La Liga Saturday Match Previews: Feb 5, 2011

Villarreal vs Levante

Villarreal have been able to banish their horrible defeat at the hands of Sevilla with two consecutive victories and they will be looking to continue this kind of form against a Levante side that is struggling against relegation.

Valencia have already beaten Levante this season and they will be full of confidence as they take on a side that has failed to live up to expectations all season long. Villarreal recently came away with all three points against Espanyol, but it was a victory that was achieved at a time when Espanyol were facing difficulties.

However, Villarreal will be looking to prove themselves once again against Levante and the return of Nilmar is expected to improve the team in the top end. However, they will be without Marco Ruben for the match. Santi Cazorla could be expected to feature against Levante at some stage during the match.

Felipe Caicedo is the major miss for Levante and they will be feeling the pinch of missing the former Manchester City man. Levante would be extremely happy with three points that will also be enough to get them out of the relegation zone.


Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid

Barcelona will be looking to create a new record against Athletico Madrid by being the first side to be able to win 16 consecutive games. They recently equalled the record of 15 consecutive victories that was set by the Real Madrid side of 1960-61.

Barcelona's march to the title has all but been confirmed after Real Madrid were beaten by Osasuna in the last round of matches. It was a result that has given the Catalans a huge seven-point lead in the La Liga and given the nature of results that the top two clubs in Spain achieve, it seems to be quite a huge gap.

Athletico Madrid usually get thrashed by Barcelona and their recent from against the Catalan giants is a testament to the fact. However, they will be boosted by the new deal that Sergio Aguero has signed with the club recently.

It could be the boasting factor for Athletico Madrid, but still Barcelona are by far the biggest favourites for the match, especially given that this match is at the Camp Nou. A victory in this match could put Barcelona a massive 10 points ahead of Real Madrid.


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