FCBARCELONA.CAT

18.09.2009 19:11

Spanish League Preview -Week 3

Nick Bedson

As well as Barca, there are three other La Liga teams with two wins out of two so far this season: Real Madrid, Valencia and Athletico Bilbao and all three play at home on Sunday, the day after Barca face Atletico Madrid at the Nou Camp.

Madrid missing Xabi Alonso

Madrid face what looks to be the easiest task entertaining the winless Jerez at the Bernabeu, but they will be without the injured Xabi Alonso who picked up a knock in midweek. Jerez boss Cuco Ziganda is talking big though, claiming: “our only aim at the Bernabeu is to come away with a win”. Boosted by a good result midweek in the Europa League, Bilbao welcome back local hero Ernesto Valverde who brings his stuttering Villarreal team to the San Mames, whilst Valencia are at home to Sporting Gijon.

Islanders clash in Palma

Mallorca are also unbeaten, with a win and a draw so far this season and on Saturday night they are at home to fellow islanders Tenerife, who've made a decent start to life back in the top flight, with one win and one defeat so far. Meanwhile, Getafe will be hoping to put last weekend's defeat to Barca behind them when they visit Almeria, who've taken just one point from their two games.

Espanyol after first points

Barca's city neighbours Espanyol have made a disappointing start to the season and will be looking to take their first points from their visit to La Coruña on Saturday, though they travel without the injured Tamudo, De la Peña and Nakamura. Deportivo beat Malaga at home in their last game after losing narrowly at the Bernabeu in their opening match. At Malaga meanwhile, coach Jaun Ramon Muñiz faces the team he managed last season, Racing Santander, who have just one point so far and entertain Barca in their next league game on Tuesday night.

Discipline record under scrutiny in Pamplona

Osasuna have already picked up seven yellow and two red cards in just 180 minutes of football, but they will really need all 11 players on the pitch on Saturday when they take on Seville, who come into the game on the back of wins against Zaragoza and Unirea in the Champions League. The Andalusia team have in fact not won in Pamplona for 16 years and they travel to the game without star striker Luis Fabiano who is injured. In the weekend's other game, Zaragoza are at home to Valladolid.