More week 12 preview

Real Madrid vs Osasuna Real Madrid should maintain their lead at the top of La Liga and the question will be ‘how many?’ against Osasuna. Real are in a rich vein of form having won six league games in a row and their excellent form was compounded by a solid 2-0 victory at Lyon in midweek. Jose Mourinho’s side took top spot in La Liga thanks to Osasuna who registered something of an upset by beating surprise leaders Levante last week. The Basque side will need to produce something special again if they are to take anything away from the Bernabeau. Real are missing Kaka and Marcelo and Fabio Coentrao is doubtful. Mourinho is expected to rotate his front line and Argentine Gonzalo Higuain should start after being a second half substitute in France on Wednesday. Athletico Bilbao vs Barcelona Barcelona will be looking for their third away win on the bounce as they visit Marcelo Bielsa’s rejuvenated Bilbao. Pep Guadiola will be taking on his former mentor in Bielsa and be eager to get one over his old friend as his side currently lie second and just one point behind arch rivals Real Madrid. Bilbao are unbeaten in eight games but have not won against the Catalans since the 2005/06 season. Both sides are near full strength. Barca remain heavy favourites and have no fresh injury problems with Gerard Pique, Carles Puyol, Cesc Fabregas and Alex Sanchex all back to match fitness. Only Spanish forward Pedro is missing. Levante vs Valencia The Andalucian derby will be one of the most intriguing ties of the weekend. Levante will be determined to prove that last week’s loss at Osasuna was a blip and that they are not to suffer the same fate as Real Betis (who have lost 6 in a row since going top in September). The loss to Osasuna was their first of the season after making their best ever start to a Liga season. Valencia are unbeaten in five and would leap-frog Levante into 3rd place if they can take all three points. However, Unai Emery has lost his midfield schemer Ever Banega to injury: the ever present Argentinian playmaker joins Sergio Canales in the treatment room with a knee injury. Emery will shuffle his pack and hope that Sofiane Feghouli can continue his form in front of goal. Mallorca vs Sevilla 5th placed Sevilla head to struggling Mallorca and will be favourites to come away with all three points and secure their first away win of the season. Mallorca will take inspiration from Granada who earned a shock 2-1 win over the Sevillians last weekend. Manager Joaquín Caparrós is still looking for his first victory after taking over from Michael Laudrup four games ago. Sevilla’s Alvaro Negredo could return after missing his side’s defeat last week. Midfielder Tomás Pina could return for Mallorca Real Betis vs Malaga Two sides who have struggled after making bright starts to the season: Malaga sit 6th while Real Betis are languishing in 14th having now lost six in a row. Malaga secured their win against Espanyol last week largely thanks to an inspired Salomón Rondón and will be looking for more of the same from the Venezuelan striker. Julio Baptista is still missing with a foot injury. Espanyol v Villarreal Espanyol will be favourites to get back to winning ways at home to Villarreal. The Yellow Submarine gained just their second win of the season at home to Rayo Vallecano last week but suffered another defeat at home in the Champions League in midweek, all but ending their chances of progressing to the final 16. With strikers Nilmar, Rossi and Ruben all missing, manager Juan Carlos Garrido will need to pull off something special to get anything from the game. Getafe v Atletico Madrid Getafe should triumph over Atletico who have a miserable away record this term. Former Spain international Dani Guiza is starting to rediscover his form and could well add to his tally for the season against a very shaky Atletico defence. Rayo Vallecano vs Real Sociedad Rayo will be without veteran striker Raul Tamudo as they take on struggling Sociedad. A win for the Madrid side would see them return to the top half of the table. Real Zaragoza v Sporting Gijon Real Zaragoza just about have the edge in this bottom of La Liga clash. Former Spurs striker Helder Postiga is finding his form for the Iberian side and Gijon have lost three of their hour away games so far. Granada v Racing Santander Granada earned a shock win at Sevilla on Monday to lift them off the foot of the table and will be hoping the three points kick starts the season.  Fellow strugglers Racing registered their first win of the season last weekend at home to Betis but are currently tied with Granada in the relegation zone.