Spanish first division matches Nov 17-18
Leaders Deportivo Coruna play host to Real Sociedad on Saturday knowing that they cannot afford another slip-up if they want to maintain their slim advantage at the top of the Spanish first division.
Leaders Deportivo Coruna play host to Real Sociedad on Saturday knowing that they cannot afford another slip-up if they want to maintain their slim advantage at the top of the Spanish first division.
Following their surprise 3-1 defeat at Tenerife last week, Javier Irureta's side are now just one point ahead of Barcelona and Valencia, while the ever-consistent Alaves are mounting a convincing challenge in fourth place.
Despite the fact that John Toshack's Real Sociedad are second from bottom of the table, Depor will be wary of this weekend's opponents.
Of the three matches the Galicians have lost this season, two have been against teams in the relegation zone and Toshack's side have been playing much better than their lowly position would suggest.
The match brings together the two most experienced coaches in the Spanish top flight, who total 896 first division matches between them.
Both men have also had a spell in charge of their opposite number's team in the past. Irureta was at the helm of Real between 1995 and 1997, with the Welshman in charge at Deportivo during the same period.
With one eye on next Wednesday's Champions League clash against Arsenal, Irureta is likely to rest midfielder Juan Carlos Valeron and striker Diego Tristan and bring in Djalminha and Dutch international Roy Makaay as replacements.
Toshack has more limited resources at this disposal, but will be looking to Turkish international Tayfun Korkut, the in-form teenager Xabi Alonso and Lithuanian striker Edgaras Jankauskas to help upset the form book once more.
Other matches being played in the Spanish first division this weekend.
Saturday:
LAS PALMAS vs. BARCELONA
Barca coach Carles Rexach has said Rivaldo will be rested ahead of next week's Champions League match against Liverpool, a decision that will give Javier Saviola a chance to renew his partnership with Patrick Kluivert in attack.
Las Palmas will be aiming to add another illustrious scalp to their collection following their 4-2 defeat of Real Madrid earlier in the season.
REAL MADRID vs. SEVILLA
Real's stuttering defence of their title suffered another set back after their defeat at Zaragoza, but they can take some comfort from the fact that they have yet to lose at home this term.
French internationals Zinedine Zidane and Claude Makelele are set to return to the midfield, but Brazilian Roberto Carlos faces a late fitness test on his knee.
With just three defeats since their return to the top flight, Sevilla have proved that they are a resilient outfit.
Sunday:
ALAVES vs. CELTA VIGO
Celta have not looked up since their shock exit from the UEFA Cup at the beginning of the month and will have their work cut out against Alaves.
To add to their difficulties playmaker Alexander Mostovoi has been suspended for four matches, while Jesuli, Everton Giovanella and Juan Velasco are also out suspended.
ATHLETIC BILBAO vs. VILLARREAL
Three goals in the last seven minutes saw Athletic make the comeback of the season to take a 3-2 win over Celta last week and coach Jupp Heynckes will be hoping for a similar display if they are to notch their second home win. Villarreal got their season back on track with a 2-0 win over Las Palmas, their first win in seven outings.
ESPANYOL vs. REAL MALLORCA
A fierce encounter in prospect as both sides battle for the points needed to stay clear of the relegation zone. Espanyol will have Mexican striker Juan Francisco Palencia available after his return from international duty, but will be missing keeper Alfredo Argenso through suspension after his dismissal during last week's defeat at Alaves.
MALAGA vs. OSASUNA
After crashing to a 3-0 defeat at basement club Rayo Vallecano and with leading striker Dario Silva out injured, Malaga face a tough task against an Osasuna side that have shown themselves to be a solid and determined outfit this term.
REAL BETIS vs. RAYO VALLECANO
Betis coach Juande Ramos faces his old team for the first time since his departure in the close season. His new team looked short of ideas as they fought out a 0-0 draw with neighbours Sevilla last week, but the return of Denilson should spice up their attack.
Rayo's mini-revival continued with a 3-0 win against Malaga, but it was still not enough to lift them off the bottom of the table.
VALENCIA vs. TENERIFE
Valencia are the only unbeaten team left in the division and with the return of Argentine trio of Pablo Aimar, Kily Gonzalez and Roberto Fabian Ayala they will be favourites to maintain their record against the Canary islanders.
VALLADOLID vs. REAL ZARAGOZA
Last week's win against Real Madrid provided a much-needed boost for embattled Zaragoza coach Txetxu Rojo. He will be hoping for a similar performance against a Valladolid side still licking their wounds after their 4-0 defeat against Barcelona last weekend.