Preview of tonights matches
Barcelona are deeply unhappy about the continuation of the Spanish season before the game against Real Mallorca, after losing Rivaldo and Francesco Coco to their national sides, while still having seven players on the treatment table.
Barcelona are deeply unhappy about the continuation of the Spanish season before the game against Real Mallorca, after losing Rivaldo and Francesco Coco to their national sides, while still having seven players on the treatment table.
But coach Charly Rexach is still able to field an impressive array of talent with Javier Saviola set to make only his third start of the season alongside Patrick Kluivert at the front, while Frank De Boer again partners Patrik Andersson in defence in the absence of the injured Philippe Christanval.
Bernd Kraus is without the suspended Samuel Eto'o and the Turkish defender Fatih, who is with the national team for their World Cup game against Moldova.
Real Madrid are even worse off for the trip to Las Palmas as Figo and Roberto Carlos are joined by Steve McManaman and Elvir Baljic on international duty, while Savio, Ivan Helguera and Flavio Conceicao are injured, leaving Vicente Del Bosque with just 16 first choice players to choose from.
Real Betis' incredible form is set to be tested as they travel to Bilbao to face an Athletic side that have hit a purple patch of their own under new coach Jupp Heynckes.
The Andalucians have lost Denilson and Tais to World Cup duty, while Iulian Filipescu, Ronald Gaspercic and Luis Fernandez are all injured. Athletic's policy of Basque-only players sees them escape the international chaos.
Celta Vigo face a tough task if they want to return to the top of the table as they take on Valencia at the Balaidos without Valery Karpin and Alexander Mostovoi and goalkeeper Cavallero. El Che are without Pablo Aimar, Fabian Ayala and Kily Gonzalez as the Argentine trio prepare for the World Cup clash with Paraguay.
Deportivo La Coruna will have to recover from the shock of losing defender Manuel Pablo for the season after his shocking injury in Sunday's Galician derby when he broke both his shin bones in a sickening collision with Everton Giovanella.
The 1999 Spanish champions travel to Villarreal, who are sitting comfortably in second place after winning four of their first five league games.
Mid-table Espanyol make the trip to relegation contenders Real Valladolid without Mexican striker Palencia who is on international duty, while the home side see Blanco and Pena also on their international travels.
Txetxu Rojo will be forced to make changes when Real Zaragoza entertain lowly Real Sociedad as Roberto Acuna, Jordi Ferron and Luciano Galletti are injured, Mate Bilic and Miguel Rebosio are on international duty and Paco Jemez and Juanele are suspended.
John Toshack's side are still looking for their first win of the season after a dreadful start has seen them stuck in last place with just one point from five starts.
Jordi Cruyff is back for Alaves as they welcome Malaga although there are still doubts over defender Fabricio Coloccini who was injured during the Basque side's 0-0 draw with Valencia at the weekend.
Dario Silva is with the Uruguay national team and Francisco Bravo and Txomin Larrainzar are injured for the Andalucians.
Gregorio Manzano takes charge of his first game in charge of Rayo Vallecano, after Andoni Goikoetxea was axed after the 3-1 defeat at Espanyol on Saturday, as they meet Osasuna at the Teresa Rivera Stadium.
Tenerife travel to Sevilla with neither side affected by the World Cup absentees.