Primera Liga matches, October 16-17
Having finally claimed sole leadership of the Primera Liga after a four-year absence, Barcelona face a major test of their form when they visit rejuvenated city rivals Espanyol on Saturday (kickoff 2000 GMT).
Having finally claimed sole leadership of the Primera Liga after a four-year absence, Barcelona face a major test of their form when they visit rejuvenated city rivals Espanyol on Saturday (kickoff 2000 GMT).
Frank Rijkaard's side have been in irresistible form this term, dropping their only points of the season in a 1-1 at Atletico Madrid, but Espanyol are flying high in an unaccustomed fifth place in the standings.
"Espanyol are in much better shape than in recent years," said Rijkaard. "It's going to be a very evenly balanced and very interesting game because both teams are playing so well."
Espanyol coach Miguel Angel Lotina believes his side have a real chance of claiming a rare victory over their city rivals.
"Anyone who likes good football loves this Barca and they are without doubt the most talented side around at the moment, but if play with enthusiasm and confidence and take a few risks we can win."
Midfielders Gerard and Ludovic Giuly have joined Barcelona's lengthening injury list but African Player of the Year Samuel Eto'o has recovered after being shaken up in a car crash earlier this week.
Other matches in the Primera Liga this weekend (league positions in brackets, kickoffs 1500 GMT unless stated): Saturday:
DEPORTIVO CORUNA (11) v GETAFE (13) 1600
After a poor start to the season, Depor's morale was lifted by their 1-0 victory over Real Madrid at the Bernabeu last time out and they will be confident of gaining their first home win of the season.
Striker Diego Tristan is available after a long-term injury lay-off and midfield enforcer Mauro Silva is also back fit.
REAL BETIS (14) v REAL MADRID (10) 1800
A third defeat of the season left Real floundering in 10th place in the table and they will need to win this one against an out-of-sorts Betis if they are to stave off the talk of crisis at the club.
Midfielder David Beckham is out after fracturing his ribs while on international duty and defender Michel Salgado is unlikely to play because of an ankle injury, but Luis Figo and Fernando Morientes should be available after shaking off minor niggles.
Sunday:
ATHLETIC BILBAO (15) v MALAGA (4)
Despite playing some entertaining football, Athletic's only victory so far this season has been at home to Real Madrid. They were dealt a shock 3-1 defeat at modest Getafe last time out and will need to produce a much improved defensive performance if they are to shackle in-form Malaga striker Paulo Wanchope.
ATLETICO MADRID (6) RACING SANTANDER (19) 1700
Atletico will be boosted by the likely return of French midfielder Peter Luccin and Argentine playmaker Ariel Ibagaza.
Racing did well to draw 0-0 at home to Sevilla but it will be a major surprise if they end Atletico's unbeaten record at the Calderon.
NUMANCIA (18) v LEVANTE (7)
Of all the promoted sides Bernd Schuster's Levante have made the best start to the life in the top flight. They will be without Swedish defender Johan Mjallby, who has a knee injury, but should still prove too powerful for their opponents.
OSASUNA (8) v ALBACETE (16) 1700
Australian striker John Aloisi is injured, leaving either Pierre Webo or Valdo to partner Savo Milosevic up front for Osasuna. Albacete will be looking to gain momentum after claiming their first win of the season against Espanyol.
REAL MALLORCA (20) v VILLARREAL (12)
Mallorca coach Benito Floro faces a high-pressure game against former club Villarreal as he tries to lift his side off the bottom of the table. The visitors will be without defender Rodolfo Arruabarrena, but midfielder Roger should be available to make his first appearance of the season.
REAL ZARAGOZA (9) v REAL SOCIEDAD (17)
Sociedad striker Darko Kovacevic finally got off the mark when he secured his side's first win of the season against Atletico but the Basques are guaranteed a tough time at attack-minded Zaragoza who have a 100 percent home record.
VALENCIA (2) v SEVILLA (3) 1900
Champions Valencia face their toughest test of the season so far when they entertain the in-form Andalucians this weekend.
Playmaker Pablo Aimar appears to have recovered from a groin strain, but coach Claudio Ranieri may prefer to reserve the Argentine for next week's Champions League clash against Inter.