La Liga Preview: Madrid's Injury Crisis Giving Hope for Hercules

Real Madrid vs. Hercules

Real Madrid will be without a number of stars, including the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Ricardo Carvalho, for the match against Hercules but will be hoping that the usual gritty nature of José Mourinho's management will be coming to a forte in the match. Hercules will be up against a Real Madrid side that have not lost at the Santiago Bernabeu this season.

This is because Hercules come into the match at the worst possible time, with the team not having won in their last four matches. It is the kind of form that has seen them slip into the relegation zone.

Even though only one point is needed for them to get out of it, there is a feeling that it will not be this weekend. However, there could be a slight chance for Hercules given that Real Madrid will be having one eye on the Champions League match against Lyon midweek. Madrid will also be missing injured Kaka.

Zaragoza vs. Valencia

Valencia will be looking to put behind their Champions League exit at the hands of Schalke by cementing their third-place position in the La Liga table. The position was under slight threat from Villarreal, but the irresistible form in the Spanish League has meant that Valencia have been able to pull back a four-point lead over Villarreal.

They will be looking to extend their advantage, which will further confirm their qualification for next season's Champions League. They will be facing a Real Zaragoza side that recently lost to Barcelona, albeit extremely narrowly.

Even though it was a tight defeat, it was a loss that puts them just one place above the relegation zone. Zaragoza will be looking to go clear of this danger by making use of the home advantage against Valencia.

Said Boutahar is a major doubt for Zaragoza. Valencia will be without Miguel and Alejandro Dominguez, who have been suspended by the club. Apart from them, Valencia will be able to put forward a full strength squad for the match. Zaragoza will be hoping that their home fans will be making the atmosphere uncomfortable for Valencia, who come on the back of a difficult away trip.

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