17:00 Levante - Sporting Gijon
17:00 Malaga - Hercules
17:00 Racing Santander - Mallorca
17:00 Almeria - Sevilla
19:00 Villarreal - Getafe
Levante - Sporting Gijon
- Levante are unbeaten in their last seven at home in the league, winning six.
- Defeat in their last match at Atletico put an end to Levante's longest-ever unbeaten streak in the Spanish top flight (eight games).
- Sporting have lost just one of their last seven league games (0-3 at Sevilla).
- Sporting are unbeaten in eight league games at El Molinón, conceding just one goal on this run.
TEAM NEWS:
Levante
Java Venta completed training as normal yesterday morning, making him likely to be available for tomorrow's games. Luis Garcia will also be relieved with the return to training of Nano, Stuani, Welington and Caicedo, although this is tempered with the long term absences of Juanlu, del Horno and Sergio.
Sporting
After an uplifting victory for Sporting last week following the tragic death of Manuel Preciado's father, the coach will have quite a struggle with the various injuries plaguing his team. Diego Castro is a maybe, and Andre Castro, Botia and Sastre are all out. On the brightside, Rivera returns from suspension.
Malaga - Hercules
- Hercules are the lowest-scoring side in the last 10 matchdays of La Liga (six).
- After the 2-1 win at Racing, Malaga have already picked up more points in the second half of the campaign (19) than in the first (17).
- Hercules' last 13 league away games have produced one draw, one win and 11 defeats.
- Malaga are unbeaten in their last three league games (two wins, one draw).
TEAM NEWS:
Malaga
Jesus Gamez rejoins the group after his injury woes, whilst Malagueno takes his place amid the medical staff. Demichelis might not play the entire game tomorrow after a slight strain picked up this week, but all in all, good news for Malaga's teamsheet.
Hercules
Trezeguet is doubtful for tomorrow's game after reinflaming a recurring knee injury this week, and has said himself that he is more likely to make next week's match against Racing than the upcoming one. Tote and Christian are also out, but Djukic is left with an almost complete squad with which to stave off relegation.
Racing Santander - Mallorca
- Racing have only won one of their last six league meetings with Mallorca, though this was at Mallorca earlier this season (1-0).
- The last four league meetings between the two sides have seen just three goals in total.
- Mallorca have lost seven of their last 10 away games in La Liga (one win).
TEAM NEWS:
Racing
Kennedy has expressed 'good feelings' about his recovery from tendonitus, but warns against expectations that he will play tomorrow, raising hopes then quickly smothering them. Serrano is still injured, and Torrejon will be suspended, but that is the extent of Racing's absences, leaving Toral probably quite a satisifed man.
Mallorca
Lucky Laudrup has a full squad at his disposal, and will be leaving the island with his top 20 to travel to Santander. The only question that remains is whether their mascot, the nine foot high Red Devil, will be making the trip, for his trademark trident will surely cause some issues at airport security.
Almeria - Sevilla
- Almeria are on a run of five straight league defeats, three of them under new manager Roberto Olabe, scoring just two goals in total.
- Sevilla have lost every one of the seven league away matches in which they have failed to score away from home this season.
- Almeria and Sevilla are the two teams who have conceded the most goals in the first 15 minutes of the second half of La Liga matches this season (12).
TEAM NEWS:
Almeria
Piatti and Ulloa will find out on Saturday morning whether they are given the green light to play against Sevilla. Their return would be great news for coach Roberto Olabe, who has sorely been missing the skill and pace of his two Argentine strikers.
Sevilla
It's not looking too good for Kanoute, who will find out tomorrow if he can play or not. On a similarly disappointing note for Manzano, Perotti has not been training after a knee injury, and Navas and Alexis only continue with recovery work. A couple of positives though; Sergio Sanchez and Zokora look to be back working normally, and will most likely be available for selection.
Villarreal - Getafe
- Villarreal have lost their last two league meetings with Getafe, both away from home.
- However, Getafe have won only three of their 13 top-flight clashes with Villarreal.
- Villarreal have taken just 12 points from the last 36 available in La Liga: only five teams have claimed fewer in this period.
- Getafe have won just one of their last 11 league games (1-0 vs Sevilla).
TEAM NEWS:
Villarreal
Gonzalo Rodriguez is still out after breaking his leg earlier this month, and will not be returning this season, but is Villarreal's only major injury. Garrido may well find it is psychological issues, rather tha physical ones, that are affecting his team: after a 5-1 thrashing by Porto in the Europa League, Villarreal must pick themselves up and focus on this upcoming game, especially with Champions League football in sight.
Getafe
After their recent aquistion and rebranding as 'Getafe Team Dubai', certain Dubai owners will be rather wanting a victory tomorrow night, as their plans most likely don't include being stuck in the Segunda for the whole of next season. Albeit it's Villarreal, but with no injury concerns, some relegation anxieties, and the promise of massive cash injection, the team have all the motivation needed to travel to El Madrigal and give it their all.
