Other writing commitments mean that this Sunday we’re going to have to keep the previews briefer. As ever all kick off times are CET.
And remember, we have a full list of all the suspensions and injuries here.
Real Sociedad v Espanyol (1200)
Griezmann absolutely starred on the road for the hosts last Monday. Playing in the centre, he bagged a brace in an exciting draw against Valladolid. As their key man, his absence through injury is going to be felt. Elustondo and Zurutuza are both out.
Espanyol are improving. Even when nothing was going right for them earlier in the season, they were doing most things right- it was just that when they got to the final third, they looked clueless. And as luck went against them and defeats piled up, they lost heart. There was even talk of Mauricio Pochettino being out of a job.
A battling draw against Málaga was preceded by their first win of the season against Rayo the week before, earned off the back of a monster performance from Joan Verdú. They’re without the suspended Juan Forlín and Victor Sánchez, but with the wind in their sails they look good for a point. But even more so- this will be their first away win.
Deportivo La Coruña v Mallorca (16:00)
Gutsy comeback against Celta in last week’s derby draw, but failed to press the man advantage home in the second half. No injuries of note. Mallorca’s Joaquín Caparrós’ decision to all but concede the home game against Real appeared foolish- after all, they’d not been far off beating Real on the same ground last year. The result was a shockingly flat performance and a 5-0 which Real won at a canter.
Depor’s level of performance in this season hasn’t been reflected in their points total. As they’ve kept leaking goals, the attack which had looked dangerous in the opening weeks has tailed off. But they’re overdue a win and should get that today.
Osasuna v Valladolid (18:00)
Losing to Sporting from the Segunda midweek was no surprise- it was a banker. Valladolid are right down there, and the table does not lie in their case.
Valladolid have been a breath of fresh air to the division. Maybe Manucho won’t reach his stated target of 40 goals this season, but this team with their neat passing game and clear footballing identity under Djukic (basically, everything that their opponents aren’t) play without fear.
Away win.
Granada v Athletic Bilbao (19:45)
The mood around Granada has them targeting this fixture as winnable. They off field nonsense between the club and the council over the stadium has been resolved at last. They took heart from their second half performance in the loss to Zaragoza in week 8, but have no right to. They’re on firmer ground regarding last week’s defeat at Levante though. They played much better, perhaps better than their hosts who won 2-1 courtesy of Obafemi Martins.
As for the visitors, it’s do or die time. They’re flopping as badly in the Europa League as they are at home. They playing fantastically in going down to Valencia in week 8, where Ander’s sending off hamstrung them. No lack of spirit on show that night. They reverted to type in losing to high-flying Osasuna at home.
Carles Gurpegui potential absence gives them further issues in the defence, and there’s a strong sense that this is do or die time for Marcelo Bielsa.
Away win.
Sevilla v Levante (21:30)
Sevilla are a bit unpredictable, but the curve under Michel has ben largely of a positive bent. Perhaps it’s harsh to be too critical of their defeat at Zaragoza last week, as the latter are beginning to change perceptions while racking up the results. Sevilla managed to win in the Copa del Rey against an improving Espanyol midweek. Diego Perotti’s been out for some time, but should make the bench here.
Levante’s are on a roll. There’s no great secret to their game. Obafemi Martin’s has his the ground running, with 5 goals in 5 games. They lie sixth, and for a team of such scant resources, this makes a mockery of notions of adjusting to European football. Their evergreen captain, Sergio Ballesteros returns from suspension. They’ve won their last three in the league, and four from the last 5.
Sevilla have lost two of their last three, slipping away from the Champions League results in the process. All in all, this one is no fun to call! I’m leaning towards a Levante ambush, but I wouldn’t bet on it.
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