It promises to be another week of cracking action in La Liga, so who better to look ahead to the four live games on Sky Sports than our Spanish football expert Guillem Balague.
If you've got a question for Guillem, send it in here.
Real Madrid v Racing Santander
Athletic Bilbao v Barcelona
Malaga v Real Zaragoza
Ibrahimovic: injury worry
Real Madrid v Racing Santander
7.00pm, Sat, Sky Sports 2
Racing have replaced their manager Juan Carlos Mandia with Miguel Angel Portugal, who was with Racing previously and who, funnily enough, used to be the technical secretary at Real Madrid.
They've got serious problems because up to now, Racing haven't been playing in any particular style this season. They were depending a lot on players like Nikola Zigic and Jonathan who left last season.
I've been told that even though there's been no contact about Robinho since the summer, if Barcelona were offering money plus Yaya Toure plus Xavi Hernandez then they would sell Robinho!
Guillem Balague
Quotes of the week
Real Madrid v Racing Santander
7pm, Sat, Sky Sports 2
Athletic Bilbao v Barcelona
9pm, Sat, Sky Sports 2
Malaga v Real Zaragoza
6pm, Sun, Sky Sports 1
They do face a lack of quality but I don't think they're a bottom-three side.
Real Madrid may allow Cristiano Ronaldo to play a few minutes, although it's more likely he will come back against Zurich.
The international break has been good for Manuel Pellegrini as the pressure has eased a little bit and the story of the last few days has been that Valencia might have reached an agreement with Real Madrid for David Villa, but that has been denied by Florentino Perez.
Athletic Bilbao v Barcelona
9.00pm, Sat, Sky Sports 2
Zlatan Ibrahimovic won't be playing in this game as he's injured and will face fitness tests against Inter and against Real Madrid.
He has been unlucky with injuries and was in the same situation at Inter. I had a private chat with Pep Guardiola this week and they are a little bit concerned about him because he has been magnificent.
One of the keys to his success is that more than 50 per cent of the goals he scores have been the first goal for his team.
Athletic Bilbao went through a little bit of a blip after a strong start. However, this is one of those games following an international break where I think Barcelona may drop points.
Malaga v Real Zaragoza
6.00pm, Sun, Sky Sports 2
I don't trust the Zaragoza way and I think Malaga are a poor team - but both teams attack so this is going to be a fantastic game to watch, full of end-to-end stuff.
Zaragoza defend high up the pitch and counter attack with lots of pace. It will be a chance to catch up with Jermaine Pennant who has been a bit irregular so far and according to the manager he needs to work harder for the side.
Malaga have got Apono in central midfield, a player I really like, and this will be a good chance to check if he really is a top-four player.
He's somebody who is being watched by the top Premier League teams.
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.
HEY YAYA
Hi Guillem. I am a Barcelona fan and love watching the show as I think yourself and the rest of the team really know what you are doing and it's sometimes shocking how much information you guys have. I had a question about Yaya Toure. I personally think he was one of the best if not the best player in the Barca squad last season and he gave his all even when he had injuries. But it seems to me that he's not getting the playing time that he deserves this season and there's also all this talk about a move to Man City. What is the situation with him and Barca? Also can you shed some light on the future of the youngsters who are coming through. I'm a big fan Dos Santos, do you think his future will be at Barca or is he likely to be shipped out like his brother? I would really appreciate it if you could answer my questions on the website. Regards, Saeed
GUILLEM SAYS: Thanks for your nice words, Saeed. The problem with Yaya Toure is of course that Seydou Keita has had a great start to the season alongside Xavi which takes two of the three positions in midfield. He has played quite a lot, especially lately, but he will be missing for a month of course at the African Cup of Nations. I get the impression they are trying not to use him too often - but I think he will be used a lot at the end of the season if he comes back fresh from Africa. Sergio Busquets is in front of him - and so is Keita - but this is the sort of team that doesn't give you many chances if your level drops a little bit, as we've seen with Yaya Toure.
There is no doubt that Manchester City are really interested in him and want him. I've been told that even though there's been no contact about Robinho since the summer, if Barcelona were offering money plus Yaya Toure plus Xavi Hernandez then they would sell Robinho! It's a bit of a joke proposition but they've included Yaya Toure in that list of players they're interested in.
Dos Santos is a great player who gives you 7/10 in every game. Gai Assulin is another player I expect to be seeing in the Barcelona first team quite often, especially in January and February and more next season.
RUBEN'S RETURN?
Hola Guillem. I'm a big fan of yours and Revista, keep up the good work! Please could you answer a question and also settle a friendly debate? Could you update me on the status of Ruben de la Red; has he been forced to quit the game entirely? You are of course a big Espanyol fan, but who is your favourite English team? My friends say Liverpool, but I'm not so sure! Gracias, Ben (Chelsea fan)
GUILLEM SAYS: Ruben de la Red is in limbo. Nobody tells him he cannot play, but they are not allowing him to play. I think he wants an answer, he wants somebody to tell him he can play and then he can start up his career again - but nobody wants to take that risk because nobody knows exactly what happened to him. It's one of those situations where patience will take its toll and my guess is Ruben will probably have to retire.
Yes, I'm a big Espanyol fan. But I'll let you guess who my English team is...
ON THE B-SIDE
Hi Guillem, I have a question about the Spanish second tier and the leagues below that as I am very intrigued about them. As you know they have some of the B teams of lots of teams which are equivalent to our reserves in England. One thing I have noticed is that they don't seem to do very well and I am pretty sure that if Manchester Utd or Arsenal's reserves played in the Championship they would do very well. So my question is do you believe this is a better system than the one used in England? Thank you Brett Kemp
GUILLEM SAYS: You base your assumptions, Brett, on the idea that Manchester United or Arsenal's reserves would do well in the Championship. I'm not sure about that because, as you well know, they just don't play enough games and they don't play against a different level. We are talking about professional teams playing against the B sides of teams in Spain. So you would have for instance Real Sociedad, now in the second division, playing against Villarreal B. It's not an obsession of the clubs to do really well with their B teams, it's just a way to get young players through the ranks and give them experience at that level before moving them on to another club or maybe putting them in the first team.
That's definitely a much better system than the one in England where the players in the reserves play only 24 games per season, and play as many for their national team as they do for their reserve team. Look at the case of Fran Merida, he's been playing for so long in the reserves and now he doesn't play in the reserves but he's not in the first team so he's hardly playing or even travelling with Arsenal. If there was a B-side he'd be playing every weekend and we'd be seeing his level. I think it works better in Spain.
Comments (29)
Stephen Thomas-berry (Arsenal fan) says...
hi guillem,i'm an arsenal fan,and wanted to ask you do you think that cesc fabregas will join barca,although he has come out and said he wants to finish career with the gunners i don't think he means it as most of the foreign players get bored and want to try something new and i think if liverpool don't get champions league football next season rafa and torres will leave to go back to sunny spain what do you think , cheers steve from newton le willows
Posted 07:30 26th November 2009
Jordan Davis (Liverpool fan) says...
Hi Guillem first of all i would like to say i am a big fan of yours on Revista de la Liga i am a massive Liverpool fan and i would like to ask if we were to get new owners and they had the funds to buy David Villa would he consider a move to Liverpool or not?
Posted 20:36 25th November 2009
James Lee (Liverpool fan) says...
Hey Guillem, Good to watch the Spanish Football getting such good coverage over here fella. I know your English team is Liverpool. I am also sure I heard somewhere that you helped Mr Rafa Benitez with his autobiography or will be?? I am well looking forward to el classico this weekend but I can't really make up my mind who I want to win. I would like to see a cracking game with some moments of individual brilliance. In fact I would quite like to see Barcelona win
Posted 16:25 24th November 2009
Pembamoyo Nyirenda (Real Madrid fan) says...
hola. Don't you think Barcelona do miss Eto'o? I certainly think they do; with himm they would have been in the knock out stage(Champs League) already.
Posted 13:17 24th November 2009
Michael Gomez (Atletico Madrid fan) says...
Hola guillem, is there any news on the current board situation at Atletico. No one seems the like each other and key players like Kun aguero and Diego Forlan may leave,do you think we will stay up this season,if we get relegated again our debts would cripple us. I think i Speak for all Atleti fans when i say GIL OUT!!!!!!
Posted 22:42 23rd November 2009
Jimmy Bakaly (Barcelona fan) says...
Hi Guillem how are you, im the biggest Barcelona fan on this planet, i got a question Guillem? do you agree that Barcelona should of signid david villa and another striker like Defoe from Tottenham Hotspur or Luis fabiano from Sevilla I know we got some good players but I feel like the need more experience in my opinion don¿t get me wrong there the future but I still think we needed to get one or two more players
Posted 18:51 23rd November 2009
Babar Aga (Manchester United fan) says...
I can not understand why people say "Spanish teams are better" or "English teams are better"! Why cant people just understand that the BEAUTY about the game IS the fact that there are different styles and ways that it can be played in! Each style has its own advantages and disadvantages!
Posted 09:06 23rd November 2009
Nicky Moore (Manchester United fan) says...
I love David Villa and i think he is the best striker in world football, everyone talks about Torres but i get the impression that Villa is held in higher regard within Spain than torres and so he should be but on the other hand, they are together the best strikeforce in world football and if both fit will win the World Cup for Spain!! I always back Spain and David Villa and since Euro 2008 they have won me a fortune!! I support Manchester United and would love to see David Villa up front with Wayne Rooney, but i would hate to see him go to Liverpool, Manchester City or Chelsea, id rather him go to Barca or Real!!!
Posted 23:02 22nd November 2009
Michael Ase (Real Madrid fan) says...
Hi Guillem I think you give Real Madrid too little credit and Barcelona too much. Real Madrid are currently 1st on points, with a newly assembled squad, when a month ago they were in "crisis"... Madrid will only get better with time as the squads gel, and key players get back from injury and start getting match fit.
Posted 16:48 22nd November 2009
Joshua Shirley (Liverpool fan) says...
I would love to see the americans sell liverpool to the saudi prince so we could get money to buy quality players withe the like of david villa to partner fernando torres, and get a hard worker like marcus senna in our midfield alongside gerrard
Posted 16:41 22nd November 2009
Ronnie West (Aston Villa fan) says...
Hi Guillem, I have a question for you? Do you think that Man Utd will sign botrh David Villa and David Silva from Valencia in the January transfer window or during the summer of next year, despite what Fergie might officially say about players being over priced and not adding value? Additionally, do you think that Sergei Aguero will sign for Chelsea in the January transfer window for 40 million as quoted in the press. I think he would be a great buy for Man Utd and when will Robinho leave Man City . I think it is now a question of when not if. Look forward to hearing from you. Keep up the good work on Revista La Liga very informative. I actually think the Spanish league is technically the best league in the world but for drama and passion you cannot beat the premier league. Do you agree? Ronnie Cheers
Posted 12:55 22nd November 2009
Mayur Desai (Manchester United fan) says...
Hi Guillem, do you think there is a strong interest from Man United for the Valencia duo of Villa and Silva and would they fancy their chances in the English premier league??
Posted 07:26 22nd November 2009
Hany Ali (Chelsea fan) says...
How true is that Chelsea is looking to aquire Aguero and a midfielder to replace Essien and Mikel in Janurary? Also ,which team is closer to win the Champions League this season?
Posted 03:16 22nd November 2009
Jeno Krish (Liverpool fan) says...
Hi My question is Barca has been linked with Robinho,Fabregas and Mascherano..Whom do you think they will really sign this summer or in January transfer window and Is they compulsorly want these players...
Posted 01:45 22nd November 2009
Damien Doherty (Liverpool fan) says...
Hey guillem,is there any word about any spanish teams looking to sign albert riera because he isnt performing for liverpool and yet is still selected for the spanish national team on a regular basis?is he highly regarded in spain or is he seen as a "squad player".and one last thing do you think barcelona will sign luis suarez in the summer?he's wapppppppppa
Posted 21:14 21st November 2009
Kevin O fionnan (Manchester United fan) says...
Hey Guillem, Being a devestated and angry Eire fan i was wondering what you thought about the Thierry hand ball situation. Should he be suspended or fined? And how much are people in Spain talking about this? It would interesting to know whether or not neutral people involved in football supported our case for a replay and if you agree with bringing video technology into the game. I know you usually don't answer if there not e-mailed directly to you, but it would be nice to get some feed-back. Thanks, and i suspect you're either a Gooner or a Red Devil. Hopefully not Chelsea or Liverpool! lol ;) jk
Posted 18:42 21st November 2009
Kevin O fionnan (Manchester United fan) says...
Hey Guillem, Being a devestated and angry Eire fan i was wondering what you thought about the Thierry hand ball situation. Should he be suspended or fined? And how much are people in Spain talking about this? It would interesting to know whether or not neutral people involved in football supported our case for a replay and if you agree with bringing video technology into the game. I know you usually don't answer if there not e-mailed directly to you, but it would be nice to get some feed-back. Thanks, and i suspect you're either a Gooner or a Red Devil. Hopefully not Chelsea or Liverpool! lol ;) jk
Posted 18:34 21st November 2009
Elliot Berry (Real Madrid fan) says...
Hi guillem, This story with Real Madrid and David Villa of Valencia, how true is it because I am a Real Madrid fan I think they really do need some fire power upfront when Ronaldo is missing, like in the game against Sevilla lost because they were simply out played and didn't have anything to offer upfront. Also Marcelo as a left back, I don't think so can you reply with who suitable left backs for Real Madrid are and about my question with David Villa. Cheers Elliot also I think your show is great with all the gossip about Spanish football.
Posted 14:29 21st November 2009
Barcelona fan Harris (Barcelona fan) says...
Guillem, can you tell me what is happening with Rafael Marquez? He has hardly played any time this season but there is never any news of him having fresh injuries. Is he on his way out of Barcelona?
Posted 11:03 21st November 2009
Karsten stanieslas Dontoh (Barcelona fan) says...
Hi Guillem, Am Karsten Stanieslas Dontoh from Ghana (African). Please am a Barca fun I have this question for you. I believe with your in-depth knowledge in sports you will be able to answer me. Please can you tell me why Toure is been put to bench these days. I don¿t want to believe because Barca want to go in for Cecs that is why they are treating him so. So that he will be willing to leave the club? Toure is a utility player, he sometimes play defence but cecs can. Again he is very strong in air.
Posted 09:24 21st November 2009
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