The ninth round of matches gets underway in Spain on Friday night when Athletic Bilbao entertain Almeria at San Mames.
Athletic aim to recover from their defeat in last weekend’s Basque derby away to Real Sociedad, with Oihan Sancet available after suspension. Meanwhile, Almeria, still without a win this season, have lost striker Luis Suarez to a broken leg.
Real Madrid face defensive issues for the visit of Osasuna. Nacho Fernandez is suspended following his red card in Girona last week, while injuries to Eder Militao and David Alaba leave Carlo Ancelotti with reorganizing to do.
Real Madrid fans are hopeful that as long as Jude Bellingham remains in form, the team will score the necessary goals to win the game. Girona’s defeat to Real Madrid was their first setback of the season. They travel to Cadiz for what could be a test of their mettle against a side that relinquished a two-goal lead to Atletico Madrid in their last outing.
Valencia’s season has hit a rough patch with consecutive defeats, challenging coach Ruben Baraja to lift the spirits of his young squad ahead of their visit to Mallorca.
Valencia defender Mouctar Diakhaby has joined a long injury list, which includes captain Jose Luis Gaya and Sergi Canos. His absence will be felt against Mallorca’s powerful and in-form striker, Vedat Muriqi.
Sevilla are showing signs of regaining their form in recent games, with Sergio Ramos bringing experience to their defense. However, they continue to miss striker Mariano Diaz, while Erik Lamela is out for the home game against a combative Rayo Vallecano.
Sunday sees Villarreal, who remain unconvincing despite a change of coach, hosting Las Palmas, who secured a late win against Celta on Monday.
Veteran Jonathan Viera’s future at Las Palmas remains uncertain as he hinted at a possible departure in the coming weeks. A compelling game is expected between Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad, two in-form sides. Real Sociedad, buoyed by three consecutive league wins and a Champions League victory over RB Salzburg, bring threatening wingers Ander Barrenetxea and Take Kubo to the mix.
Meanwhile, Alvaro Morata and former Real forward, Antoine Griezmann are peaking for Atletico, whose main concern could be defending against the robust Umar Sadiq.
Betis head to Alaves, who might hope their rivals are fatigued after Thursday’s Europa League action. Meanwhile, Celta Vigo must overcome Getafe to steer clear of a crisis.
The defeat to Las Palmas pushed Celta into the relegation zone. With just one point from 12, and despite deserving better luck at times, another loss will likely prompt questions regarding coach Rafa Benitez.
Before the international break, Barca visit Granada, a side struggling in their top-flight return but showed character in a comeback from 3-0 down to Almeria last weekend.
Barca’s Robert Lewandowski is an injury doubt after an ankle issue in Porto on Wednesday night, while Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, and Raphinha are confirmed absentees due to injuries.
