Injuries for Real Madrid, but Zidane's men can pile pressure on Barca

Barcelona's Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring during the Champions League Group C soccer match between Celtic and Barcelona at Celtic Park stadium in Glasgow, Scotland, Britain, Nov 23, 2016. [Photo/IC]

Diego Simeone's decision will be whether he retains Tiago Cardoso and Jose Gimenez for the visit to play second from bottom Osasuna on Sunday afternoon in what is likely to be an ugly game against a side that desperately needs points.

The weekend kicks off on Friday night as Eibar look to continue their excellent season at home to Betis who last week won their first game under new coach Victor Sanchez.

Malaga will take heart from last week's point away to Barca but have Juan Carlos and Diego Llorente suspended for the visit of Deportivo la Coruna, who will put faith in striker Florin Andone.

Espanyol look for their first home win of the season against Leganes, who claimed theirs against Osasuna on Monday night, while Sevilla can also keep the pressure on at the top of the table if they can beat a Valencia side who have still to click under new coach Cesare Prandelli.

On Sunday Villarreal will fancy their chances of taking all three points against an Alaves lacking firepower and slipping into the relegation dogfight. Meanwhile Granada look for their first win of the season, but have a difficult task away to Celta Vigo.

Finally the round of matches finishes on Monday with what promises to be an entertaining game between Las Palmas and Athletic Club Bilbao.