Primera Liga matches, April 9-10
Real Madrid coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo faces a dilemma in deciding who to play up front for his side's must-win match against arch-rivals Barcelona at the Bernabeu on Sunday (kickoff 1700 GMT).
Real Madrid coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo faces a dilemma in deciding who to play up front for his side's must-win match against arch-rivals Barcelona at the Bernabeu on Sunday (kickoff 1700 GMT).
Despite going through one of the most barren patches in his career, Ronaldo is guaranteed to start against his former club, but the big question is whether Michael Owen or Raul will lead the Real attack alongside the Brazilian.
In terms of recent performances on the pitch there should be no argument as to who should play.
Owen scored the winner against Albacete last week and has invariably produced the goods when he has stepped on to the pitch, notching up 10 league goals from just 12 starts.
Given his impressive strike rate the former Liverpool player looks to be Real's best prospect if they are going to have a chance of winning the game.
Raul has scored just six goals all season, is a shadow of the player he was three seasons ago and has barely trained this week because of a bruised instep.
But the captain exerts a huge influence at the club, has a good record against Barcelona and has a habit of scoring goals when everyone has written him off.
"It's obviously down to the manager who plays," said Owen. "I want to score as many goals as possible, but that will depend on whether or not I play."
"Raul is a fantastic player and whoever plays Real Madrid will step on to the pitch with a great team."
Although Real made up two points on Barcelona last weekend, they trail the Catalans by nine with eight games left and anything less than a win will effectively extinguish their chances of depriving their rivals of the title.
Real's main worry will be how to stop Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o.
The African Player of the Year, who has notched up 21 goals this season, has an outstanding record against his former side and was the architect of the Catalans' classy 3-0 win over Real at the Nou Camp earlier this season.
Real welcome back Zinedine Zidane from suspension and David Beckham from injury, but centre back Walter Samuel and midfielder Guti are both suspended.
Barca are missing suspended Portugal midfielder Deco and could also be without inspirational skipper Carles Puyol, who is recovering from an ankle injury.
But Mexican midfielder Rafael Marquez returns after suspension and Ronaldinho is expected to shake off a stomach complaint.
Other matches being played this weekend (kickoff times 1500 GMT unless stated; league positions in brackets):
Saturday:
ATHLETIC BILBAO (10) v REAL SOCIEDAD (12) 2000
An evenly balanced Basque derby in prospect at San Mames. Bilbao have only lost twice at home this season, but Sociedad are unbeaten in three.
Midfielder Fran Yeste is doubtful for Bilbao, while Sociedad will miss suspended winger Valery Karpin.
NUMANCIA (20) v ATLETICO MADRID (8) 1800
Buoyed by their 4-0 win over Mallorca last time out, Atletico are hoping to continue their drive for the European places with a win over basement side Numancia, who have now gone six games without a victory.
Sunday:
ESPANYOL (5) v SEVILLA (6)
With both sides knocking on the door of the Champions League places this one promises to be a tense encounter. The Catalans, marshalled by the in-form Ivan de la Pena, will be marginal favourites at their home stadium where they have lost just once this season.
DEPORTIVO CORUNA (9) v VILLARREAL (3) 1900
Villarreal suffered a first home defeat in the UEFA Cup at the hand of Dutch side AZ Alkmaar on Thursday, but will be comforted by the fact that leading scorer Diego Forlan, who is ineligible for European competitions, will be back to lead their attack against an improving Depor.
GETAFE (13) v ALBACETE (19)
A win for Getafe is likely to ensure they remain in the top flight for a second season but anything other than victory for Albacete will leave them staring relegation in the face.
OSASUNA (17) v RACING SANTANDER (16)
Osasuna have taken just four points out of the last 36 and are the only side in the league not to have won a game this year.
REAL BETIS (4) v LEVANTE (15)
Unlucky to be deprived of a win at Barcelona last week, Betis will be hopeful of cementing their place in the Champions League positions with a win against an unpredictable Levante.
REAL MALLORCA (18) v REAL ZARAGOZA (11)
A beleaguered Mallorca have not won at Son Moix in four months and three defeats in a row have left them seven points adrift of salvation.
Defenders Mark Iuliano and Sergio Ballesteros are suspended and strikers Bernardo Romeo and Juan Arango out injured.
VALENCIA (7) v MALAGA (14)
Just two points off the Champions League places, Valencia will have plenty to play for against an off-colour Malaga who have now gone four games without a win.