Sat, November 07, 2009
MADRID, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Although the Madrid derby on Saturday night is without doubt the most attractive match in the Spanish BBVA Primera Liga, there is still plenty at stake in Sunday's matches.
Depending on Saturday's result from the Vicente Calderon Stadium, Racing Santander could kick off its game at home to Athletic Club Bilbao in the relegation zone.
The match could almost be classified as a derby given the closeness of the two cities and Athletic will no doubt be cheered on by several thousand traveling fans.
Racing coach Juan Carlos Mandia faces the sack should his side fail to win, but will be relieved that Athletic's Spain international striker Fernando Llorente is out of action to rest a tired thigh muscle.
Sporting Gijon can move into the top six with a win at home to Espanyol. Espanyol were frustrated by a late equalizer at home to Valladolid, but will climb above Sunday's opponents with a win.
Bottom of the table Xerez visits Valladolid in a game against a direct rival in the battle to avoid relegation.
The visitors' main problem has been scoring goals with just four all season and coach Cuco Ziganda is another man in danger of losing his job.
Almeria needs a win at home to Osasuna in order to climb away from the danger zone. Osasuna arrives after a creditable 1-1 draw at home to Barcelona last week.
Valencia aims to stay in the top four with a win against a Zaragoza side that struggles away from home.
Striker David Villa returns for Valencia after suspension for Thursday' s Europa League draw in Prague.
Finally Sevilla entertains an improving Villarreal. The home side looked tired in its Champions League draw against Stuttgart on Wednesday night, while Villlarreal's 4-1 thrashing of Lazio in the Europa League confirmed that Ernesto Valverde's team is finding its feet at last.
Villarreal has won its last three games, although they were all in the El Madrigal Stadium.
