#la-liga

#la-liga

However, although Jagoba Arrasate's side might find themselves at the heart of a relegation scrap, the Pirates should take some solace from their recent success on home soil. Last seen in front of their own supporters putting in a thumping performance as they cruised their way to a 4-1 romp against Sevilla, Mallorca have won three of their previous four showdowns in Palma.

Starting with the hosts, springing a famous upset last season as they clinched an eighth-place finish among Spain's elite, Rayo Vallecano have come crashing back down to earth in an infamous fashion. Opening this weekend's fixtures sat firmly in the drop zone, the Little Thunderbolts have a major job on his hands in the race to maintain their La Liga status over the coming months.

Elche possess La Liga's seventh‑best home record, having accumulated 20 points from 12 outings. That bodes well against an Osasuna side that have managed just two wins on the road all season. Historically, Elche have rarely dominated this matchup; they have won only nine of their last 33 meetings with Osasuna in all competitions. Their most recent victory in this fixture dates back to November 2015.

Valencia welcome Real Madrid to Mestalla for a Sunday evening clash in La Liga. Los Blancos are still adjusting to life without Xabi Alonso, but are well within reach of Barcelona at the top of the table. A win on the road would put them one point behind the Blaugrana, who had no problem winning their fixture on Saturday afternoon. But Valencia are no pushovers, despite flirting with relegation this season.

Barcelona will look to avoid the same fate that befell Real Madrid when they visit Albacete in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey on Tuesday. The Segunda Division side beat Madrid 3-2 at home in the previous round and have claimed maximum points from their three league games since. Barcelona have no excuse for not taking their hosts seriously and it is likely Hansi Flick will field a strong side.

Ferran Torres had a mixed outing when Barcelona took on Elche last night. He scored the team's second goal against Eder Sarabia's men, but struggled to convert at least four other chances during his time on the field. On a larger level, however, Torres has been good for Barcelona this campaign and has given Hansi Flick enough reason to see him as a starting No. 9.

"As a Barcelona fan, I hope Arbeloa fails," Arshavin said, bluntly and without hesitation.

Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia has picked up La Liga's save of the month award for January, beating off competition from Odysseas Vlachodimos and Álex Remiro. The stopper's save from Pere Milla in the derby win over Espanyol has finished top of the pile, ensuring he picks up the award for the second time this season already. Garcia earned rave reviews for his performance against Espanyol, with manager Hansi Flick making sure to thank his goalkeeper after the win. Let's have a look at the save again.