MADRID, Jan. 31 (Xinhua) -- It may be hard to believe after the drama of the Copa del Rey semi-finals this week, but there is a full weekend of BBVA Primera Liga football to look forward to in Spain.
The matches kick off on Friday as a solid Valladolid entertain an improving Athletic Club Bilbao in the Nuevo Zorrilla Stadium, before the interest really kicks in on Saturday.
Real Madrid have had little time to recover from their Wednesday night efforts before traveling to face struggling Granada. The debate will continue as to whether Diego Lopez or Antonio Adan should replace Iker Casillas in goal, while Sergio Ramos is available after suspension for Madrid.
Meanwhile Lucas Alcaraz makes his debut as Granada coach after Juan Antonio Anquela was sacked during the week.
Saturday kicks off with a key relegation battle that sees Osasuna entertain Celta, who may be without injured striker Iago Aspes, while bottom of the table Deportivo la Coruna travel to mid-table Getafe.
Getafe have struggled of late, but Deportivo will be without suspended midfielder Paolo Assuncao and defender Silvio, both of whom were sent off against Valencia last week.
Meanwhile Espanyol look to continue their recovery under Javier Aguirre with a home game against the always complicated Levante.
The big game on Sunday sees Barcelona travel to face Valencia. Valencia have picked up under coach Ernesto Valverde, although they may be without striker Roberto Soldado, while Barca will be looking to avoid any after effects of this Wednesday's Cup Clasico.
Expect changes in the Barca side with Javier Mascherano coming into defense along with Adriano, while Thiago Alcantara and even former Valencia striker, David Villa could also make the starting 11 as Barca aim to maintain their 11 point lead at the top of the table.
Atletico Madrid will hope Barca fail to win and that they can win at home to Betis in order to chip into Barca's advantage. Atletico beat Betis two weeks ago in the Vicente Calderon Stadium, but will be handicapped by playing their own Cup semi on Thursday, which may just take it out of their legs.
Atletico's Cup rival Sevilla are at home to Rayo Vallecano, who have to be the surprise package of the season and are battling for a top-four place against all the odds, while Malaga entertain Zaragoza, who have dropped towards the relegation zone in recent weeks.
Finally Mallorca travel to play Real Sociedad in what will almost certainly be coach Joaquin Caparros' last game in charge should his side lose. Mallorca have just one win from 16 games and if Deportivo win in Getafe, they will kick off bottom of the table.
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