La Liga: Osasuna Looking to Take Advantage of Midweek's "El Clásico"

Valencia vs Real Madrid

With the possibility of winning the league looking beyond them, Real Madrid will be shifting their attention towards the midweek Champions League match with Barcelona. José Mourinho's men will be coming on the back of the Copa del Rey victory over Barcelona, which will have to be quickly put behind in order to concentrate on the Champions League match.

José Mourinho is expected to rest a number of players in view of this match, which could turn into Valencia's favour.

Even though Valencia now seem to be close to securing the third position after an intense battle with Villarreal all through the season, they will look to close the massive 14-point gap that exists between Real Madrid and themselves.

The extra time victory over Real Madrid could work in their favour along with the number of players that José Mourinho is expected to rest. Valencia have won three matches on the bounce, but the match against Real Madrid will be a test of their strength as Real Madrid usually have the upper hand at the Mestalla. Team news is going to be the crucial deciding factor with regard to this fixture.


Barcelona vs Osasuna

Barcelona will be hoping to put behind their defeat against Real Madrid in the Copa del Ray, with a view of finally getting back to winning ways. It has been two matches since Barcelona last won, which is extraordinary considering the exemplary standards that Pep Guardiola's men have set in recent years.

Even though the league has been mostly taken care of by the huge eight point gap, Guardiola will be looking to getting back to winning ways, which could point towards a strong lineup. Even though they have a very important Champions League semifinal match with Real Madrid, Guardiola is expected to stick to the best lineup.

It could be bad news for Osasuna, who had been struggling in the last few weeks. José Luis Mendilibar will be looking to stop the run of three consecutive defeats, which has pushed the club closer to relegation.

Only two points separate Osasuna from Malaga in the relegation zone. Osasuna have a tough run in comparison with the other relegation strugglers, which could force them into settling for a draw against Barcelona. It could not be a bad idea in the circumstance.