory). If we do the same against Malaga, things can get out of control" he said. Two consecutive victories fed Zaragoza's spirit, and their momentum might help them to overwhelm Malaga from the first minute on.
Zaragoza's last acquisition Guirane N'Daw might be playing his first game, perhaps taking over Matteo Contini's place, as the Italian received his fifth yellow card last week and won't be able to perform. Ivan Obradovic might also be ruled out, as the defender experienced high fever during the last week's trainings.
Malaga's manager Manuel Pellegrini recovers two decisive players on his defense, Kris and Javier Malagueño. "Zaragoza will be a harsh, complicated rival" said the Chilean boss when asked about this game. Satisfied with his attacking duo, Jose Rondon and Julio Baptista will once again be leading the advance.
Martin Lasarte's Errealas wants to return to the upper half of the positions table by taking advantage of weakened Almeria, occupying the 18th position with 17 points.
Jose Luis Oltra's Almeria recovers Santiago Acasiete, Marcelo Silva and Argentinean striker Fernando Ulloa, sharpening his weapons for a tough match in Anoeta. Juanma Ortiz and Juanito, on the other hand, are likely to watch this game from the bench, struggling with injuries.
Real Sociedad misses its top striker Joseba Llorente. This might be a golden opportunity for Raul Tamudo to recover his place as Erreala's most dangerous striker, perhaps not such a difficult task now that David Zurutuza returns to the starting eleven.
Kalu Uche and Pablo PIatti will try to overwhelm Real Sociedad' defense and generate enough goal-scoring opportunities for the visitors to take the full scoring home. Newly promoted Txuri-Urdin won't give in without fighting, will they obtain the three points?
Sporting has a busy schedule ahead, as Athletic, Barcelona and Sevilla will be waiting for Manolo Preciado's boys in the weeks to come and without a positive result in Mallorca, it looks like los Rojiblancos will be struggling to maintain the category, as the relegation line stands only two points below their head. Mallorca, on the other hand, fights in the upper half of the positions table, perhaps too far away from the European places.
Mallorca's coach Michael Laudrup will have to come up with an idea to sharpen his attack, as Argentinean striker Fernando Cavenaghi traveled to Brazil to negotiate with Internacional and Victor Casadesus is ruled out with injuries for at least two months.
This turns Pierre Webo into Bermellones' offensive leader, but he might be isolated without a strong partner in the attack. Young Sergi Enrich might be given a shot among the starting eleven. Aged 20, the pressure of this game might be too heavy for the Spaniard to deal with.
Things have been working out pretty well for Sporting with David Barral and Nacho Novo leading the attack. Uruguayan international Sebastian Eguren and Diego Castro played a major role in Rojiblancos' scheme, associating with the wingers and building strong offenses on their own.
Action seems to be guaranteed for this clash, as the last three times these two teams took on each other, 10 goals were scored with two victories for Sporting and one for Mallorca. The Iberostar Stadi will host a game between two rivals of equal forces, who'll succeed?
Luis Garcia's Levante wants to avoid a sixth consecutive defeat at home as they host Getafe on Saturday evening. Getafe isn't doing much better, having obtained a single point in the last four games.A victory is mandatory for los Granotes to boost their morale before visiting Villarreal and Real Madrid in the weeks to come.
Levante's coach will have to do without Sergio Gonzalez, while former Getafe's Nano and Ruben Gonzalez might not be fully fit to perform. In 12 visits to the Estadio Ciutat, Getafe has never been able to celebrate a single victory.
This clash is a must-win for Michel's Azulones, for it might be the only way to put Getafe's wheels back into motion. Getafe's midfielder Jaime Gavilan returns to the starting eleven and will provide a major boost to team's attack.
Only a victory can help Getafe with the European chase and Levante with the bottom fight. The future of them both depends on this game, who'll take the three points?
Unai Emery's Valencia visits Santander eager to connect a sixth consecutive victory to help them secure their ticket for the next edition of the Champions League. Racing, on the other hand, has failed to celebrate a single victory in the last five weeks, and the three points are mandatory to stay afloat in this restless Spanish fight.
It won't be easy for Miguel Angel Portugal's Montañeses, specially considering Pedro Munitis, Oscar Serrano and Alexandros Tziolis won't be able to perform. At least Pablo Pinillos is fully fit to perform,and his experience will surely come in handy dealing with Emery's deadly strikers.
The visitors, on the other hand, will have to do without Juan Mata, an essential engine in Emery's scheme. Pablo Hernandez is his natural replacement, and his partnership with Joaquin has already proven to be successful many times in the past.
Ever Banega grows as the main driver in Valencia, associating with Hedwiges Madur both in the attack and the defense. Roberto Soldado and Aritz Aduriz lead the attack, and they've shown they wield weapons of mass destruction.
El Sardinero will host two rivals in great need of a victory, who'll bag the victory?
It's pay back time for Barcelona and the perfect opportunity to correct their only mistake in La Liga's first half. Hercules' victory at the Camp Nou back in September shocked everyone, but the defeat made Barcelona even stronger and the undisputed leader knows the crowds won't accept anything but a victory.
Barcelona has won the last 14 Liga games, a truly impressive record. Hercules' most creative midfielder Royston Drenthe will not be part of the squad, greatly undermining Blanquiazules' attack. To make things even worse, Abraham Paz and Noe Pamarot are both struggling with injuries, making way for Mohammed Sarr and Sergio Rodriguez to control the ball.
Barcelona's captain Carles Puyol will once again be watching the game from the bench, while Brazilian international Daniel Alves returns to the starting eleven. Sergio Busquests, Xavi and Andres Iniesta will look forward to dominate the midfield, leaving Hercules' David Trezeguet and Nelson Haedo Valdez isolated in the attack.
Lio Messi's fury will most surely be decisive for the outcome of the game. David Villa and Pedro can pose a serious threat, specially considering that between the three of them they've already scored 70 goals this season.
Midweek's sound victory 5-0 over Almeria for Copa del Rey gave Barcelona the needed confidence after falling 3-1 in the previous leg with Real Betis. Another victory secures the top for Barcelona for two more weeks, will they make it?
Reigning Copa del Rey champion Sevilla failed to defeat Real Madrid in the first leg of the cup semi-finals and will be looking forward to redeem themselves by taking advantage of the unstable Deportivo. Sevilla's winger Jesus Navas is ruled out with a stomach virus, while Ndri Romaric is out with injuries and Frederic Kanouté banned from performing.
Deportivo's coach Miguel Angel Lotina will also have to deal with many absentees on his squad. Mexican international Andres Guardado struggles with a long-term injury and will be missing yet another game, while Albert Lopo finished week's training experiencing major leg pain and might not be risked for this clash.
Lotina recovers Manuel Pablo, who finished last week's game against Zaragoza with a minor leg injury but his evolution has been rather favorable. Deportivo's 5-men defensive back line might not be enough to stop Luis Fabiano, whose recent awakening can turn this game into an endless nightmare for Deportivo at the Riazor.
Deportivo can finish the week only one point above the relegation line upon a defeat while the last European place can escape up to eight points above Sevilla's head if the visitors fail to secure the three points.
Atletico wants to recover his place among the European candidates. Athletic occupies the last qualifying place with 32 points, but the two-points advantage might not be enough upon a Colchonero victory this Sunday at the Vicente Calderon. Atletico's coach Quique Sanchez Flores recovers Sergio Aguero and Jose Antonio Reyes, two of his main weapons and won't hesitate on sending Joaquin Caparros' Lions back home empty-handed.
Uruguayan international Diego Forlan will play a major role in the development of the game: In fact, Forlan has already scored 12 goals against Athletic since he joined Atletico. Tiago and Juanfran will be responsible for feeding Rojiblancos' trio of doom with enough goal-scoring opportunities to bag the victory from the first minute on.
Athletic's aerial superiority will be a headache for Atletico's defense. "This game has to bring joy and redemption to our followers" said Atletico's coach, who also recognized that nullifying Fernando Llorente should be the main concern of the hosts' defense.
The visitors will be missing defender Ustaritz Aldekoaotalora and striker Iñigo Díaz de Cerio, but Aitor Ocio's returns might make up for these absentees. Atletico has won the last two matches between these two squads and the three points are mandatory not to be left at least five points below Europa's last place.
This game is likely to define the future of both Athletic and Atletico, the winner will finish January as one Spain's top six teams, who shall succeed?
Having defeated Copa Del Rey reigning champion Sevilla at the Sanchez Pizjuan, the morale of Jose Mourinho's Rojiblancos received a major boost as they prepare to visit Osasuna on Sunday's night. Emmanuel Adebayor might be playing his debut match with los Blancos this Sunday, but Madrid's coach might choose to give French international Karim Benzema another shot as the attacking leader, after a satisfying performance in the last two games.
"We're facing Real Madrid, not Benzema or Adebayor exclusively" said Osasuna's defender Sergio Fernandez when asked about this game. The hosts will be missing two key players, as Javad Nekounam and Masoud Shojaei have both returned from their respective Asian Cup football teams struggling with injuries. Jose Antonio Camacho misses also Nacho Monreal and Alvaro Cejudo, greatly undermining Osasuna's back line.
Real Madrid prepares for a sounding feast at the Reyno de Navarra, as they need to take advantage of their momentum to advance to Copa del Rey semi-finals at the beginning of the next week. Xabi Alonso and Marcelo won't be able to perform, both of them with influenza: without them, Madrid might be lost in the midfield without projection from the left wing. Sami Khedira will have to take over Xabi Alonso's role as long as Mourinho wants to maintain the same 4-2-3-1 formation that has proven to be so successful in the last few weeks.
Real Madrid is forced to bag the three points to keep up with Barcelona's furious pace. Osasuna must rescue at least one point not to finish the week below the relegation line, will they survive Merengues' visit?
Villarreal has fought hard to become the top third alternative for Barcelona and Real Madrid's eternal leadership. With 42 points after 20 games, Juan Carlos Garrido's Submarines are without a doubt one of the toughest rivals on the league, perhaps as strong as Mauricio Pochettino's Espanyol playing at their own home, a true fortress that has helped los Pericos claim the fifth position with 37 points.
Brazilian striker Nilmar returns to the starting squad for the first time in over a month, as the evolution of his knee injury has been rather favorable. Marcos Senna, Jozy Altidore, Jefferson Montero and Cristóbal Márquez, on the other hand, are all ruled out from the game, the first due to injuries, the last three waiting to decide their future in the market. Borja Valero and Santi Cazorla will be joining Giuseppe Rossi on the attack, ready to return home with three major points in the fight for the Champions League.
"We'll be playing against a formidable rival. We want to demonstrate we're ready for the Champions League fight" said Villarreal's boss Garrido when asked about this clash. "They've earned our respect with hard work and dedication. They're doing the best they can, so we'll have to work our hearts out to defeat them" he added.
Espanyol's coach Mauricio Pochettino will be missing Víctor Ruiz and Dídac Vilà, both sold to the Italian football in the last days. Ernest Galan and David Garcia, on the other hand, return to the starting eleven after months struggling with injuries. Argentinean striker Jesus Datolo and Ivan Alonso will have a tough nut to crack with Villarreal's defense, as the visitors have conceded an average of only one goal per game so far this season.
An important clash between two rivals of equal forces. The winner will set a precedent for the European chase, while a draw might not be enough to any of them to secure their current standing. Who'll celebrate at the Cornella-El-Prat this week?
