Four things to look out for on Spain's matchday 30

MADRID, March 30 (Xinhua) -– The Spanish Liga Santander begins the final stage of the season this coming weekend and though several issues look to be almost decided with nine matches to go, here are some things to look out for this coming weekend.

1. Messi to hold Barcelona to continue title charge away to Sevilla?

Leo Messi is a doubt to start for Barcelona as they look to defend their 11-point lead at the top of the table away to Sevilla on Saturday night after missing both games during the international break with a groin strain.

Barca boss Ernesto Valverde must be tempted to rest him given that Barca have a midweek Champions League tie against Roma coming up, but Messi's numbers against Sevilla imply he will be vital in the Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium. He has scored 29 goals in 31 matches against Saturday's rivals and the only time Barca have lost away to Sevilla in the last 10 years was when he wasn't in the side.

Plenty for Valverde to ponder when he picks his starting 11.

2. Ronaldo to continue scoring run

Real Madrid are out of the title race, but Cristiano Ronaldo is closing in on Messi in the race to finish the season as top scorer. The Portuguese has netted 22 league goals this campaign, with 18 of those coming since the start of 2018 and he should add to that tally when Real Madrid visit relegation haunted Las Palmas on Saturday afternoon.

Las Palmas are third from bottom of the table, six points from safety and have conceded 58 goals in 29 matches: enough to make any striker lick their lips.

Las Palmas will cling to the fact they recently drew 1-1 at home to Barca, but for them to take anything on Saturday, Madrid and Ronaldo will have to be well below their best.

3. Will new coach bring results at Real Sociedad?

Real Sociedad sacked Eusebio Sacristan in the wake of their 2-1 home defeat to Getafe before the international break, appointing B-team coach Imanol Alguacil as his replacement.

Imanol has had two weeks to work with the squad, trying to inject some defensive steel into a side that has conceded 52 goals this campaign.

The fact that 'La Real' have scored 51 goals means any improvement at the back should see points arrive, but the short trip to Eibar presents a tough early test for Imanol.

Eibar know exactly what their game plan is and despite taking just one point from their last 3 games, they still have a chance of Europe and will look to extend their winning run at home against their neighbors to four consecutive games.

4. Aspas and Maxi to make Ziganda suffer?

Celta Vigo coach Iago Aspas probably did enough in 45 minutes of Spain's 6-1 win against Argentina to book his ticket for the World Cup finals, as he scored one goal and gave three assists.

The top scoring Spanish player in the Liga Santander travels with his side to face Athletic Club Bilbao on Saturday, knowing a win will keep Celta's chances of playing in Europe alive.

Aspas has 16 goals, while his strike partner Maxi Gomez has 13 and together they have over half of the 45 goals Celta have scored his season.

Ikeer Muniain could return for Athletic, but with coach Kuko Ziganda still under pressure at Athletic, this could be a moment for Aspas and Maxi to add to their respective tallies. Enditem