Saturday's La Liga Matches Short Previews: Week 31

Real Madrid vs Barcelona

El Clasicco is always one of the most anticipated matches of the season, but this year it is on another level. Barcelona and Real Madrid are joint top of La Liga each with 77 points, Real Madrid edging ahead on goal difference. Barcelona have won the last three fixtures between the two sides, but Real Madrid have won every one of their home matches this season.

There looks likely to be a bit of a shake up in the Barcelona line up, Henry is likely to be benched by the return of Iniesta. Pique looks likely to return from injury and Puyol will be also returning after his ban.

Barcelona should be on a high form after knocking Arsenal out of the Champions league midweek and progressing to the semifinals. The match is being billed as a showdown between Ronaldo and Messi, which seems a little bit oversimplified.

Malaga vs Sevilla

Away from home Seville have lost six of their last seven matches, this is hardly a statistic which bodes well for their chances this Saturday. Although they do have an impressive record against Malaga in recent meetings, the home side has only beat Seville once in their last 5 matches.

Seville have been on a little bit of a slump although their 3-1 win against Tenerife could’ve been the end of that. If they can beat Malaga it could see Seville return to winning ways for the rest of the season.

Joe Lazar - AllSportVoices