Previewing Saturday’s La Liga fixtures

Due to the FA Cup, there are no English Premier League fixtures on schedule this Saturday.

As a result, I will be turning my attention to Saturday’s La Liga fixtures.

Now then, let’s get right to the match previews and predictions.

Getafe v Espanyol: Match Preview

Fifth place Espanyol travel to Alfonso Perez Coliseum to take on Getafe, who are hovering just four points above the relegation zone.

Espanyol have lost just once in their last five La Liga matches, while Getafe have lost two straight to the likes of Real Madrid and Rayo Vallecano.

Getafe have lost just two home matches in the Spanish Primera this season, while winning and drawing four.

In contrast, Espanyol have struggled away from home, losing five, while winning and drawing three.

Players to Watch

Sergio Garcia is the danger man for Espanyol. Garcia has bagged a team high five goals in La Liga this season, while also adding two assists.

Furthermore, the Spanish forward has also netted two goals in three Copa del Rey matches in 2011-12.

For Getafe, Miku, who has six goals and one assist in 22 league games in 2011-12, is surely the player to watch.

Prediction

Advantage home side, 2-1 Getafe.

Real Madrid v Racing Santander: Match Preview

Racing Santander, who are currently in the relegation zone (18th place), travel to the Santiago Bernabéu to take on league leaders Real Madrid on Saturday.

In other words, there is a major gulf in class between these two sides.

Since losing to FC Barcelona on December 10, 2011, Los Blancos have won their last seven La Liga matches.

In that same period, Santander have won just two league games in eight chances.

Players to Watch

Keep an eye on Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 27 goals and seven assists in 22 La Liga games in 2011-12.

Another hat-trick for the Portuguese? Sure, why not.

Toño, who has kept 10 clean sheets in 21 league games, is the man to watch for Racing.

If Racing are to get anything from this fixture, Toño will need to be on scintillating form.

Prediction

Expect Mourinho to unleash the shackles very early on, 4-0 Madrid.

Sevilla FC v Osasuna: Match Preview

Osasuna, who are coming off a thrilling 3-2 win over European champions FC Barcelona, will look to continue their solid form at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan versus a struggling Sevilla side on Saturday.

Sevilla have not won in La Liga since December 5, 2011. That streak spans eight matches. Not good.

Players to Watch

Spanish talisman Álvaro Negredo, who has bagged six goals and one assist in 18 league games, is the danger man for Los Rojiblancos.

For Osasuna, Iran international Javad Nekounam will need to be on top form in the heart of midfield if the away side are to get a result in Seville.

Prediction

More bad news for Sevilla. A 1-1 draw is rather imminent.