Five things to look out for as La Liga action returns to Sky Sports
Saturday 7 January 2017 14:43, UK
With La Liga returning to Sky Sports screens this weekend, we pick out five things to look out for in the first round of fixtures of 2017.
Real Madrid will be hoping to extend their lead at the top of the table when they host Granada in Saturday's early kick-off, while Barcelona face a tricky trip to Villarreal on Sunday night.
Can third-placed Sevilla keep the pressure on the top two? Will Iago Aspas continue his scoring streak for Celta Vigo against Malaga? We look at some of the key themes in Spain after the Christmas break...
Lift-off for James?
James Rodriguez has been linked with a departure from Real Madrid having struggled for playing time under Zinedine Zidane, but the Colombian served up a reminder of his quality with two goals in Wednesday's 3-0 win over Sevilla in the Copa del Rey.
James committed his future to Madrid after the game, insisting he has no plans to leave the club in January, despite reported Premier League interest, and he will be hoping to keep his place in the side when they return to La Liga action at home to Granada on Saturday. After a much-needed return to form, he will certainly be one to watch.
Live La Liga Football
Tough test for Barcelona
Barcelona could be six points behind Real Madrid by the time they face Villarreal on Sunday evening, and the trip to El Madrigal is a tricky proposition. The Yellow Submarine sit just five points behind the Catalans in fourth place, and their last La Liga home game ended in an impressive 3-0 win over Atletico Madrid.
Barcelona can ill-afford to drop points given Madrid's relentless form, but they do not have fond memories of their last trip to Villarreal, when they surrendered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 in March, sparking a four-game winless streak which almost cost them the title. Sunday's encounter promises to be an intriguing one.
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Can Sevilla keep up?
Sevilla have been one of the season's surprise packages under new manager Jorge Sampaoli but can La Liga's third-placed team keep up their challenge when they face Real Socieded on Saturday?
The Andalucian side can move above Barcelona if they win, but the trip to Basque Country is unlikely to be straight-forward. Real Sociedad are only four points behind Sevilla in fifth place, and they have only lost one of their last 11 games in all competitions. It's a big test for Samir Nasri and Co.
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Valencia in crisis
Valencia are without a manager again after Cesare Prandelli quit last week after just 90 days in charge. The Italian was unable to inspire a turnaround at La Liga's crisis club, leaving them hovering just above the relegation zone and without a win in seven league games.
The situation took another turn for the worse when they were hammered 4-1 at home to Celta Vigo in the Cop del Rey on Tuesday, a result which puts even more emphasis on Monday's clash with Osasuna. A trip to La Liga's bottom club, who have also just parted with their manager, is a chance to stop the rot. With the spectre of relegation looming large, they can't afford to pass it up.
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Aspas hot streak to continue?
Iago Aspas is best known in England for his disappointing spell at Liverpool in 2013/14, but since re-joining former club Celta Vigo in 2015 he has been one of the most consistently impressive players in La Liga. Right now, the 29-year-old is in the form of his life.
Aspas has scored 10 goals in La Liga so far this season. It's the same number as Cristiano Ronaldo and puts him behind only Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. It's all the more impressive given Celta's difficult start to the season, but they could move into the top half of the table if Aspas inspires them to victory over Malaga on Saturday.
Live La Liga Football
Watch live La Liga football on Sky Sports this weekend, including Real Madrid v Granada on Saturday from 11.55am and Villarreal v Barcelona on Sunday from 7.30pm.
