A combination of luck (I happened to produce this for A Different League) and a willingness to post something/anything relevant (we've not posted on here for a while now) has led to this. As most seem to be aware of Barcelona and Real Madrid, thus claim to love Spanish football, I've decided to post 600ish words previewing this weekend's Spanish Primera Division action. I hope that this will enlighten you a little, and show that there are more than two teams in Spain to watch and admire. Real Betis, with their incredible interesting forwards, are a joy to watch. Sergio Garcia of Espanyol has been very impressive in the early stages and Levante's 36-year-old captain, Sergio Ballesteros (above), recently beat Cristiano Ronaldo in a sprint in the last minute of the game.
I understand that you might read some names here that you don't care about, but remember, a couple of years ago Charlie "LOOK AT ME NOW" Adam was playing for St. Mirren where I can guarantee very few people gave a shit about him. As a final incentive/plea to read this, there's a brilliant stat that could happen this weekend in Spain, and I've mentioned it. If it does happen, it'll get repeatedly pummelled into your ears by everyone. Shoot them down by telling them that you knew about it BEFORE it happened. Anyway, enjoy (all times are UK).
Racing Santander - Espanyol (Saturday 17.00)
Racing Santander host Espanyol on Saturday in the weekend’s first game. Hector Cuper has already used 24 Racing players in his search for his ideal eleven, and Gonzalo Colsa could add to the already high number as he returns to full fitness after his ankle injury. Striker Thievy Bifouma was dropped to reserves this week, so he might not be available for Espanyol, who are looking for their first win over Racing in over two years.
Sporting Gijon - Granada (Saturday 17.00)
Granada will travel to Sporting Gijon, where Coach Manuel Preciado is still searching for his first win this season, but he has no real selection problems going into this game. Granada, however, are without midfielder Carlos Martins due to a thigh strain and defender David Cortes, who has returned to training, but is still some way off being match fit.
Malaga - Real Madrid (Saturday 19.00)
Malaga are without Willy Caballero and Julio Baptista for their clash against Real Madrid in Saturday’s first evening game. However Duda, Apono and Joris Mathijsen have given Manuel Pellegrini a boost by returning to the squad. Nuri Sahin could feature in Madrid’s midfield for the first time as Lassana Diarra is out with a hamstring problem. Should he score another hat trick, Gonzalo Higuain will equal a 77-year-old record set by Oviedo legend Isidro Langara.
Barcelona - Sevilla (Saturday 21.00)
Current Liga leaders Barcelona will then conclude Saturday’s action as they host Marcelino Garcia Toral’s Sevilla. Gerard Pique is unavailable due to a hamstring injury but, after recovering from his thigh problem, Cesc Fabregas is set to return to the first team, who face a very stern test against the unbeaten Sevilla. However the visitors look like they will be without in-form striker Alvaro Negredo, who has a troublesome hamstring.
Real Betis - Rayo Vallecano (Sunday 11.00)
Real Betis and Rayo Vallecano kick off Sunday’s action in the early fixture. Los Beticos have suffered a massive blow as young talent Alvaro Vadillo has been ruled out for six months with knee ligament damage. After losing three consecutive games, Pepe Mel will be looking for his side to rekindle their excellent starting form. Rayo players Javi Fuego and Raul Bravo both pulled out of training mid week with niggling injuries, so they could be a doubt.
Real Sociedad - Getafe (Sunday 15.00)
Real Sociedad Coach Philippe Montainer faces a selection headache ahead of his side’s clash with Getafe. Asier Illarramendi, Carlos Vela, Diego Ifran and David Zurutuza are all a doubt to start. Getafe midfielder Mehdi Lacen believes this is the start of an important week for his team, and is looking to take all three points.
Atletico Madrid - Mallorca (Sunday 17.00)
Atletico Madrid are suffering from a goal drought, scoring only one in their last five games however Coach Gregorio Manzano is still has full confidence in his team. Defender Gianni Zuiverloon will be unavailable for Mallorca after pulling a muscle in his leg but striker Emillo Nsue will return after a suspension.
Osasuna - Zaragoza (Sunday 17.00)
Osasuna are without Roland Lamah after his dismissal in their 3-1 defeat at Athletic Bilbao on Monday and defender Roversio, who has a hamstring injury. Zaragoza have not beaten Osasuna in a Liga fixture in over four years, and will look to Helder Postiga to fire them to victory after his brace against Sociedad last week.
Valencia - Athletic Bilbao (Sunday 19.00)
Valencia defender Adil Rami will be unavailable for his side’s Sunday evening game against Athletic Bilbao after being sent off against Mallorca. Unai Emery’s side were beaten in Europe but will look to maintain their good league start. Marcelo Bielsa will hope Fernando Llorente carries on where he left off, after scoring a brace against Salzburg on Thursday, and fire Los Leones to victory over Valencia for the first time in six attempts.
Villarreal - Levante (Sunday 21.00)
In the last game of the weekend, Levante will be chasing an impressive sixth consecutive win in La Liga and will be buoyed by the return of Xavi Torres. Villarreal come into the game off the back of a late defeat in Europe at the hands of Manchester City. Having struggled to finish teams off lately, Villareal will face a tough challenge against Juan Ignacio Martinez’s confident side.
This was originally produced for the website "A Different League" and I totally urge you to check it out. It offers an unbelievable amount of coverage and often breaks important news that goes completely unnoticed. Bookmark them.
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