La Liga Week 37 Preview

The main business may have been decided midweek but there are still many crucial issues to determine before the Liga season concludes.With Real Madrid finally crowned champions and Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola announcing he will step down at the end of the season, this week has marked the end of an era for La Liga. Guardiola’s astonishingly successful spell as the head of the Catalonians has finally come to a self imposed end and Barca will have to settle for second best for the first time in 4 years. Meanwhile Jose Mourinho has done what he was brought in to do and we can start looking forward to next season to see whether Real can withstand Barca again and, more importantly, can the Special one bring home the Special trophy – the Champions League. Attention now turns to the dramas developing at the bottom of the table and the battle for the final European places.

The two most important games of the weekend are Sevilla v Rayo Vallecano and Real Zaragoza v Racing Santander. Real’s poorer neighbours Rayo are suddenly fighting for their Primera status having plummeted down the table after losing 8 of their last 9. It is unbelievable that the only break in this run was a 6-0 demoliton of Osasuna – a side chasing a top 5 finish. Rayo now travel to Sevilla who sit 10th and are winless in 4. Vallecano are big outsiders at 4/1 for the win but they need to do something extraordinary to save their season. Real Zaragoza are 3 points behind Rayo with just 2 games left and Luis Aragones’ side can go level on points if they beat relegated Racing. Zaragoza are one of the league’s form sides having registered back to back victories over Levante and Athletic Bilbao without conceding. Racing have slipped out of the top flight without much of a fight and Zaragoza are 1/3 for the win. Barca B winger Edu Oriol will be looking to score for his third successive game.....

Continued at

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La Liga Week 33 Preview

This is the beginning of a massive two weeks for Spain’s giants. With Real Madrid and Barcelona separated by just four points and next week’s El Clasico sandwiched between two legs of Champions League semi-finals this will be a real test of nerve for both sides. At the other end of the table, with six games to go, it looks increasingly like the final three have been decided with a seven point gap now opened up between the bottom three and 17th placed Villarreal.

Real Madrid host doomed Sporting Gijon on Saturday. Sporting are marooned in 19th but gave themselves hope with an impressive 3-2 win over Levante on Wednesday night. They will still need a miracle to escape the drop now though and Javier Clemente’s side won’t have much of a prayer at the Bernabeu with the form Real have been in. Jose Mourinho’s side registered another emphatic victory in midweek as they crushed their local rivals Atletico 4-1 thanks to a hat-trick from Cristiano Ronaldo. Los Merengues are just three goals away from scoring 107 for the season and breaking the record number of goals for a Liga season set by John Toshack’s Real in 1989-90. Ronaldo also set his own record by becoming the only player in Europe’s top four divisions to score 40 goals in successive seasons. With the midweek Champions’ League semi-final first leg against Bayern Munich coming up Mourinho will be tempted to rotate his side. Ozil, Marcelo and Higuain were all rested against Atletico and could be brought back in against Gijon.

Barcelona just need to keep on winning. They visit a Levante side sat in fifth and still very much in the hunt for a place in next seasons’ Champions League. On Wednesday, Pep Guardiola’s side cruised to a 4-0 victory over Getafe to make it ten wins in a row and are in fine fettle ahead of El Clasico. Levante caused a shock early in the season as they beat Real with a solitary Aruna Kone goal but they are 14/1 to repeat the feat against Barca. The Champions have no new injury worries and they received a boost this week as David Villa announced that he would be back in contention before the end of the season.

Unai Emery gave himself a reprieve as Valencia crushed Rayo Vallecano 4-1 in midweek to give themselves a two point cushion in third place above Malaga. The Turkish manager has come under criticism from Los Ches fans as his side’s form has dipped with Malaga and Levante threatening to steal automatic qualification to the Champions’ League. Valencia visit Espanyol on Sunday and need to keep up their momentum to keep the chasing pack at bay. The Catalunians’ hopes of qualifying for European football next season have taken a hit in recent weeks as they are winless in five. Valencia have also won four of the last five meetings between the two sides.

Malaga will be looking to get back to winning ways against Real Sociedad. Malaaga’s charge into the top four has been laboured and they would be third had it not been for recent upsets against relegation threatened Betis and Villarreal. The odds favour the home side and the likes of Cazorla, Rondon and Isco should feast on a leaky Sociedad defence. Malaga will be without keeper Idris Kameni who was sent off at Villarreal in midweek.

Liga Team of the week 22 (saturday and sunday games only)

Messi*: 30 pts1 goal, 1 assist and 5 sots in 2-1 defeat of Sociedad

Kone - Levante: 18 pts
1 goal and 3 sots in 1-1 with Racing Santander

Llorente - A.Bilbao: 17.5 pts
1 goal and 2 sots in 3-3 draw with Espanyol. 4th 10+ week in a row. hot

MIDS
Borja Valero - Villarreal: 18 pts
1 goal and 3 sots. Instrumental in 2-1 upset of Sevilla.

Carmelo: 17.5 pts
1 goal, 3 scs, 2 cws, in all action display. Surprise of the week starting with value of 1. Gijon 1-1 Osasuna.

Romaric - Espanyol: 17 pts
A goal and plenty of extras for Espanyol's playmaking genius in 3-3 draw.

Michu - Rayo Vallecano: 15 pts
His 10th of the season from midfield as Rayo condemn Zaragoza to a 2-1 defeat. 3rd time he has scored 15 pts in 4 weeks.

DEF
Sergio Ramos - Real Madrid: 17 pts
Third of the season and a matchwinner in 1-0 win at Getafe.

Casada - Rayo Vallecano: 10 pts
Two assists from the fullback - his first of the season. Nice.

Coentrao - Real Madrid: 9 pts
A tidy display from the Portuguese. A bargain at 3.91

GK
Diego Lopez - Villarreal: 17 pts
His 2nd 17pt week in a row.

Team of the week 18

1. Casto, BETIS, Goalkeeper
20.00 pts, 5 saves: Worked hard to keep clean sheet against Sporting Gijon.

2. Bernardo, RACING, Defender, 17.00
First goal for Racing for the Colombian Seville loanee, and a matchwinner in 1-0 win over Zaragoza.

3. Liassine Cadamuro, R.SOCIEDAD, Defender, 15.00
Outstanding Sociedad defender in holding Osasuna to 0-0 draw. Great value at 2.85

4. J. Valera, GETAFE, Defender, 14.50
Another impressive display from Getafe's best defender in 0-0 draw with Bilbao.

5. Borja Valero, VIL, Midfielder, 18.50, 0 goals, 1 assist
At the heart of all that's good about Villarreal: 2-2 with Valencia.

6. S. Feghouli, VALENCIA, Midfielder, 14.00
A goal against Villarreal. Great value at 6.22.

7. Mikel Rico, GRANADA, Midfielder, 15.00
Scored his second of the season in 5-1 defeat at Real Madrid

8. M. Özil, R.MAD, Midfielder, 16.00
Dominant creative display. 3 assists as Real beat Granada 5-1.

9. *K. Benzema*, R. MAD, Forward, 25.50 pts, 2 goals
Top player of the week with 2 goals.

10. J. Molina, BETIS, Forward, 14.50
Crucial goal in Betis' 2-0 victory

11. R. Tamudo, RAYO Vallecano, Forward, 15.50,
Matchwinner for veteran as Vallecano beat Sevilla 2-1

13. Andrés, OSASUNA, Goalkeeper, 17.00
12. C. Ronaldo, R. MAD, Forward, 14.50, 1 goal
14. Juanfran, LEVANTE, Defender, 14.00
15. S. Ramos, R. MAD, Defender, 14.00
16. A. Barrada, GETAFE, Midfielder, 12.00

Top 5 players from each Liga team for first half of season

Weekend Preview

The winter break is at an end: all hail the return of La Liga! How will the christmas parties and new year celebrations affected our stars? Will they be waddling around, weighed down by three weeks of excess and booze? Will they be chomping at the bit, itching to grace the stage once again with gusto and verve? The big news is the return of Diego Simeone to replace Gregory Manzano as head coach at Atletico Madrid. His arrival has conincided with the only big-name transfer of the re-opened window: Jose Reyes' return home to Sevilla.



Elsewhere, bottom of the table Real Zaragoza put Javier Aguirre out of his misery and replaced him with AEK Athens coach, Manolo Jiménez, and Villarreal welcome José Molina to the helm to replace the outgoing Juan Carlos Garrido.

Leaders Real Madrid (1st) have been given the chance to ease it in gently with a kindly home tie with Granada (13th) at the  Bernabeu on Saturday. With Barcelona playing Sunday, Mourinho's men will surely extend their lead at the top to 6 points. Real welcome back Sergio Ramos from injury. Portugease centre-back Pepe is out with suspension. Di Maria is doubtful. Granada managed some great results in the first half of La Liga, including wins at Bilbao and Sevilla, and despite being one of the lowest scoring sides in the league, they boast one of the best defences. Goalkeeper Roberto is one of the outstanding performers in the league so far and will need to be at his best if Fabri González's side have any hope of taking anything from this game. This game will surely see Real hand out yet another multi-goal beating.

Prediction: 5-0. Ones to watch: Ronaldo, Di Maria, Benzema, Marcelo

Meanwhile, back in Catalonia, Barcelona have the awkward prospect of a visit to their neighbours Espanyol. Espanyol haven't enjoyed much luck against their illustrious neighbours down the years. Last year, they were crushed 5-1 in the same fixture. Barca come into the tie on the back of a 4-0 defeat of Osasuna in the midweek Copa del Rey, while Espanyol suffered a shock loss to Cordoba. The Periquitos have had an excellent first half to the season, and are further bouyed by the news that playmaker Romaric is to be available throughout January having been dropped from the Ivory Coast African Cup of nations squad.  However, Barca are bound to have too much once again for their neighbours.

Prediction: 0-2. Ones to watch: Messi, Fabregas.

Villarreal (17th) v Valencia (3rd): Last season this would have been an eagerly anticipated battle for 3rd place, but now, The Yellow Submarine languish in 17th place. With new coach Molina in charge, fans will be hoping hard for a change of  fortunes after a wretched first half to the season. The vultures are circling for stars such as Nilmar. Wakaso has a broken nose and Catalá is likely to miss another month with a knee injury. Joan Oriol is still out. Valencia are still without Canales, Maduro and Tino in the middle. Albelda is suspended. After their impressive win at Sevilla in midweek, Los Che can be expected to take all three points. Prediction: 1-0 Valencia. Ones to watch: Soldado

Fourth placed Levante host Mallorca (15th) with the home-side determined to continue their excellent run of form and prove it wasn't all just a dream. Levante suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Alcoron in the Copa del rey on Tuesday. Del Horno, Valdo and Juanlu are doubts while Nano and Javi Venta are suspended. Prediction: 2-0. Ones to watch: Barkero, Kone.

Osasuna sit in 5th and visit Real Sociedad (15th). Osasuna have a pretty poor away record, with just one win so far but Sociedad have just two home wins. Sociedad have been one of the most unpredictable Liga sides so far. Sociedad's manager Phillipe Montanier has coaxed some excellent displays out of Carlos Vela and the Arsenal loanee will be the key danger man for the home side. Prediction: 1-1. Ones towatch: Vela

Sevilla (6th) visit Rayo Vallecano (16th). Sevilla will be hurting from their defeat to Valencia in the Copa del Rey. Reyes will be the star attraction as he returns to the side where it all started, but is unlikely to feature. Manu del Moral is suspended while Kanourte is doubtful. Prediction: 0-0. One to watch: Varas

Malaga (7th) v Altetico Madrid (10th) is one of the most hotly anticipated games of the round. The last time Atletico Madrid had Diego Simeone on their payroll, they managed a league and cup double (1995-96).



Imagine that! The Argentinian hardman has naturally brought in a new wave of optimisim to the rojiblancos. However, he has his work cut out. Atletico have the worst away record in the league with 1 point. He will need to inspire the likes of Diego and Falcao against a strong Malaga side. Joaquin is out for Malaga. Prediction: 2-1. Ones to watch: Cazorla, Rondon.

In the best of the rest, Racing Santander (19th) host Zaragoza (20th) in the old fashioned relegation 6 pointer. A spicy start for new Zaragoza coach Jimenez. Prediction 1-0 Racing. Getafe (12th) host Bilbao (9th) and Betis (11th) host Sporting Gijon (18th). Predictions: both 1-1.

Football Rumours: Kaka, Raul Albiol and Sami Khedeira

KAKA

In Yahoo Fantasy Football world, Kaka's bit-part status in Jose Mourinho's squad has been a bit of a pain in the neck for Fantasy managers. The £50 million (former?) galactico has made just 5 starts and mustered 12 appearances in total out of a possible 17. We know there is always potential for goals. Yet, he doesn't seem to be trusted for the big games and has only had an impact against lowly opposition. His three goals have come against Betis, Zaragoza and Villarreal; all sides who currently sit in the lower half of the division. Three goals and two assists is a meagre return for a man of his talent and it is sad to see the once glorious playmaker now being used as a reliable back-up rotated to appear in Real's less significant matches.



It is no wonder he is being linked with any side with a bit of cash. Today it's Chelsea, Man Utd, and Paris Saint Germain. Manchester United in particular could certainly use a playmaking dynamo to link midfield and attack. However, he appears most likely to go to Chelsea where he would join up with another £50million duffer in Fernando Torres. A thought which is at once titillating and mortifying. However, at 29 there is a sense that Kaka's best days are behind him, and with the injuries he's had, he could well be planning to "do an Owen." It could well be enough to see out his time as a bit-part player in one of the great teams of the modern age.



Raul Albiol

A slightly less sexy rumour is that of Raul Albiol making the switch to the Premier League.

The former Valencia defender has been used just 5 times in La Liga and always seems to be a last resort. He has a delicious Fantasy Football market value of 2.2 which is very exciting if you know he is going to start, but then again, he has a tendency of collecting negative points. Of his 5 appearances, he has scored positive points just twice. Woo.

It seems unlikely that Manchester United would be desperate enough for his services, although it's understandable that Mourinho wants him out. He has plenty of cover at centre back with Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Ricardo Carvalho, Rafael Varane. Maybe a loan deal?

Albiol is nicknamed El Chori because of his big sausage.

Here is a vid of him being "owned" by Juan Mata



Sami Khedeira

Perhaps the least likely move, but apparently there is a rumour out there. The holding midfielder has not started the past couple of games and this has something to do with Lass Diarra putting in some lively shifts in the centre of the park. However, it's almost impossible to see Mourinho letting one of his first signings at the club move on to Chelsea or Manchester United, for any amount of money. If anything, it's more likely Mou wants rid of Lass.

Khedeira is now established as one of the great defensive midfielders of the game, but this role is notoriously impossible to represent in Fantasy Football. He is the kind of chap you avoid unless desperate. He has 7.5 points for the season from 12 games. He has no goals. He has one shot on target. His best stat is a total of 15 intercepted passes. So, only slightly more enterprising than Darren Gibson.

W17 preview

With Barcelona proving they’re the best team in the world by beating
useless sides no-one’s heard of in Japan this week, Real Madrid have
an ideal opportunity to reclaim their 3 point cushion at the top of
the Liga before the winter break. Egos in the Real dressing room are
bruised and battered after last week’s humbling in El Clasico. Despite
the increasing feeling that the power balance may have been shifting
at the top after years of Catalunian dominance, Barca’s 3-1 victory,
and Cristiano Ronaldo’s ineffective display were an all too familiar
return to the status quo. All Real can do in response is do what they
have been doing all season (before last week’s interruption) and win.

Sevilla have been awkward opposition for Los Merengues over the past
few years, having won four of their last six Liga meetings between the
two sides at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán stadium. Saying that, Jose
Mourinho bucked the trend when his side registered a 6-2 thrashing in
this fixture as recently as May this year with Ronaldo scoring four.
This season, Los Blancos have been devastating away from home with 21
goals from 8 games. However they come up against a Sevilla defence
that has looked far more organised this year and put in a magnificent
display to earn a clean sheet at Camp Nou earlier this term.

Real have no new injury worries, with just Ricardo Carvalho out
long-term. Sevilla’s Argentine winger Diego Perrotti is struggling
with a knock. This should be a victory for Real. 3-1 Real, look out
for a vengeful display from Ronaldo.

Third placed Valencia also had a wobble last week when they stopped
playing after 89 minutes and conspired to lose against Real Betis.
This week, It’s a case of “old money” (maybe that should be, “no
money”) versus “new money” as they take on the nouveau riche Malaga.
Los Che need to get back to winning ways with Levante rediscovering
their form and breathing down their necks in fourth place. Unai Emery
welcomed back the classy Ever Banega during the midweek Copa del Rey
visit to Cadiz and the Argentinian schemer could be back in the
starting line-up this weekend. I’ll tip a Valencia win. 2-1 Ones to
watch: Soldado and Tino Costa.

Levante have a tricky visit to Granada but should prevail against the
promoted side who have one of the meanest defences in the Liga. This
is likely to be a low-scoring affair with Aruna Kone the best bet to
nick a goal.

Osasuna have had an excellent start to the season in stark contrast to
Villarreal who they host this weekend. The Pamplonans have been free
scoring and great entertainment value. They welcome back born-again
midfield maestro Raul Garcia this week, and in tandem with attacking
dynamo Alvaro Cejudo, Los Rojillos are more than capable of heaping on
further misery for the Yellow Submarine. 2-0: Ones to watch: Nino,
Ibrahima.

Espanyol and Sporting Gijon go head to head after both sides recorded
impressive wins last week. Expect a low score draw. Ones to watch:
Romaric (Espanyol), Nacho Novo (Gijon)

Athletic Bilbao take on the struggling Zaragoza at San Mames. This is
an ideal opportunity for Bilbao to get back to winning ways after a
stuttering spell in La Liga. Underachieving wing-wizard Jermaine
Pennant suffered some kind of anterograde amnesia in 2009 after he
signed for Zaragoza: he was always late; forgot where he parked his
car and seemed to lose all footballing ability during his stint on the
continent. A similar collective sickness appears to have gripped a
side who have become totally devoid of talent, ambition or desire and
are now rooted to the foot of the table. Bilbao are without suspended
captain Andani Iraola and Fernando Llorente is a doubt. 3-1 home win.
Ones to watch: Ander Herrera, Toquero, Muniain and Susaesta.

Atletico Madrid come galloping into their home tie with Real Betis off
the back of their triumphant Europa Cup performance in midweek.
Despite the fact their fans hate them, Gregory’s Manzano’s boys love
playing at home and with Falcao, Ada Turan and Diego all starting to
purr, expect another home win. 3-1 Atletico.

On paper, Mallorca versus Getafe may look like the sort of game that
any neutral would rather poke their own eyes out than endure. However,
it excites me, if only because Mallorca are starting to look like they
can win and this could be one of the most one-sided games of the
weekend. Getafe are useless. Victor knows how to score

Racing Santander versus Sociedad is up there in the tedium rankings.
Sociedad keep squeezing out the points and Carlos Vela is starting to
fulfill his potential as the poor man’s Lionel Messi. Racing Santander
can’t excite me unless Kennedy Bakiricoglu is playing, and he’s still
a doubt. A deathly 1-1. Snooze fest

Nacho Novo ruined my weekend

Nacho Novo crawled out of his tiny mouse hole, dusted himself down, picked himself up and put in a devestating performance last weekend that saw him pick up the dubious honour of "highest scoring player of the week in Yahoo Fantasy Football La Liga". Not many diminutive ex-Rangers strikers can say that. Novo spearheaded a Sporting Gijon side that did a naughty and upset my predictions by tonking Rayo Vallecano 3-1 on their own turf. Hugely disappointing considering the Gijon started the weekend 2 pts off the bottom and promoted Vallecano have exceeded expectations with a promising start to the season.

The spaniad spent almost 10 years in Scotland playing for Raith Rovers, Dundee and Rangers and achieved legendary status with the Glasgow side, winning all the major domestic trophies.



Novo was dominant against Vallecano with 2 goals, 4 shots, a matchwinning goal, and a total of 29.5 pts. All from a meagre value of 5.48. Astonishing effort from the number 10 who has struggled for goals since his return to Spain last year.

Extra tit-bits about Novo:

He hates Aberdeen fans.
He lowered his shorts at their fans once.
Fan site
Discussion of PES attributes
He almost became scottish
Depite never representing Spain, he has played for the regional side of Galicia.
He features in countless Rangers' fans tribute videos:



Best of the rest
The top XI from week 16

Nacho Novo, 29.5pts, Sporting Gijon
Victor, 22, Mallorca
Sergio Garcia, 21.5, Espanyol

Romaric, 26.5, Espanyol
Verdu, 23, Espanyol
Xavi, 19, Barca
Aranburu, 14, Sociedad

Nano, 19, Levante
Juanfran, 11, Levante
Gonzalez, 12.5, Racing

Munua, 22, Levante

Results (predicted score in brackets):

RCD Espanyol 4 - 2 Atlético Madrid (1-0)
Athletic Bilbao 1 - 1 Racing Santander (2-0)
Málaga CF 1 - 1 Osasuna (3-1)
Real Zaragoza 0 - 1 RCD Mallorca (1-0)
Villarreal CF 1 - 1 Real Sociedad (1-0)
Getafe CF 1 - 0 Granada CF (1-0)
Rayo Vallecano 1 - 3 Sporting Gijón (1-0)

Real Madrid 1 - 3 FC Barcelona (2-1)
Real Betis 2 - 1 Valencia CF (0-1)
Levante UD 1 - 0 Sevilla FC (0-0)

This weekend. Clasisco, Valencia and more

Predictions and probabilites

Real Madrid v Barcelona

Whisper it quietly, but for the first time in a long while, Real Madrid feel like favourites for El Clasico.

Pep Guardiola is unbeaten at the Bernabeu since he took over in 2008, with two wins and a draw. However, Barca's current away form is poor by their high standards. They have only won two from six away Liga games, and their last outing ended in a humbling 1-0 defeat at Getafe.

Meanwhile, Real have gone through an unstoppable spell and are looking
for their 16th consecutive victory in all competitions. In La Liga,
they have scored 49 goals in 14 games, and have not dropped a point at
home all season.

However, Mourinho cannot boast the impressive home defensive record of his foes: while Barca have yet to concede at the Camp Nou, Real have conceded at least a goal a game so far at home this term.

In terms of personnel, both sides will be close to full strength having been able to rest their stars in midweek. Ricardo Carvalho (Real) and Ibrahima Affellay (Barca) are long term absentees. Adriano could return for Barca.

Mourinho has declared he will opt for one of Benzema and Higuain in a three-pronged attack with Ronaldo and Di Maria. Guardiola has something of a selection headache in attack,where the returning Pedro will be vying for a spot with the in-form Alex Sanchez.

Prediction: A win for Real, but Barca will score. Top picks: Ronaldo, Di Maria; Messi. 2-1

3rd place Valencia visit Real ”the slump” Betis. Valencia whimpered out of the Champions League after being given a good seeing to by
Didier Drogba and Chelsea in midweek. But that humbling is nothing
compared to that which Betis have received since daring to visit the
summit of the Liga standings in week 4. They are on a dismal downward
spiral and haven’t won since winning their four opening games – and
they’ve lost 10 of their last 12 meetings with Los Che. You get the
idea.

Valencia are big favourites and the only tricky bit will be
predicting the right players for the win. Tino Costa is loving it in
central midfield after getting more regular starts and is a reliable
pick. Roberto Soldado can be expected to net. Prediction: Away win 0-1

A fairly titillating tie involves Valencia’s plucky neighbours,
Levante. The fourth placed upstarts take on a sparkling Sevilla side in one of the most exciting games of the weekend. If Sevilla were to win, they would leapfrog their opponents into 4th.

The southerners have only scored three away from home all season, but they’ve only conceded two so they will provide awkward opposition to a Levante side with a healthy home record.

Neither side have any new injury worries. Levante have to be sure to suppress Ivan Rakitic and Jesus "the chosen one" Navas who were devastating in Sevilla’s 3-0 defeat over Getafe last weekend.

Prediction: low score draw: 1-1. Ones to watch: Aruna Kone and
Barkero; Rakitic, Negredo.

Malaga v Osasuna is the next match of interest, and by my calculations should be the most one sided fixture of the round. Malaga like to score, and Osasuna tend to concede away from home. Don’t get me wrong, Osasuna love to pull a shock win as much as Malaga like to pull a
shock defeat but the stats favour the home team.

Malaga have a number of injury problems with Wellington, Julio Baptista and Joaquin all confirmed as unfit for the game, but have the squad to cope. Osasuna are missing midfield maestro Javad Nekounam through suspension. Prediction: a win by a couple for Malaga. Ones to watch: Cazorla, Isco, Rondon. 3-1

Espanyol v Atletico Madrid. A close match to call with both sides
stumbling along inconsistently. While Atletico are healthily placed in
8th, they have terrible away form and Espanyol know how to scratch out
the home wins. It’s going to be tight.

Atletico welcome back first teamers Arda Turan, Diego "the liability" Godin and Thibaut Courtois. Espanyol are without Manchester City loanee Vladimir Weiss and the injured Javier Marquez. A home win is expected but a surprise upset could be worth a punt: 1-0

Atlethico Bilbao should ease back in to winning ways against Racing
Santander, but star striker Fernando Llorente is doubtful. The onus
will be on the likes of Iker Muniain and Markel Susaeta to bring the pain. 2-0

Rayo Vallecano v Gijon. A home win for Vallecano. Look out for goals
for Michu and Raul Tamudo. 2-0

Getafe v Granada. Granada and their mean defence have been on a tidy
run, lifting them to 12th. Getafe are missing Dani Guiza and Pedro Leon. Should be a slim home win but Granada more than capable of an upset. 1-0. Getafe's Miku and Castro to star.

Villarreal v Sociedad. Two of this season’s slow starters trying to
claw their way up the table. Javier Garrido welcomes back Nilmar and Cani from injury, but defender Mussachio is suspended. 1-1. Look out for: Ruben, De Guzman and a goal from the half-way line for Sociedad's Inigo Martinez.

Real Zaragoza v Mallorca. A grim prospect for the neutral but look out for forgotten Portugeezer Helder Postiga. 1-0

Team of the Week 15

Roberto, 20

5 saves as Granada earn hard fought victory over Zaragoza

Defs
Marcelo, 19

Real's Brazilian full-back shows rival Coentrao how it's done on the left side.

Moreno, 15

Defender of the week, with a goal and some bits and bobs, even as his side, Espanyol, went down 2-1 at Valencia.

Flano, 14

Surprise goal from defender as Osasuna beat Betis 2-1

Mids
Angel Di Maria, 19

Matchwinning goal and assist from Argie wing man.

Fabregas, 18

Two more goals gives the false-nine seven for the season.

Tino Costa, 14

Instrumental display, scoring a Pen and assisting for the second in Valencia's crucial home win.

Gabi, 14

The surprise attacking performance of the week. A goal, assist and own goal from the Atletico winger.

Forwards
Messi, 23.5

A goal and a plethora of extras. Central to Barca's 5-0 demolition of Levante.

Falcao, 21

Matchwinning goal and assist on return from injury for 40m Euro man.

Alex Sanchez, 20

Another goal for the Chilean as his stock begins to soar.

Jornada 15 preview: Barcelona v Levante, Gijon v Madrid... and the rest

Bit gutted as my predictions calculations are missing this week. I ran them this morning but I have failed to get the appropriate JPG. What I can tell you is that the most likely results (from my memory mind) were:

Barca 2-0 Levante
Gijon 0-3 Real Madrid
Valencia 1-0 Espanyol
Racing 0-0 Villarreal
Atletico 1-0 Vallecano
Sociedad 0-0 Villarreal
Osasuna 1-0 Betis
Granada 1-0 Zaragoza
Mallorca 0-1 Bilbao
Sevilla 1-0 Getafe

All about the Classico now. "But the classico's not til next weekend" I hear you say. "But we have to bang on about it at every given opportunity. Work it in where you can. Classico Classico Classico"
Well, Barca are in dissaray. They are a massive 3 POINTS off the pace
after being ruthlessly battered 1-0 at Getafe last week while Real
Madrid mauled Atletico 4-1. Pep obviously has his mind elsewhere -
Chelsea probably, and Mourinho is king. the title race may as well be
over. Forget that Barca have won every home game in La Liga, averaging
4 goals a game without conceding one.

This week Barca host last month's flavour of the month (?) Levante.
Fourth placed Levante are just 5 points behind Barca but have
a formidable task ahead of them. However, the forgotten table toppers
Levante can boast that they are the only side to have beaten current
leaders Real Madrid this season. Barca could boast that they beat Rayo
Vallecano 4-0 in midweek but no one would listen. Levante also scored
a thumping 4-0 victoryover Gijon last week and likes of Aruna Kone and top-scorer Juanlu will need to maintain their excellent form if they have any
hope of taking anything from the game.

They must also summon the spirit of Nelson Valdez if they are to "do a Hercules" at Camp Nou.
Barcelona are full strength apart from wing back Adriano who has
picked up a thigh strain.
Barcelona are hot favourites for the home win and need the win ahead
of next week's Classico. Ones to watch: Messi,
Alexis Sanchez, Fabregas and Iniesta

Sporting Gijon v Real Madrid, 17.00
In the early kick off, the sensible money will be on Real Madrid
reasserting their 6 point lead at the top this weekend - vital
psychological advantage ahead of the El Classicoooooo. Real will be
without Ricardo Carvalho and the suspended Xabi Alonso as they look to
extend their thirteen match winning run. Alonso has been an integral
part of Mourinho’s line-up since he fled Liverpoo to play for a team
who might actually win things one day. The Special One has
several options to replace Alonso: tiny summer signing Nuri Sahin;
flaky youth Esteban Granero; or pompous wild man Lass Diarra. Who will
partner German tiger Sami Khedeira in this tricky away tie for the
league leaders.

Despite lying 18th, Gijon can delude themselves that they are more
than capable of causing an upset
having beaten Real at the Bernabeau only in April. Christiano Ronaldo
is a doubt with an ankle sprain picked up in the Madrid derby last
weekend, but should play despite having missed training earlier this
week. With 5 goals in 12 games this season, former Real Madrid trainee
David "the barrel" Barral carries the main threat for an otherwise
rather insipid
Gijon side.

No upset for Gijon this time. Madrid will coast to their fourteenth
win in a row. Ones to watch: Benzema and Ronaldo.

Valencia v Espanyol
If it’s guaranteed wins you’re interested in, look no further than
Valencia at home to Espanyol. The Andalucians have won 3 of their last
four and need to maintain their excellent run with Levante hot on
their heels. Valencia are still without long term absentees Sergio
Canales and Even Banega in midfield but Tino Costa and Sofiane
Feghouli have stepped up to the plate in their absence and have put in
some excellent displays in the centre of the park. Brazilian forward
Jonas scored his first of the season in La Liga last week and looks to
be coming into some form. While, still in the top half of the table,
Espanyol have been inconsistent of late and suffered a shock home loss
to Osasuna last week. While Christian Alvarez has put in some great
displays between the posts this season, Catalunia’s “other” side are
struggling for goals.
Home win: ones to watch: Soldado, Tino, Jonas, Diego Alves

Racing Santander vs Villarreal
Saturday’s fourth fixture looks likely to be terribly dull affair.
Racing Santander have lost Hector Cuper and Villarreal have lost their
identity. A great chance for the Yellow Submarine to grab a morale
boosting win but a low/no score draw seems more likely.

Atletico Madrid v Rayo Vallecano
Despite their woeful away record, Atletico are excellent at home. Will
they be buoyed or exhausted from their midweek Europa Cup victory at
Celtic? Falcao is back, but Adrian has more than made a case for
keeping his place ahead of the record signing. Vallecano are very much
capable of causing an upset.
Home win: Assenjo, Diego, Falcao

Sevilla v Getafe
Sevilla ground out a vital 1-0 win at Zaragoza last week. Despite
Getafe’s heroics against Barca, they still stink away from home.
Sevilla should build with another win.
Home win: Varas, Negredo, Rakitic, Trochowski

Granada will be favourites to beat Zaragoza, especially following
their surprise defeat of Atletico Bilbao last week. Their impressive
defence will need to keep a close eye on Zaragoza’s Helder Postiga.
Osasuna host Betis and are favourites to build on a good run of form.
Alvaro Cejudo, Raul Garcia and Nino can all be expected to do well.
Sociedad v Malaga is an awkward one to call and a draw seems the most
likely result. Finally, Bilbao must bounce back from the shock loss to
Granada and take the win at Mallorca.

Team of the week 14 - Levante and Getafe boys rule the roost

Team of the week (not including Malaga v Villarreal)

3-4-3: Moya (GET); Valera (GET), Lopez (GRN), Delo Horno (LEV), Lamah (OSA), Di Maria (RMA), Barkero (LEV), Juanlu (LEV), Kone (LEV), Aggiretxe (RSO), Pereira (BET).

GK


Moya

Moya, 24 pts, Getafe

7 saves and 1 clean sheet helping Getafe secure shock result of weekend.

Defence

Juan Valera

Juan Valera, 21 pts, GET, (value 7.85)

Match winning goal, clean sheet and five passes intercepted.

Iñigo López, 19 pts, Granada (7.12)

A match winner and a clean sheet in one of the shock results of the weekend.

Del Horno, 12 pts, LEV (value 6.12)

A clean sheet, 3 tackles won and four passes intercepted in crucial home win for Levante.



Midfield


Roland Lamah

 Roland Lamah, 18 pts, OSA (value, 8.49)

1 goal and 1 assist for this weekend's top scoring mid, guiding Osasuna to an unexpected 2-1 win at Espanyol.

Di Maria

Angel Di Maria, 16.5 pts, MAD (value 20.32)

A match winning goal and 6 fouls earnt for the Argentinian on his return from injury.



Barkero

 
Barkero, 14 pts, LEV (value 8.75)

A match winning goal and 4 corners won. Instrumental in the 4-0 drubbing of Gijon.

Juanlu

Juanlu, 12 pts, LEV (value 12.86)

Ever dependable midfield maestro gets his 6th of the season.








Forwards

Kone

Aruna Kone, 27.5 pts, Lev - 2 goals, 1 assist, 3 SOTs


Aggirexte

 Imanol Agirretxe, 22.5, RSO, (value 7.8)

A goal, an assist and 3 SOTs as Sociedad upset Betis in Sevilla.



Jonathon Perreira, 22 pts, BET (value 6.95) - 2 goals in the same game

Jornada 14 Liga Preview: A visit to the capital for Barca, Madrid and Valencia

The predictions are in. Real Madrid are going to win by a massive margin, Barcelona are going to win too! Lots of wins this weekend. In order of the most likely to win:

Real Madrid
Levante
Bilbao
Barcelona
Malaga
Espanyol
Betis
Sevilla
Mallorca
Valencia

So you may like to pick players from those top sides! But of course, as its a double week for Barca only, you will be choosing as many Barca players as possible. In squeezing in Villa, Fabregas and Messi I have very little wriggle room for anyone else of note. I'm hanging on to Diego cos I reckon he's going to be a force for the rest of the season and he could sneak a few points as Real seem to go to sleep for at least 10 minutes or so every game.

If it wasn't a double, I'd love to have more Bilbao and Espanyol chaps. Bilbao's success is very enjoyable and I would like some Llorente and Muniain action this weekend.

Malaga would be a good side to go for too with Cazorla and A.N Other; Isco would be a laugh. A Levante fellow such as Aruna Kone would be fun, just for moral support. I like the speedy Ivorian.

So here's my team anyway. A bit dull. All eyes on Rui Forte.

Here's an extended preview if you have the time and inclination:

All the action will be in Madrid this weekend. The top three all come into their respective games on the back of eye-catching displays in the Champions League, with Barca and Real booking their places in the knock-out stages. Leaders Real host neighbours Atletico, while Barca face a visit to the Madrid suburbs to meet struggling Getafe. Valencia have an awkward trip to Rayo Vallecano.

As ever, Real will be overwhelming favourites against Atletico, who have not won this fixture since the last millenium.


The omens do not look promising for Gregorio Manzano’s side: their hosts simply cannot stop scoring while Atletico currently have the worst away record in their league. Their notoriously shaky defence face the almost impossible task of holding back the irresistible attacking forces of Ronaldo et al. The Portuguese forward will be refreshed after sitting out of the demolition of Dinamo Zagreb in midweek and will surely return to the front line. There will be some speculation about who will accompany the top scorer. Mourinho will rotate his side, opting for a more attacking line-up than the one that edged Valencia at the Mestaella last weekend, and Higuain is often preferred to Benzema to spearhead the attack at the Bernabeau. Carvalho is out with a back injury, and Kaka and Arbeloa are struggling with knocks. Marcelo and Di Maria have both recovered from recent injuries.

Atletico have talked about “winning ugly” but hope will lie in the trickery and talent of the diminutive Diego who is at the heart of everything good they do going forward. Falcao is still missing through injury so Atletico’s own Portuguese star, Pizzi could well continue to lead the line after scoring last week.

Barca’s patchy Liga away form is the reason they are 3 points behind Real. With three drawers and two unimpressive 1-0 wins at Granada and Gijon, there is pressure on Pep Guardiola’s side to up their game away from the Nou Camp. Having just edged the fearsome tests of two of La liga’s lowliest sides, they now have another gimme in a matchup with the struggling minnows Getafe. Iniesta and Adriano are doubts but Pedro is ready to return. Whatever the line-up, this will surely be a prime opportunity for Messi and co to fill their boots and keep up the pressure at the top.

While Getafe have a couple of home wins, they have little to no form. Their Venezuelan star Miku carries the main - if not their only - attacking threat. He misses the creativity that Daniel Parejo (now at Valencia) provided from midfield last season, and his new foil, Dani Guiza is still trying to remember how to play in La Liga. On Loan Pedro "the lion" Leon is still missing with injury.



Valencia face an awkward tie with the mysterious Rayo Vallecano. Rayo have enjoyed some excellent wins and some unpleasant beatings but look healthy in 10th place in the standings. Valencia have not been prolific away from home but have been tidy, picking up three wins from five. The 7-0 thrashing over Genk will no doubt have gone some way to helping them recover from the home loss to Real last week. Valencia have no new injury worries and it’s tempting to go for a low scoring win for Unai Emery’s side.

Despite having lost three in a row, Levante are still the envy of most sides in La Liga, sitting just one point behind Valencia in fourth. The Andalucians have the perfect opportunity to get their season back on track with a home tie against Sporting Gijon. This is surely the ideal time to stop the rot and anything other than a win against the rojiblancos would be a bitter pill to swallow for the home fans after their fantastic start to the season. The likes of Aruna Kone and Ruben Suarez have to lead from the front and take their chances.

Fifth placed Malaga can be expected to take all three points against Villarreal. The Yellow Submarine’s troubles have been well documented, while Malaga are hanging in there and making a nuisance of themselves in fifth. This will most likely be one of the most one sided matches of the weekend. Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Rondon are misfiring and Iscoand Seb Fernandez are the form front men for Malaga.

The rest of the match ups should go with the home side this weekend with Betis, Espanyol and especially Atletico Bilbao picking up wins. Sevilla need to win at Zaragoza, while likewise Mallorca severely need the points at home to Racing Santander.

Jornada 13 Liga Preview: Real Madrid Valrencia Barcelona

Following the disappointments of the international break, La Liga’s
superstars will need to recover all their focus and resolve in another
hugely important weekend in the title race.
Real Madrid’s 3 point lead will be under threat as they face one of
their toughest tests of the season with a visit to 3rd placed
Valencia, while Barcelona will be licking their lips at the prospect
of entertaining a struggling Real Zaragoza at the Camp Nou.

Real are in a rich vein of form and handed Valencia one of their most
humiliating results at the Mestalla last year. Jose Mourinho’s side
were 5-0 up at half-time, going on to win 6-3. This time around, Real
go into the game on the back of four away wins in a row, where they
have notched 11 goals without conceding. They are more or less full
strength, but Mourinho will need to assess the impact of midweek
transatlantic flights on Gonzalo Higuain, Marcelo, Sergio Ramos and
Xabi Alonso. Cristiano Ronaldo and Alvaro Arbeloa also picked up
knocks on international duty. Angel Di Maria is out with a hamstring
but Kaka is back from injury.

Valencia are in a hot run of form themselves with four wins in a row
but will be without midfield trio Sergio Canales, Ever Banega and
Hedwiges Maduro who are all suffering from lengthy injuries.

Barcelona’s Pep Guadiola will have similar selection head-aches to
Mourinho for the matchup with Zaragoza. Winger Adriano returned from
international duty injured, and Spanish forward Pedro is still out,
but the rest of the squad is near full strength, barring the impact of
jet-lag. Andres Iniesta, Carles Puyol, Sergio Busquets, Victor Valdes,
Gerard Pique, Xavi Hernandez and David Villa all returned from a long
trip as they formed part of Spain's squad that played in Costa Rica on
Tuesday.Messi played in both Argentina’s matchups in South America.
Barca also have a vital visit to AC Milan next week as they look to
secure top spot in their Champions League group.

Zaragoza currently lie in 16th place. Portuguese striker Helder
Postiga is finding his feat and is the away side’s best hope of a
goal. Real Madrid hit 6 against them at the start of the season and
the away side will surely be just hoping for damage limitation.

In Saturday’s opening fixture, Villarreal will host Real Betis. The
Verderones have managed to stop losing – just. Following six losses on
the bounce, they managed to hold Malaga to a 0-0 draw last time out.
They will be looking to take advantage of an inconsistent Villarreal.
Beleagured manager Juan Carlos Garrido has lead the Yellow Submarine
to two clean sheets in a row, however he is still without three of his
main attacking threats in Rossi, Nilmar and Cani. A lot will rest on
young striker Marco Ruben.

Fourth placed Levante will be desperate to stop their slide down the
table. Having been top of the pile, they have now lost two in a row
and face a tricky visit to Atletico Madrid. Atletico will be without
their record signing Falcao but in U21 star Adrian, they have a more
than capable stand-in. Playmaker Diego has been quietly finding his
form and Levante will need to stifle the Brazilian dynamo if they want
to stop their losing streak.

Sevilla take on Atletico Bilbao in what should be one of the games of
the round. Blibao’s last match against Barcelona is already being
billed as one of the greatest games in recent Liga history, and
Marcelo Bielsa’s side are starting to impress, now unbeaten in five.
Sevilla have not won in five so the momentum will be with the away
side.

Real Sociedad are in free-fall without a win in seven. They face an
in-form Espanyol side who are once again exceeding expectations with
an excellent start to the season. Real Sociedad will be without
suspended defender Inigo Martinez.

Osasuna have a strong home record and need to bounce back from their
7-1 thrashing at San Sebastien. They take on surprise package Rayo
Vallecano who come into the game off the back of a 4-0 win over
Sociedad.

We have a couple of relegation dog-fights in Sporting Gijon v Getafe
and Granada v Mallorca, while Monday night sees the multi-millionaires
of Malaga visiting Racing Santander.

First 11.
Diego Lopez (Vil), Nyom (Gran), Siqueira (gran), Musacchio (vil),
Catala (vil), Diego (AM), Reyes (aM), Fabregas(bar), Ronaldo (rm),
Messi, Benzema

More Spain England Stats

Across both squads, where are the players based?

From the England squad, are more players based in the north or the south, and where were they born?

The North South Divide: England v Spain graphs

News today tells us that the credit crunch has further entrenched the UK's North/South poverty divide.

"Britain's north-south divide has widened since the start of the recession and is likely to worsen as households in the north-east and Yorkshire are among the hardest hit by rising unemployment and falling house prices, according to a report." (The Guardian)

With the world's wealthiest footballing nations - Spain and England - set to lock horns this weekend it seems timely to look at the related divides across the two squads. So here are some graphs:

Firstly, Spain have a 23 man squad, England a 25. 19 clubs are represented across the two squads. But which clubs have the largest representation?

In the spain squad, 57% of the players come from Real or Barca.

Whereas, in England there is a broader distribution, but Man City have the most:

To be continued.....

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.

Jornada 12: preview Real Madrid to batter Osasuna and more...

Since football demands that we live in a hyper-real NOW where each second of our history is perpetually aching to spill into the next, as eagerly as the baying crowd anticipates the cheer that greets the instant the ball crosses the opposition goal line, since the collective reverie intensified by a state of glorfied amnesia demands that we rush to the next moment as seemlessly and fleetfooted as Lionel Messi latching on to a Thiago Alicantra flick, let us forget about the midweek Champions League action and focus on the domestic schedule. As quickly as it is forgotten, it will be recalled, thrust upon us in a fortnight's time, like a recurring dream accompanied by angels' choirs and horns of tempting us endlessly into the eleison of the night.

In the meantime, predictions ahead of this weekend's La Liga action. The only major favourites for this weekend are Real Madrid at home to Osasuna. The only complication is which Madrid players to pick. Aside from Kaka and Higuain I can't see any certain starters - even Kaka is carrying a knock.

Barcelona are the next favourites - tempting to bring in Fabregas after his midweek return.

Outside of the major 2, the rest of the match-ups are very close. Espanyol should do one over Villarreal and I like the look of Romaric, Weiss and Sergio. They are all so cheap that it makes me nervous though. I fancy a bit of Michu for Rayo Vallecano against Sociedad and it's not too late to jump on the Helder Postiga bandwagon with Zaragoza at home to Gijon. The portugeezer has scored two games on the bounce.

Getafe should hand Atletico Madrid's backsides to them and it would be nice to get a bit of Guiza, Castro or even Rios action. Real Betis v Malaga should yield goals and Malaga will probably win, although Betis are due a bit of luck.

Jornada 11: Saturday, Sunday

Barcelona 5-0 Mallorca

(Messi 38.5, Dani Alves 21, Adriano 19.5)
Predicted: 5-0

Exactly as was predicted, Barcelona eased up to 2nd. The tinkering Pep was the scourge of my team this week though as Iniesta and Fabregas never got on the pitch. Should have known with CL coming up this week. Messi and Adriano always play, whatever the situation. Goal scoring Cuenca needs adding to the game.



Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid
(Higuain, 13)
Predicted: 0-3

Underwhelming display from Real. Those who stumped up the 25 pts for Higuain will have been a bit disappointed with his 13 pt return. Ronaldo only got 7. Only Fabio Coentrao did anything exceptional with 13pt score from 3.54 value.

Top performance: Cassilas: 22, Coentrao: 13.5 (bv), Higuain: 13



Valencia 3-1 Getafe
(Feghouli 19 pts, Arduriz 14.5 - Castro 9pts)
Predicted: 2-0

As predicted, a straight forward home win for Valencia. Not much to get excited about in this game apart from the surprise brace from Sofiane Feghouli from a value of 3.35.



Villarreal 2-0 Rayo Vallecano

(Valero 18.5, Zapata, 11pts, Bruno 10pts)
Predicted: 0-1

A much needed win for Villarreal, midfielders Valero and Bruno making up for the striker deficit.



Osasuna 2-0 Levante

(Alvaro Cejudo 15.5pts, Nino 15pts, Andres 12 pts)
Predicted: 0-1

Surprise result of the weekend, Levante finally giving up first place in the table. The awesome Alvaro Cejudo with a bizarre game winning performance which somehow included a sending off.



Malaga 2-1 Espanyol

(Rondon 20pts, Duda 9.5 pts, Apono 7pts - Alvaro 10.5pts)
Predicted: 1-1

Malaga knicked 6th spot away from Espanyol, largely thanks to a strong show from Rondon, scoring his first goal of the season. Solid all round from Malga without being too exciting. Lots of 9 pt performances.



Sporting Gijon 1-1 Atletico Bilbao
Bilic 11.5pts, Barral 10.5pts - Susaeta 7.5pts)
Predicted:0-1



Atletico 3-1 Zaragoza
(Adrian 20.5 pts, Dominguez 13.5 pts - Postiga 16pts)
Predicted: 2-0

Diego is starting to create. Postiga got a notable 16.



Racing Santander 1-0 Real Betis

(Tono 20pts, Cisma 10.5 pts - Pereira 10.5, Benat 10)

Predicted: 0-0

The Sevillians are crashing and burning. Santander; an invaluable win, largely down to magical Tono in between the sticks. Betis' midfielder Benat still keeps turning in excellent point scoring performances.



team of the week:

Messi 38.5
Rondon 20.5
Adrian 20.5

Feghouli 19
Valero 18.5
Cejudo 15.5

Alves 21
Adriano 19.5
Coentrao 13.5
Dominguez 13.5

Tono 20