Clasico serves as main course in La Liga fascinating weekend

There is no doubt which football game will capture the headlines, not only in Spain, but all around the world, this weekend -- the "Clasico" between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona.

   This season's Clasico will go ahead surrounded by high levels of security in the wake of the September 13 Paris attacks by DAESH, but that will not stop 78,000 supporters filling Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu Stadium for what promises to be a tense affair.

   Real Madrid go into the game after a defeat to Sevilla for which coach Rafael Benitez was again criticized for his defensive tactics. Another setback to Barcelona could see Benitez come under increased pressure and with James Rodriguez and Gareth Bale both fully fit, he would be advised to look to take the game to Barca.

   Barca meanwhile travel to Madrid knowing a win would lift them six points clear of their traditional rivals at the top of the table. Luis Enrique should have Leo Messi fit again, but with Luis Suarez and Neymar in fine form, he may be tempted to rest Messi to try and ensure no relapse of his knee injury which has sidelined him for 7 weeks.

   Fascinating although the Clasico is, there is plenty more football to entertain fans in Spain with the weekend kicking off as Real Sociedad entertain Sevilla.

   Sevilla travel in the wake of their fine win over Real Madrid, while Real Sociedad coach Eusebio Sacristan makes his debut following the sacking of David Moyes. The Basque side also has Markel Bergara likely to play after extending his contract until 2019 during the week.

   Saturday also sees Espanyol at home to a Malaga side, which is flirting with the relegation zone as a consequence of their inability to score goals, while Valencia want to follow up their 5-1 win away to Celta Vigo with what looks like a comfortable home match against struggling Las Palmas.

   The day ends with the return of the Galicia derby between Deportivo la Coruna and Celta -- a game which should afford as much tension as the Clasico, all be it on a slightly smaller scale. Both sides have enjoyed positive starts to the season, but Celta travel looking to recover from their surprise defeat at home to Valencia.

   Sporting Gijon have been solid since returning to the top flight and will look for three more vital points in Sunday's early kickoff, which sees them entertain bottom of the table Levante, who have only seven points from 11 games.

   Villarreal take on an Eibar side, which is knocking at the doors of the top six, on Sunday afternoon before Granada play at home to an Athletic Club Bilbao.

   Bilbao will be hoping the international break does nothing to stop a run of form which has seen them take 13 points from the last 15 available.

   Ernesto Valverde recovers Ander Iturraspe and Mikel Rico after injury and they will give even more depth to a side currently brimming with confidence.

   Finally Betis will hope their home form improves against Atletico Madrid in Sunday's late game, while the round of matches ends on Monday as Rayo Vallecano play Getafe in another derby which probably deserves better than to be added on to the weekend as an afterthought.  Endi