Primera Liga matches, November 20-21

Locked in combat at the top of the Primera Liga, Barcelona and Real Madrid renew their rivalry at the Nou Camp on Saturday (kickoff 2100 GMT) in the most keenly awaited Spanish derby for years.

For the first time in five seasons there will be more than pride at stake as the two sides go into the game occupying the top two places in the table.

Leaders Barcelona lost their unbeaten record in the league last weekend with a 2-1 defeat at Real Betis, while Real closed the gap at the top to four points thanks to a 6-1 thrashing of Albacete at the Bernabeu.

The Catalans, who will be roared on by a 98,000 capacity crowd at their stadium, have played some sparkling attacking football this season, but know that they will need to be at their very best if they are to put one over their arch rivals.

"You can't predict what will happen in these sort of games," says midfielder Xavi, who has been the stand-out player at Barca this season.

"A lot will depend on who gets control of the ball, but with the support of our fans we have to get the three points and it would be fantastic if we could put seven between us and Real."

The game will be given added spice by the presence of African Player of the Year Samuel Eto'o who joined Barca from Real Mallorca at the start of the season after Real decided not to use their option to buy him.

The lively Cameroon international, who has an excellent record against Real, has been in electrifying form this term. He leads the Primera Liga scoring charts with nine goals and will be keen to prove that his former club Real were wrong to let him go.

Former Barca players Luis Figo and Ronaldo can be assured of a hostile reception as they return to the Nou Camp.

Real won 2-1 in the equivalent fixture last season, their first victory at the Nou Camp for 20 years.

They are almost certain to be without centre-back Ivan Helguera, who is suffering from knee problems, Barca midfielder Ludovic Giuly is also likely to miss out because of a thigh injury, but inspirational defender Carles Puyol should be available.

The game will give Michael Owen his first chance to savour the atmosphere of the most intense game in Spanish football, but the England striker is almost certain to start the game on the bench with Real and Ronaldo leading the Real attack.

Other matches being played this weekend (league positions in brackets, kickoff times 1900 GMT unless stated)

Playing on Saturday:

MALAGA (14) v VALENCIA (7) 1900

Claudio Ranieri's side gave a marginally better performance in last week's 0-0 draw against Real Zaragoza, but they have still not won in 10 games in all competitions and another slip-up will heap even further pressure on the embattled Italian.

Malaga have not won in their last five league outings and will be looking to strike partnership of Paulo Wanchope and Marcio Amoroso to get them back on track.

VILLARREAL (12) v DEPORTIVO CORUNA (9) 1900

Villarreal lost their first game in six with a 2-1 defeat at Athletic Bilbao last week but are unbeaten at home this season and have yet to concede a goal at the Madrigal. They will have problems in midfield, though, with Sebastian Battaglia, Marcos Senna and Josico all out.

The return of Mauro Silva from injury has given Depor more stability in midfield and the Galicians will provide a tough test for the home side.

Playing on Sunday:

ALBACETE (18) v GETAFE (16)

Primera Liga newcomers Getafe will be favourites for this one after their impressive back-to-back victories over Malaga and Valencia. Albacete dropped into the relegation zone last week after their toothless display in the crushing 6-1 defeat at the Bernabeu.

ATLETICO MADRID (8) v NUMANCIA (19) 1800

Atletico are flattered by their eighth place in the standings and have been fortunate to scramble late draws in their last three games. Numancia will be buoyed by their shock victory in Sevilla and could cause another upset.

LEVANTE (4) v REAL BETIS (11)

Betis put an end to Barca's unbeaten record with a disciplined performance last week but they will be tested out by Bernd Schuster's high-flying Levante who have only lost once at home this season.

RACING SANTANDER (13) v OSASUNA (10)

A tight affair in prospect at El Sardinero as both sides look to recover some sort of consistency. Racing will be without forward David Aganzo, who broke his arm in last week's 2-1 defeat at Espanyol, while Osasuna will have to make do without Australian international John Aloisi up front.

REAL SOCIEDAD (17) v ATHLETIC BILBAO (15) 2000

Although it may be overshadowed by the Barca-Real match, the Basque derby is certain to be just as fiercely contested as both sides look to haul themselves up the table.

Bilbao have played some good football this season but the results have not gone their way. They will be favourites to edge this one over a Sociedad side that have struggled to find the net.

REAL ZARAGOZA (5) REAL MALLORCA (20)

Zaragoza have been unstoppable at home this season, winning all five of their matches and cracking in 16 of their 18 goals in front of their own fans. Basement side Mallorca will need to produce an exceptional performance if they are to stop the in-form Zaragoza forwards.

SEVILLA (6) v ESPANYOL (3)

After a great start to the season Sevilla have gone off the boil in recent matches, while Espanyol surged up into third place in the table after last week's win over Racing.

Sevilla have yet to lose at home, however, and the Espanyol attack will be without the injured Raul Tamudo and the suspended Maxi Rodriguez.