Our Spanish football expert Guillem Balague is convinced Cesc Fabregas' time at Arsenal is ticking down, but for now Guillem is more interested in Espanyol's first home game of the season against Real Madrid, the pick of four live games on Sky Sports.
If you've got a question for Guillem, send it in here.
Espanyol v Real Madrid
Sevilla v Zaragoza
Getafe v Barcelona
Valladolid v Valencia
Fabregas: Barcelona bound
Espanyol v Real Madrid
7.00pm, Saturday, Sky Sports Xtra
Espanyol will have for the first time in 12 years a full stadium at home, and I mean full of Espanyol fans. In the past at the old stadium that wasn't the case, there were lots of Real Madrid and Barcelona fans when those sides visited. The atmosphere is now completely different, as we saw when Espanyol played Liverpool in a pre-season friendly and beat them 3-0.
I'm convinced that Barcelona are talking up the possibility of Cesc Fabregas joining the club because they understand either from the player or the family that this is what he wants to do. I can see Cesc arriving at Barcelona in a year, two at most
Guillem Balague
Quotes of the week
However, this Real Madrid are far more balanced than people say, the two centre midfielders in Lassana Diarra and Xabi Alonso give an order and pattern to the side that not many other midfielders in the world can do. I think it can be compared to the midfield of Barcelona and maybe the Carrick/Scholes midfield combination of two years ago.
With that in mind, plus a back four that has not played together yet with the returns of Pepe and Sergio Ramos, it's going to concede less goals than people think and they only need half a chance to score up front. So maybe the gap between Madrid and the lesser sides like Espanyol has become bigger, but where Madrid will still be hurt is when they travel to Sevilla, Villarreal, Atletico Madrid and of course Barcelona.
But I'll take Madrid in this one.
Sevilla v Zaragoza
9.00pm, Saturday, Sky Sports Xtra
It's going to be interesting to see Jermaine Pennant, who is fit contrary to reports. He became the most important player on the pitch in the opening game as Zaragoza beat Tenerife. Zaragoza are employing a high defence and winning balls early in order to counter at pace using Pennant down the right.
Sevilla already have voices against the manager because there is a clash between the chairman's words on winning the league and the style of football they practised in the defeat to Valencia last week. Sevilla were very poor, only managing one shot on goal in about the 86th minute of the match. This is a hugely important game for Sevilla, I wonder if Zaragoza will take it on the counter.
Getafe v Barcelona
11.00pm highlights, Saturday, Sky Sports Xtra
It's lovely to see Real Madrid legend Michel in charge of a team and playing the football he always said he would play. He's playing a 4-3-3 where the star is actually Dani Parejo, the former QPR loanee who Alfredo Di Stefano always said he enjoyed watching in the Madrid B side.
Getafe face a Barcelona side who should be a little tired. They decided to play on Saturday in order to give themselves more time to rest for the Inter game, but of course this week they have only trained with about four or five players due to international duty. I wonder if Getafe might take advantage of that.
Valladolid v Valencia
7.00pm, Sunday, Sky Sports 1 (first half on red button)
Valladolid is a strange club who keep renewing the contract of manager Mendilibar when things are going wrong! They were bottom of the table a couple of years ago when he got a three-year deal, and now they want to renew that contract again even though some of his signings have been questioned, added to the fact they finished last season so poorly. In the second half of last season they were the club who amassed the lowest number of points. Despite all of that, they trust the manager and want him to become the Sir Alex Ferguson of Valladolid.
Valencia on the other hand, continue to work their financial miracle, a miracle that means they will start with David Silva - who was extraordinary for Spain, and David Villa - who was extraordinary for Spain. If they had a better midfield that worked hard defensively and created goals, a few more like Banega, I think this Valencia side would be top three.
Guillem answers your questions...
Got a question for Guillem? Then send it in here or use the feedback form below, and then look out for his answer next week.
BARCA'S FORGOTTEN MAN
Hi Guillem, I would just like to ask a quick question about Barcelona. Everyone seems to have forgotten about Gabi Milito. When is he set to return from his injury? Also do you think letting the likes of Hleb leave on loan and selling Gudjohnsen were wise moves as it leaves them short for options on the bench? Assad
GUILLEM SAYS: Gabi Milito is a bit of a mystery. When it looked like he would be back in the summer, the doctors announced there was a setback and nobody is willing to put a time to it. There are some suggestions that he may have to retire. Of course the sporting director of Real Madrid Jorge Valdano made the most out of it, claiming we are now seeing the reason why Madrid did not sign Milito a few years ago, but that is unfair. Milito has played four seasons since Madrid tried to sign him, and to be fair to Valdano he has since come out and denied he said those things.
Letting Hleb leave on loan and selling Gudjohnsen was very wise, even though I consider myself a friend of Gudjohnsen and Hleb. Hleb didn't feel he had the confidence of the manager so he needed a new challenge, and Gudjohnsen was in a similar situation. He tried to help last season but he wasn't allowed, so it was time to move and create more chances for the younger players at Barcelona. Keep an eye on Jonathan, Jeffren and Pedro this season.
NOT SUCH A FAB DEAL
Hello there Guillem, my question is this: Cesc Fabregas is a player contracted to Arsenal FC, do you think what Barcelona are doing is morally correct, constantly talking about bringing Cesc back to the Camp Nou? Is this not foul play by trying to unsettle a player and secondly do you think Cesc will decide to leave Arsenal? Abu Yeashah (Arsenal fan)
GUILLEM SAYS: I'm convinced that Barcelona are talking up the possibility of Cesc Fabregas joining the club because they understand either from the player or the family that this is what he wants to do. I can see Cesc arriving at Barcelona in a year, two at most. Is it morally correct? In England there is less necessity for clubs to talk up which players they want to sign. In Spain there are four sports newspapers to be filled, and if they get a lead that (theoretically) Cesc wants to join Barcelona, these papers will push it and push it and push it, and if they get half an answer they will exploit it and get a cover. Partly yes it is Barcelona talking about it when really they shouldn't. But they are also being forced by a media that is always hungry for stories.
STARS IN THEIR EYES
Guillem, who is the one young player you are predicting to really make a name for himself this season in La Liga? Wayne Hayes (Liverpool fan)
GUILLEM SAYS: As well as the usual offenders, Muniain at Athletic Bilbao. He has been compared to Lionel Messi, although he is definitely not Messi! But he is someone who will come on from the bench, score goals as he did in the qualifiers for the Europa League, and he will make an impact. He is short, quick, brave, and I really like him.
Comments (36)
Sam Cork (Arsenal fan) says...
Typical Tottenham fans need to talk about Arsenal issues rather than their own team. Jealousy is a funny thing and thats all that they ever seem to be.....Always in the shadow!!
Posted 14:02 11th September 2009
Mike Razavi (Arsenal fan) says...
I don't know if Cesc will stay or go. However, why do Barcelona fans always think that they some how have a right to buy anyone who is good. Can't we have good players paly for teams other than Barc. or Real Madrid ? Also when Arsenal picked up Cesc at 16, he was not well known or anything, Arsene Wenger and Arsenal developed him into the player he is today. If I were Arsenal I would not sell him for 5 years.
Posted 15:01 10th September 2009
Jason Maguire (Arsenal fan) says...
Your probably right bet lets not disrupt another Arsenal season with these constant stories from Spain. Chelsea have just been done for tapping up a player yet barca and Madrid do this every summer. Where are Uefa and Fifa then?
Posted 13:34 10th September 2009
Bob Lyle (Arsenal fan) says...
Of course Cesc will go back to Barca, that is well known at Arsenal, that is the reason Wenger got Ramsey early, to take over from him. In any case we went on a near 6 month unbeaten run without him last year and our win average is better without him. I would invite Barca to take him at £40 million. PS. Love the jealousy from the spuds fans, your little club just keeps spending and getting nowhere!
Posted 12:59 10th September 2009
Sammy Mahmud (Arsenal fan) says...
Arsenal need not worry if Fabregas chhoses to leave. Our machine of producing great talent still rolls on. Remember no one is indispensable in any team. Let other teams worry because they have to buy to survive in the premiership. Teams like Spurs and Man C will go bust by the time they get close to winning the premiership al our favourite Leeds full of talented English players.
Posted 09:15 10th September 2009
Ginny Saunders (Arsenal fan) says...
WHY? does everyone talk about Cesc as if he's not there?? He knows what he wants and I'm sure he'll continue to follow his 'goal'. where ever and whenever he is ready. He is a great player and I'm glad Arsenal have him. I'm sure that the the premier teams would be like to have him too.
Posted 08:02 10th September 2009
Allan Haig (Barcelona fan) says...
I dont understand why barca would want cesc, he is a fantastic player no dought but he cant get in the national team for 2 players playing in the same position namely Xavi and Iniesta, and cesc wouldnt do the job that yaya does so i personaly cant see where he would fit in the 1st team? there would be no cover 4 our some what flawed defence!? and Tabz Zaman (Barcelona fan) says... Fabregas, Iniesta & Xavi the perfect midfield will be unstoppable & Arsenal can take Yaya Toure who they have been after for quiet a while a perfect deal!!! Do you watch barcelona play or understand how they play ? or are you 1of those fan that have just recently started to support barca ? as 3 playmakers in middfield would be a disaster with no defensive support the way we play dictates we need that type of player to allow xavi and iniesta to play the way they do
Posted 00:15 10th September 2009
Tee Jay (Nottingham Forest fan) says...
Fabergas has been a terrific player for Arsenal but it is inevitable he will leave. When is the question. There are very few lifelong English club players in the modern game, and fewer still that have not been born in the UK. Its interesting to note the number of Spurs fans commenting here, you'd think considering they've been nowhere near a decent trophy since 61 would keep them quiet...and without Modric watch them fall away now...mark my words Frank Ha
Posted 23:57 9th September 2009
Jordy Smith (Derby County fan) says...
fabregas maybe quality, a touch of class even but Miles Addison is the player to talk about. Future of Englands defense and would kill off fabregas and arsenal anyday!
Posted 22:29 9th September 2009
Tom Olasina (Arsenal fan) says...
AC, you call yourself a Spurs fan eh? if nothing else, you should have learnt over the years that unlike relegation-dogfight prone Spurs, Arsenal moves on irrespective of who leaves the club, and more importantly, very few players are ever heard of after leaving Arsenal. If you for a second assume Spurs 'flash in the pan' start to this season gives you the right to utter a single word against arsenal, think again; you have a very long way to go and with a manager who's only ever won a single FA Cup trophy, lack of pedigree will soon tell...
Posted 22:02 9th September 2009
Caleb Finlay (Arsenal fan) says...
Frank S, Spurs fan - Seriously? How did Arsenal steal a player if his club didn't offer him a contract, and his youth contract expired? Yes, we stole him, that's why there is such bad blood between the two clubs... ?!?! Seriously, get your facts straight before you throw around stupid accusations...
Posted 19:35 9th September 2009
Albert Akpong (Arsenal fan) says...
Fabregas will eventually leave just like other players leave for whatever reason or it could be wengers decision to sell him if the price and time is right but let me shock some people, he may not end up at Barca.
Posted 18:56 9th September 2009
Gary Mcfeely (Arsenal fan) says...
who cares if fabregas goes? i'm sure wenger has a back up plan with the likes of merida coming through and young ramsey who will be just as good as fabregas. wenger is making these players play in the same fashion. in arsene we trust!!!
Posted 18:28 9th September 2009
Babs Khanduja (Arsenal fan) says...
Frank S you absolute typical Spurs fan bufoon!! CLUELESS! How can you say it would bite us in the bum when we would sell Cesc for silly millions back to the club we got him from for Peanuts!! Not only that, Wenger is the shrewdest in the business & would probably have a sell on clause like he did with Bentley which inccidentley clueless Tottenham spent circa 16mill on! Spurs will always spend stupid money on players and finish below Arsenal, they have a losers mentality! Buying back Keane, Defoe & Chimbonda proves their stupidty & desperation!
Posted 18:03 9th September 2009
Kakwenzire Isaac (Arsenal fan) says...
Some of us are just sick and tired of this Cesc Barca talk, dont they have any alternative. they are using thier press to unsettle a player. All this will soon come to pass. and am sure of that.
Posted 16:27 9th September 2009
Paul Wright (Leeds United fan) says...
How on earth can Gunners fans moan ? They whipped him from under the noses of barca at a very young age and will now end up getting 25-35m from the people they knicked him off for next to nothing in the first place - you should be laughing not moaning. Arsenal, man u, liverpool, chelsea and all english clubs need to realise that they'll always be selling clubs to the 2 spanish giants, barca and real madrid. players seem to wanna play for these 2 more than anyone else - how many times have we heard the classic "its not about money its just my dream to play for this club" line. With that and also the new ridiculous 50% tax law in the uk i predict over the next 3-5 years a lot of english clubs will lose their top players to spain where they can earn so much more and we'll see the power balance start to tip their way again. Would love to hear if people agree / disagree
Posted 16:25 9th September 2009
David Kamps (Barcelona fan) says...
I do agree that Cesc should stay at Arsenal, at least for a little while longer. Arsenal is my favourite team in England even though Barca is my favourite foreign team. Besides he is far to good a player to be a second choice, and everybody knows that no coach would ever force Xavi and Iniesta apart, that would just be an incredibly stupid move. Cesc isn't going to play as a controlling midfielder either, he's just not that kind of player. And even though Iniesta has quite a few long injuires in his time, I think it would be better to have young players try to take his place at those times. No sense in wasting tens of millions on a player that will be on the bench 80% of the time. Just let him stay. I just hope Real Madrid doesn't sign him, not only would that suck because Arsenal would lose a class player he will probably just be sold there again once a new president appears on the scenes in three or four years and will likely be sold to some less premier league or even worse Serie A club.
Posted 15:48 9th September 2009
A C (Tottenham Hotspur fan) says...
Pete Capewell, I'm sure Fabregas would be quite distressed to hear your estimation of him would go down should he leave. Good english in your final sentence as well. Looking forward to the goons losing Fabregas, good luck with your youngsters...
Posted 15:03 9th September 2009
Sam Green (Arsenal fan) says...
Cesc Xavi Iniesta will not work, there is no holding man in there, thats why yaya is the betetr option for barca, i believe as an arsenal fan cesc is going to leave can u blame him? but he will not start for barca as Xavi and Iniesta are in my opinion a clas above him, they can retain the bal longer and can also dictate the game more than cesc, but the english is more demanding so this could be a factor, if he leaves i will wish him all the best as he has never complained about leaving or winged about anything, plus it will be for about 35-50m euros we will prob get as he has 4years left with his contract, so thats all profit, and watch jack wilshere he will be the player to replace him.
Posted 14:55 9th September 2009
Frank S (Tottenham Hotspur fan) says...
all arsenal fans are morally outraged that barca state they would like to buy fibreglass. didn't hear you complaining when you stole a teenage youth product from barca though!! just glad to see it's come back to bite you on the bum. HA!!
Posted 14:54 9th September 2009