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Big games on Sunday in Spain's matchday 11

Xinhua, November 5, 2015 Adjust font size:

The biggest sides in Spain's BBVA Primera Liga don't play their respective games until Sunday, but there is plenty to keep football fans in Spain interested.

   The 11th round of games starts on Friday as Las Palmas, who last week lost 3-1 away to Real Madrid, entertain Real Sociedad, whose coach David Moyes is under increasing pressure after his side's home defeat to Celta last week.

   A defeat in Las Palmas could spell the end for the former Manchester United coach, although he will take comfort from the fact his side has performed better on road this season than at home.

   Valencia's Nuno Espiritu Santo is another coach under pressure and he won't be pleased his side has to visit in-form Celta Vigo on Saturday afternoon after having played Champions League on Wednesday.

   Valencia's defeat to Gent saw Valencia fans ask for Nuno to be sacked and a heavy defeat on Saturday could mean the game in Vigo is his last in charge.

   Bottom of the table Levante entertain Deportivo la Coruna while both Rayo Vallecano and Granada need points and Eibar look to continue their fine start to the season at home to Getafe.

   Saturday ends with an Andalusian derby as Malaga, who seem to be finding their feet, entertain a Betis side that is performing better away than at home.

   Athletic Club coach Ernesto Valverde on Wednesday expressed surprise his side have been given the mid-day kick off on Sunday after playing Europa League on Thursday night. That means Athletic have been given the shortest possible time allowed to prepare their game against Espanyol, who will be looking to impress their new Chinese owners.

   That is followed by arguably the three biggest games of the weekend as Barcelona, who will be without Javier Mascherano, Leo Messi, Rafinha and Ivan Rakitic entertain a free-flowing Villarreal side who could pose a real threat in the Camp Nou Stadium.

   Not for nothing did Barca coach Luis Enrique decide to rest Gerard Pique for Wednesday's Champions League win over BATE Borisov.

   Atletico Madrid are next into action and coach Diego Simeone will be looking for an upturn in form on the back of two draws as his side entertain Sporting Gijon, who have proved on the whole to be a solid well-drilled side since returning to the top flight.

   Finally Real Madrid, who have had longer to recover than any other side in European action this week, face a possible banana skin away to Sevilla. 

   Sevilla lost to Manchester City in midweek, but have beaten Barcelona in front of their home supporters and it will be interesting to see which version of Unai Emery's side turns up against a Madrid team that is without Marcelo through injury, but which will welcome James Rodriguez and Gareth Bale back following a long injury lay-off.  Endi