Real Sociedad vs. Valladolid (Saturday, 1.00pm)
© Imago
Real Sociedad will be bidding to end a six-game winless run in all competitions when they resume their La Liga campaign with a home fixture against basement side Real Valladolid on Saturday afternoon.
A disappointing season has left Real Sociedad down in 12th spot in the La Liga table, while Real Valladolid are rock bottom, 11 points from safety, with the visitors facing a huge battle to remain in Spain's top flight.
We say: Real Sociedad 1-0 Real Valladolid
Real Sociedad have struggled to find their top level for much of this season, and Real Valladolid have tightened up defensively in recent matches, conceding just four times in their last three games. As a result, we are expecting a tight game on Saturday, but it would be a huge shock if the home side were unable to collect all three points.
> La Liga preview: Real Sociedad vs Valladolid
Espanyol vs. Atletico (Saturday, 3.15pm)
© Imago
Atletico Madrid will be aiming to avoid a third straight loss in La Liga when they resume their campaign with a clash against Espanyol at RCDE Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Diego Simeone's side are third in the La Liga table, four points behind leaders Barcelona, who have a game in hand, while Espanyol occupy 15th, one point outside of the relegation zone entering the final straight.
We say: Espanyol 1-2 Atletico Madrid
Atletico desperately need a win, and we are backing Simeone's side to emerge victorious here; Espanyol's recent home record is excellent, but we are expecting that to be broken by the Red and Whites on Saturday.
> La Liga preview: Espanyol vs Atletico
Alaves vs. Rayo Vallecano (Saturday, 5.30pm)
© Imago
Rayo Vallecano will be bidding to end a five-game winless run in Spain's top flight when they head to Alaves on Saturday evening.
The visitors have dropped to ninth spot in the La Liga table due to their recent struggles, while Alaves are 17th, level on points with 18th-placed Leganes in their battle to remain in the division.
We say: Alaves 1-1 Rayo Vallecano
We are finding it very difficult to back either with any real confidence this weekend, especially considering Rayo's squad issues - a point each would not be the worst result for either side, and we are expecting a low-scoring draw to occur on Saturday.
> La Liga preview: Alaves vs Rayo Vallecano
Real Madrid vs. Leganes (Saturday, 8.00pm)
© Imago
Real Madrid will resume their La Liga campaign with a home fixture against struggling Leganes on Saturday night.
Los Blancos are second in the La Liga table, behind leaders Barcelona on the head-to-head record, while Leganes occupy 18th, level on points with 17th-placed Alaves in the battle to remain in Spain's top flight.
We say: Real Madrid 3-1 Leganes
Leganes are certainly capable of making this a tricky match for Real Madrid, and it is always difficult to know exactly what to expect from games straight after an international break. That said, we are finding it difficult to imagine a scenario which does not involve Los Blancos picking up all three points in relatively routine fashion.
> La Liga preview: Real Madrid vs Leganes
> Ancelotti's options assessed: How Real Madrid could line up against Leganes
> Any boosts for Ancelotti? Real Madrid injury, suspension news vs. Leganes
Ben Knapton
