Preview: No rest in La Liga with round of midweek games

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail Xinhua, September 25, 2023
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MADRID, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- There is no rest in the schedule in Spain with a midweek round of matches in La Liga to test the squad depth.

New La Liga leaders FC Barcelona are quickly into action, with a short hop over to Mallorca on Tuesday evening to play Javier Aguirre's side, who are still reeling after conceding five goals in Girona.

Xavi Hernandez will make some changes to his side, with Alejandro Balde, Inigo Martinez and Raphinha coming in, while his dilemma is whether to rest veteran striker Robert Lewandowski after a busy week.

Tuesday also sees an Andalusian derby between two teams desperately in need of points, as Sevilla, with one win all season, take on Almeria, who have just two points from their first six games.

Sergio Ramos is a doubt for Sevilla and Mariano Diaz is out for several weeks with a muscle problem, while Almeria coach Vicente Moreno will put a lot of his faith in former Real Madrid midfielder Sergio Arribas, who scored twice against Valencia at the weekend.

Real Madrid play at home to Las Palmas on Wednesday, and Carlo Ancelotti needs to see some improvements in defense after their 3-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid.

Ferland Mendy could return at left back and Nacho can expect to start after a defensive horror-show from David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger in the Metropolitano Stadium.

The good news is that Vinicius Jr. could be back on the bench after his hamstring injury and Joselu will probably start in attack.

Athletic Bilbao have enjoyed their best start to the season in over 20 years and currently sit fourth in the table, ahead of their game at home to Getafe.

Midfielder Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta is out with a calf injury, and Athletic coach Ernesto Valverde has to decide between Ander Herrera and Dani Garcia as his replacement.

Second-placed Girona travel to play Villarreal, who improved slightly to take a point away to Rayo Vallecano at the weekend. Girona have scored 16 times in six games this season and will be optimistic of a win.

Valencia entertain Real Sociedad in what promises to be an interesting game between two in-form sides, with Valencia's young players such as Javi Guerra impressing with their energy this campaign, while Real Sociedad look to be easing towards the form that saw them finish fourth last season, with Mikel Merino and Ander Barrenetxea both impressing.

Wednesday also sees Cadiz at home to Rayo Vallecano, before three matches on Thursday, with Celta Vigo entertaining Alaves, Granada at home to Real Betis, and Atletico Madrid away to Osasuna.

Celta impressed but conceded three late goals away to Barcelona at the weekend and need to start picking up points, while three consecutive defeats have left Granada second from bottom.

Atletico were effective at home to Real Madrid, with Alvaro Morata in fine form, but have lost defender Jose Gimenez with a calf injury for their trip to Pamplona. Enditem

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