Our Spanish football expert Guillem Balague looks ahead to another weekend of live La Liga action on Sky Sports - and he answers your email.
Got a question for Guillem? Then send it in here.
Malaga v Barcelona Malaga have had a fantastic, record run of four victories in a row and they've done it by playing to their strengths: playing really deep and playing the long-ball game. Guardiola: best start since Buckingham But I still feel they will end up struggling; I don't see anyone outstanding in their side. And Barcelona are just playing so well at the moment. I've said a lot of good things about Barcelona recently so I'll just say this: Pep Guardiola has made the best start by a manager in his first season since Englishman Vic Buckingham in the 1970/71 campaign.
Guillem Balague Malaga were second bottom in week four and fans were calling for Antonio Tapia's head but now they think he's great. They've started well but I still think Barcelona will be too strong. When Valencia play away from home, they are much less aggressive and they don't get into fifth gear; they just rely on the goals of Juan Mata or David Villa, who have scored 13 out of the team's 18 goals between them. But at home, they're a different proposition. They find that extra gear and on paper, they should take all three points. In fact, this game could even be the final nail in the coffin for Jose Ramon Lopez Muniz's tenure. Expectations were huge after Racing qualified for Europe but it just hasn't happened in the league. They tried to get Nikola Zigic back in the summer but it didn't work out and it's quite clear they still need a striker. They're the sort of team that are likely to cause trouble for Real again because they will play quite deep and they're well organised. I've got this feeling that Real are due to be found out by someone soon - they're not playing great football, they're not convincing anybody - and it could well be Almeria. CAR-LOS MERENGUES? IN IKER'S DEFENCE MATA-GOAL DROUGHT Got a question for Guillem? Then send it in here For more from Guillem, visit www.guillembalague.com
Valencia v Racing
Almeria v Real MadridMalaga v Barcelona
7.00pm, Saturday, Sky Sports Xtra
I've got this feeling that Real are due to be found out by someone soon - and it could well be Almeria.
Quotes of the week
www.guillembalague.comValencia v Racing
9.00pm, Saturday, Sky Sports Xtra
Almeria v Real Madrid
7.00pm, Sunday, Sky Sports 1
Almeria were destroyed by Barcelona but don't let that cloud your judgement because this team beat Real Madrid 2-0 in last season's corresponding fixture. Guillem answers your questions...
Dear Guillem, according to reports, I understand that Madrid has given Mijatovic a role for scouting out a world-class striker and possibly a midfielder as well. One name which popped out that has interested me is Tevez. He is a great player. Doesn't score that many goals but an awesome supporting striker. His work rate is excellent. From your opinion, given the chance, would Tevez relish the chance to join the Los Merengues? I read your report on Madrid being arrogant when they could have signed David Villa but offered him lower wages than he is earning now at Valencia. If that was true, I am quite furious. Villa is an excellent striker and would definitely be in the starting XI, constantly suppying and scoring goals on the counter-attack. Thank you and regards. Jeremy
GUILLEM REPLIES: The idea, Jeremy, is to move on Christoph Metzelder and Javier Saviola and give Fabio Cannavaro another year but yes, they want a top midfielder and another striker. They want to break the bank a bit for a top, top player so don't believe Ramon Calderon when he says they're not after Cristiano Ronaldo anymore because they are! I don't think there is any chance of Tevez going to Real Madrid at this stage; having contacted his people, they're pretty certain he's going to stay at Manchester United. Yes, he would be a great addition, although there are already players at Real who play in similar roles like Raul, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, and Gonzalo Hiquain; I know he's different to them but he uses the same kind of space so it would be better to have a No 9 who could replace both Raul and Van Nistelrooy and improve Hiquain's game. That's why I think Karim Benzema is definitely a possibility for next year and also David Villa, despite what happened last year.
Hi, I have a question about Iker Casillas. I know he is considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world but I have doubts over his ability to organise his defence. No matter who Real Madrid buy they have had a terrible defence for years and I just feel it has got something to do with Casillas. What are your opinions about this? Thanks. Vikas Tyagi
GUILLEM REPLIES: I don't think you can blame Casillas, Vikas. Real will always give their opponents chances because of the way they play. They have changed in the last two or three years and defended a bit deeper but especially at home, they're forced to attack. Casillas is not the perfect goalkeeper; I think Pepe Reina beats him in certain areas the modern game like using his feet or playing as a sweeper sometimes, but one-on-one, Casillas is the best in the world - better than Buffon. So I think their frailties have more to do with Real's footballing philosophy and the fact that their defensive system isn't that great at the moment.
Hi, I'm not a regular viewer of La Liga but watching Chile the other night I was greatly impressed with Fernandez of Villarreal. I see he was South American footballer of the year in 2006. Is he normally this outstanding or was this just a particularly good night? I'm surprised there aren't a string of clubs after him. Peter Babbage
GUILLEM REPLIES: I had the impression that he was going to make a big impact, Peter, but it seems that he's a little bit short in confidence and maybe even quality. He's one of Chile's top players, there's no doubt about that, but he hasn't produced exceptional performances consistently for Villareal. He came with the name 'Matagol' - a play on words because his first name name is Matias - but he hasn't actually scored that many goals! I think he only got a couple in his first year so he's been slightly disappointing but we'll keep an eye on him!
Comments (14)
Aaron O'sullivan (Liverpool fan) says...
Hi Guillem, I just wanted to elaborate on a few earlier comments about the class and ability of some of la ligas top players :- The likes of Aguero, Villa and Messi. However, whenever we see these players compete against English teams, their confidence and undoubtable ability seem to escape them. I just wonder if, given the chance, any of the top players could consistently play in the English league? Our teams regularly purchase foreign players, that turn out poor, inckuding the likes of Kezman from Holland, and Diego Forlan, yet they both move to Spain and become top players. I laugh at the people who believe that the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid arent top teams, when they consistently sign top players. However, the chasing teams, such as Atletico and Villareal, even Valencia, sign players of a lesser standard. I feel that there is a massive difference of competition between the leagues... The top Spanish teams remain the same, and none other can get near them, but the top English teams are always losing to teams of a so called 'lower standard'. I would love to hear your response, thanks... Aaron
Posted 19:22 5th November 2008
Paul Newman (Arsenal fan) says...
Do you think Cesc will be at Barca next season, with the recent talk over Xavi's contract it looks more and more like it is going to happen? As an Arsenal fan i wouldn't be suprised! I just want £15mill plus Martin Caceres & Busquets, do you think this is a realistic switch? With the money i think Wenger will buy Inler, Afellay, Defour and Membele and maybe Huntelaar as i also think Adeyabaor will be at AC Milan next season.
Posted 10:42 4th November 2008
I heard u wer Queer (Liverpool fan) says...
is there any la liga players dat mite be goin to liverpool or Arsenal ? Cuz liverpool are shit nd they need more players nd arsenal need more players too add more strengh to there team
Posted 19:19 3rd November 2008
Mick Winters (Leeds United fan) says...
had to reply to the last comment about ronaldo improving at real? when was the last time they had a good team? they would be 5th or 6th in premiership. man utd have better players and A better team than real, he has more chance of improving there. Barca are doing the right thing and rebuilding a team to rival the english, well done.
Posted 16:23 3rd November 2008
Haroon Choudhry (barca fan) (Chelsea fan) says...
Hi Guillem, i'm a huge barca fan, an i'm am happy with the way the barca team is playing, how ever i feel there is a lot of problems in the defence. I was hoping that barca would have bought a good keeper who could arrange the defence more productively. As Victor Valdes is not the greatest keeper in the game and he does make some foolish errors. If Barca were to buy a new goal keeper who would they turn to buy? And they need to buy a good left back that can support Andres Iniesta while Alves is supporting Messi. Eto'o is an excellent asset to barca who always gives 100%. I'm surprised that he has been scoring regularly but he has not been mentioned as much as David Villa or the on form Aguero. As Eto'o is capable of greater things as he was once the Pichichi. If barca sold Henry and bought Benzema in the January transfer window wouldn't that be a force to be reckoned with?
Posted 14:22 3rd November 2008
Glen Page (Nottingham Forest fan) says...
I personaly think real madrid and barca arent the team they used to be. And its wrong they are showing interest in the best epl stars. It's not like before. If they want a player i suggest they do what all the top teams now do such as ac milan, manutd and barca. Send your scouts out to anouther country and pick up some young guy that has potential to be very good. How do you think kaka,ronaldo,messi,aguero and the rest are all found. Are real madrid a buisness or a football club.? I think there interest in ronaldo this season will beat them. According to reports before they was willing to swop players for him. What will the real madrid players think of that? Btw after reading some peoples comments, I can see villa at real madrid. I only see ruud as there world class striker, Raul's best years have gone, and higuan is certainly only one for the future. It will be barca's year this season in the la liga. But i think in the champions league the english sides will once again dominate. There not a buisness there real sides.
Posted 07:18 3rd November 2008
Nabeel Ahmed (Liverpool fan) says...
Hi Guillem , as everyone knows barca is playing best football at this moment. but they don't have any extra striker, who can cover players like messi or eto and in this case i think they need another striker who can cover those players. could you please let barca's sporter know that if we need a extra striker or not? if we do so which player would u prefer. thank you so much for giving us your time!!!!!!!!
Posted 02:06 3rd November 2008
Mike Beard (Newport County fan) says...
Hi Guillem, first of all I would like to say that I am a huge Barca fan. At the start of the year I ws very dissapointed seeing the back of Franck Rijkaard and many other big names inlcuding my idol Ronaldinho. However, I think both Laporta and Pep are slowly turning Barca into that same side that they were when Rijkaard first took the helm. I can see the same sort of fast flowing attacking football that successfully won them many title inlcuding the champions league. I also feel that it was time for the likes of Ronnie and Deco to leave as they had clearly already had their greatest years at the Camp Nou. Anyway I wouyld like to know your thoughts on the whole Barca project and whether you can see the same sort of Barca that was so successful, I can see a change in the players attitude and I think they now have an enormous winning mentality which dissapeared over the last few years. I am extremely encouaged by the start we have made and also some of the new signings and especially these young starlets that have all played a part so far. Finally I would also like to point out that Lionel Messi is now the worlds greatest player, despite Ronaldo scoring 42 goals, I still think Messi is more of a technically gifted footballer than Ronaldo and I would be extremely delighted if Fifa gave the award to Leo. Anyway, I will keep enjoying these Barca performances and I hope hey will keep going, what are your thoughts, Barca for the Double this season?
Posted 15:57 31st October 2008
Terry Wright (Liverpool fan) says...
Hi Guillem Do you think there is any chance of Henry returning to the premier league? I am a big fan of his and I would like to see him at anfield, ive heard he would love to play for liverpool. Barcelona are my Spanish team so I am pleased with the start they have made in La Liga and the way they are playing. Keep up the good work. Terry
Posted 13:19 31st October 2008
Shakeel Ali (Arsenal fan) says...
Hi Guillem, I think Barca are looking stronger every game, and I feel they are going to run away with the title, unless injuries to the likes of Etoo, Messi or Iniesta appear. I wanted to ask whether or not you think next year the transfer market will be interesting, with some of the top premiership players heading to la liga. With the likes of Ronaldo going to Madrid and Fabregas to Barca? I would love too see Fabregas at Barca.
Posted 22:33 30th October 2008
Naveen Sharma (Leeds United fan) says...
David Villa is 1 amazing stricker and he is the best Stricker in spain Valencia best player He should stay at Valencia for a good 3 yrs
Posted 21:37 30th October 2008
Niall Evans (Liverpool fan) says...
do you think barca can win the champions league this season.im really optiistic about them winning la liga,they are the team in spain with the most quality in spain and with messi they have the best player in the world but i still not sure they can win the champions league with their defence?Do you think their defence is strong enough and are they good enough to win the champions league?
Posted 21:07 30th October 2008
Marvin Amankwa (Manchester United fan) says...
Hello, i heard rumours that real are going to try to buy messi in the future is this true? how would the barcelona fans feel about this?
Posted 18:43 30th October 2008
Elliot Berry (Southend United fan) says...
I think Sir Alex Ferguson is wrong to keep Cristiano Ronaldo at Man Utd Because if you saw him celebrating his goal against West Brom then you look at how he celebrated last season before Real's interest. He should just let him go to were he wants so he can become a better player.What do you think
Posted 18:01 30th October 2008