Real Madrid will play their third consecutive game away from home in the third round of matches in LaLiga this weekend, while Barca has problems in defense.

The weekend games will be followed by the first international break and this round of matches will be important in the sensations some clubs have during the lay-off and could also have an effect on their late transfer plans.

The first two matches are played on Friday with a clash between recently promoted duo Mallorca and Espanyol - both of whom are unbeaten so far on their return to the top-flight.

Striker Fer Nino scored Mallorca's winning goal away to Alaves a week ago, while Espanyol has signed Betis forward Loren Moron on loan as they look to score their first goal of the season.

Friday's second game could see another new signing, with Brazilian striker Marcos Andre making his Valencia debut at home to Alaves who has kicked off the new campaign with consecutive defeats.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has to decide whether to put Vinicius Jr into his starting 11 at the expense of Eden Hazard against Betis after the Brazilian's two goals saved them from defeat against Levante last Sunday.

Although all the talk surrounding Real Madrid is about the possible arrival of Kylian Mbappe, last weekend showed they also have work to do in defense and Betis, who has signed Willian Jose from Real Sociedad to cover for Loren's departure, is likely to provide as tough a test as Levante did last Sunday.

Spain international goalkeeper Unai Simon should be back for Athletic Club Bilbao as they look for their first win of the season away to Celta Vigo. Athletic impressed at home to Barca, but needs to turn performances into points.

Real Sociedad's new striker Alexander Sorloth could make his debut when the team from San Sebastian entertains Levante on Saturday evening. Levante showed their abilities last weekend with their 3-3 draw at home to Real Madrid and it should be an interesting game.

Sevilla travels to Elche at the same time with the league leaders looking to maintain their 100 percent record, although it will not be easy against a well-organized Elche side that pushed Atletico Madrid all the way before succumbing to a narrow defeat last Sunday.

Both Atletico and Barcelona are in action on Sunday with Luis Suarez in condition to start in Atletico's tough home game against Villarreal. Whether or not Suarez does start is a moot point given that Angel Correa has scored all of Atletico's goals so far this season, while the club strengthened in attack with the signing of Matheus Cunha from Hertha Berlin during the week.

Barca has given young midfielder Pedri two weeks holiday after his marathon 75-game season ended in Bilbao last weekend, but despite that and their problems in Bilbao, Ronald Koeman's side will be confident of three points at home to a Getafe side that has kicked off with consecutive defeats.

Koeman will have to play Clement Lenglet and Ronald Araujo in central defense with Gerard Pique injured and Eric Garcia suspended, while either Yusuf Demir or Sergi Roberto will take Pedri's place in the side.

Sunday's remaining two games see Cadiz and Osasuna in a clash between two solid teams that have kicked off with consecutive draws, while recently promoted Rayo Vallecano looks for their first points of the season when they entertain Granada. 

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