La Liga Fixtures 2016 Week 13: Schedule, Live Stream Info, Picks and Key Players
Barcelona will start a crucial two-match stretch in the 2016-17 La Liga season on Sunday, as the Blaugrana visit Real Sociedad in Week 13 and attempt to reverse the curse of the Anoeta.
The Catalans haven't won in San Sebastian since 2007 and lost a crucial match against La Real in April of last year, a defeat that gave life back to Real Madrid in the La Liga title race. Real will be Barcelona's next opponent after their trip to the Basque Country.
Los Blancos will play host to Sporting Gijon on Saturday, while Atletico Madrid visit Osasuna on Sunday.
Here's a look at the full schedule, complete with live-stream info and picks:
| Friday, Nov. 25 | 7:45 p.m. | Eibar | Real Betis | Sky Go (UK)/ BeIN Sports Connect, fubo TV (US) | Eibar |
| Saturday, Nov. 26 | Noon | Malaga | Deportivo | Sky Go (UK) | Malaga |
| Saturday, Nov. 26 | 3:15 p.m. | Real Madrid | Sporting Gijon | BeIN Sports Connect, fubo TV (US) | Real |
| Saturday, Nov. 26 | 5:30 p.m. | Espanyol | Leganes | Sky Go (UK)/ BeIN Sports Connect, fubo TV (US) | Espanyol |
| Saturday, Nov. 26 | 7:45 p.m. | Sevilla | Valencia | Sky Go (UK)/ BeIN Sports Connect, fubo TV (US) | Sevilla |
| Sunday, Nov. 27 | 11 a.m. | Villarreal | Alaves | Sky Go (UK) | Villarreal |
| Sunday, Nov. 27 | 3:15 p.m. | Osasuna | Atletico Madrid | Sky Go (UK)/ BeIN Sports Connect, fubo TV (US) | Atletico |
| Sunday, Nov. 27 | 5:30 p.m. | Celta Vigo | Granada | Sky Go (UK)/ BeIN Sports Connect, fubo TV (US) | Celta |
| Sunday, Nov. 27 | 7:45 p.m. | Real Sociedad | Barcelona | Sky Go (UK)/ BeIN Sports Connect, fubo TV (US) | Draw |
| Monday, Nov. 28 | 7:45 p.m. | Las Palmas | Athletic Club | Sky Go (UK)/ BeIN Sports Connect, fubo TV (US) | Draw |
Here's a look at some key players for the upcoming fixtures.
Sergio Busquets, Barcelona
The Anoeta curse is something most Barcelona fans are all too familiar with. Xavi Canals of Sport wrote a detailed report on Barcelona's ill fortunes in San Sebastian ahead of their last visit, in April of last year, and a single goal from Mikel Oyarzabal resulted in yet another loss for the Catalans:
Barcelona aren't the only team to struggle at the Anoeta on almost a yearly basis. Real have suffered several devastating defeats in the Basque Country over the years, and Atletico lost 2-0 against Sociedad earlier this month.
La Real have scored 21 goals in 12 matches so far this season, a solid return, and they've been especially consistent of late after a shaky start to the campaign. Willian Jose has been the main danger in front of goal, supported by Mexico international Carlos Vela.
Defensively, La Real have also done well―their 13 goals conceded is the same number as Barcelona―but it's on the attacking end where they'll hope to do their damage on Sunday.
Sergio Busquets has been far from his best to start the season, and Sky Sports La Liga's Guillem Balague thinks it may have something to do with a change in tactics:
Busquets' attacking involvement has lessened this season, but he still plays an important role in front of the defence. He'll have to be at his best to break down the Sociedad counter-attacks and stop players from diving into the box unchallenged, or the Catalans defence could be in for another long night at the Anoeta.
Mateo Kovacic, Real Madrid
With fixtures against Sporting Gijon in La Liga and lowly Leonesa in the Copa del Rey on the schedule, manager Zinedine Zidane is widely expected to rotate his squad with an eye on the Clasico against Barcelona in Week 14.
Several players will likely get the chance to rest up and get healthy, including Luka Modric, the star midfielder who has taken on an even bigger role following Toni Kroos' injury.
The German informed his fans on Twitter he has started his recovery work, but it's still unclear when he'll return:
In his absence, Mateo Kovacic has performed admirably, and the youngster will likely be tasked to play as the primary distributor in midfield if Zidane sits Modric. Gijon have won just two matches all season, so they provide the perfect opportunity for the Croatian to sit.
La Real have struggled breaking down defences that play in blocks at times this season, having to work hard against some of the smaller La Liga sides.
Kovacic has the talent to unlock such teams with a single pass, however, and Bleacher Report UK's Karl Matchett is a fan:
Isco, Marco Asensio and Alvaro Morata should also get their chance to shine in the coming week, whether it's against Gijon or Leonesa, but while all have the talent to be decisive, no one will be as crucial in creating chances as Kovacic.
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