La Liga: Sunday Match Previews for Nov. 14, 2010

Gijon vs Real Madrid

With this fixture being all over the tabloids due to a bit of a verbal clash between managers Mourinho and Preciado, the tension between the two clubs has risen astronomically. If the players bite, then this could be a very fierce and aggressive contest.

Gijon have not had a great run of form at home, winning only two of their last six matches this season. It will be interesting to see what side Gijon puts out against clubs where they don’t expect to win, this being the major cause of Mourinho’s original criticisms. They’ve had some problems at the back and Real could make mincemeat of the home side if they don’t tighten up.

Mourinho will be serving the first of a two-match touchline ban following his dismissal in the Copa del Rey: Yes, that’s right, Real Madrid will be without their manager! Since Mourinho took over, Real Madrid have yet to lose a game and this match is played with pride on the line. So, fortunately for them, this match should go their way without too much difficulty. A worst-case scenario would be a draw as it seems almost unthinkable that Real could lose this match, although a lot of people would be quite amused to see “the special one” with egg on his face.

Valencia vs Getafe

Valencia’s form has dropped off since their miraculous start to the season. The side may be better on paper than Getafe, although their performances recently haven’t looked a great deal different.

"Los Che" cannot afford to drop any more home points, and Soldado has himself admitted that the side's slip-ups could prove very costly if they don’t turn things around—and soon.

They are now fifth, nine points behind leaders Real Madrid, and they have only picked up one point from their last four matches. Soldado will be facing his old club for the first time since joining Valencia over the summer, and it could be a good opportunity for him to tag a few goals onto his tally.

Getafe have gone five successive competitive matches without a win. They still managed to progress to the next round of the Copa Del Rey due to the away goal in their 1-1 draw away to Portugalete. Their goalless stalemate at home to a second-rate side demonstrates exactly what has been wrong with Getafe recently.

The other issue that they have is their away form is poor at best—they haven’t won an away match this season and they will be very lucky to manage to do so this weekend.

Joe - livescoredaily.com - live scores.