SPORTING GIJON v VILLARREAL (El Molinon) Sat 6pm
Sporting have turned El Molinon into a fortress this year, and are yet to lose at home. Last week they struggled at Xerez, especially in the second half, and were lucky to come away with a point. Manuel Preciado will hope his team have shaken off that poor performance, with a team on the rise coming to town.
Villarreal have put their dreadful start to the season behind them and have won three of their last four. Nilmar has finally found some form infront of goal and Ibergaza, Senna and Cani are available after injury layoffs. Manager Ernesto Valverde is looking for his first win away from home this season and I believe today will be the day Villarreal put that record to bed.
KEY PLAYER: Nilmar (VILL)
LLL Prediction: 1-2
VALENCIA v MALLORCA (La Mestalla) Sat 8pm
Valencia will be hoping for more of the same after last weeks impressive performance at Osasuna, with the possibility of closing the gap on the top two. Marchena and Albelda shielded the back four impeccably and allowed the famous four to strut their stuff at the other end. Villa, Mata, PH and Silva are probably the finest attacking quartet in world football at the moment, and they'll be too hot to handle for Mallorca's defence.
Mallorca have a perfect record at the ONO Estadi, but away from home they are yet to win. A lot will rest on the shoulders of their two strikers Webo and Aduriz, who have what it takes to punish a makeshift Valencia back four, but will they get the ammunition?
KEY MAN: David Villa (VAL)
LLL Prediction: 3-1
SEVILLA v MALAGA (Sanchez Pizjuan) Sat 10pm
Sevilla enter this Andaluz derby 17 places and 19 points above their regional rivals, and with half an eye on sundays Clasico. If they win, and tomorrows clash finishes in a draw, only a point will separate the top three. Wingers Perotti and Navas are on fire and Luis Fabiano will be looking to continue his goalscoring streak. Should be too much for Malaga.
Malaga seem to have the Sevilla side sussed at the Sanchez Pijuan, after winning five and drawing two of their last eight visits to the stadium. But this so far this season they have been a shadow of last years surprise package, and have resorted to a more physical approach that has yielded 43 yellow cards so far this season. Will be a long night for La Ligas bottom side.
KEY MAN: Jesus Navas (SEV)
LLL Prediction: 4-0