Real Madrid and FC Barcelona both have home matches to kick off the 10th
round of matches in the Spanish Primera Liga.
Real Madrid needs a win over Malaga to put a stop to doubts that have arisen
after their failure to win any of their last three games. Bernd Schuster's side
lost 2-3 to Real Union, drew 1-1 away to Almeria and was beaten 2-0 at home by
Juventus in the Champions League this Wednesday.
That has raised questions over the ability of Bernd Schuster's side to
seriously compete this season and Schuster will have problems picking his 11
tonight.
Arjen Robben is out for six weeks with a torn muscle in his groin, while
defenders Pepe and Sergio Ramos are also struggling to be fit.
Malaga meanwhile wants to get back on track after a four game-winning run
ended with a 1-4 home defeat to Barcelona last weekend.
Barcelona saw their own run of 11 straight wins end with a 1-1 draw in the
Champions League at home to Basel on Tuesday night, but will be favorites at
home to Valladolid.
Andres Iniesta and Eric Abidal are injured for Barcelona, but coach Pep
Guardiola can call on the services of Alexander Hleb, Thierry Henry, Seydou
Keita and Sylvinho to cover their absences.
The rest of the games are played out tomorrow, with third placed Villarreal
entertaining Almeria and fourth placed Valencia, who could only draw 1-1 against
Copenhagen in the UEFA Cup on Wednesday night, are away to seventh placed
Getafe.
Valencia coach Unai Emery will certainly have striker David Villa back in his
starting 11.
Sevilla needs to end a run of poor results when they entertain local rivals
Recreativo Huelva in the Sanchez Pizjuan stadium. Coach Manolo Jimenez is under
pressure after four straight defeats, but will be without strikers Freddy
Kanoute, Deigo Capel and Luis Fabiano through injury and suspension for what is
a vital match.
Another side in a disastrous run of form, Athletic Club Bilbao, travel to
Mallorca, where they will face former striker Aritz Aduriz. Aduriz was sold this
summer against the wishes of the Athletic fans and should he score on Sunday,
Athletic coach Joaquin Caparros will be seriously questioned.
Osasuna aim for their first win of the campaign at home to an Atletico Madrid
capable of producing either excellent or disastrous football, depending on the
day. Atletico will travel with their morale buoyed by an excellent Champions
League display against Liverpool in Anfield.
Elsewhere Sporting Gijon go for their fifth consecutive league win away to
struggling Racing Santander, Betis travel to fellow strugglers Numancia, and
Deportivo la Coruna entertain Espanyol in the Riazor stadium.