• Barcelona have won their last nine LaLiga matches

• All but two of Osasuna’s 19 points have come in home games

• Villarreal have won eight of their last nine league encounters

Real Madrid will hope to make an early statement this week in their home game against Levante in Saturday’s early LaLiga kick-off in their first game since Xabi Alonso’s departure, while Barcelona look to maintain their impressive run of wins at Real Sociedad on Sunday night.

Espanyol vs Girona (Friday, 8pm)

Espanyol’s three home defeats have all come against teams in the top six, but Girona are capable of claiming a point from their short trip after winning their last two away matches against Real Sociedad and Real Mallorca.

Score prediction: Espanyol 1-1 Girona

Real Madrid vs Levante (Saturday, 1pm)

Alvaro Arbeloa takes the reins at Madrid after a shock Copa del Rey defeat against Albacete and they have kept one clean sheet in their last nine games, so Levante could score even if they suffer a defeat.

Score prediction: Real Madrid 3-1 Levante

Mallorca vs Athletic Club (Saturday, 3.15pm)

Mallorca’s loss to Girona was the first they had suffered in the league on their own patch since the opening weekend of the season and they could be too strong for Athletic, who have won once on the road since August.

Score prediction: Mallorca 2-1 Athletic Club

Osasuna vs Real Oviedo (Saturday, 5.30pm)

No team outside the top five have won more home games than Osasuna and they look too strong for basement boys Real Oviedo, who have won just two of their 19 matches this season.

Score prediction: Osasuna 2-0 Real Oviedo

Real Betis vs Villarreal (Saturday, 8pm)

Real Betis have lost touch with the top four and look up against it when they face Villarreal, who have lost only to Barcelona in their last nine games.

Score prediction: Real Betis 1-3 Villarreal

Getafe vs Valencia (Sunday, 1pm)

Getafe have taken one point from their last five games, so Valencia could end a six-match winless run.

Score prediction: Getafe 0-1 Valencia

Atletico Madrid vs Alaves (Sunday, 3.15pm)

Atletico Madrid have lost just two LaLiga matches since the opening weekend and should ease past Alaves, who have lost six of their last eight in the league.

Score prediction: Atletico Madrid 3-0 Alaves

Celta Vigo vs Rayo Vallecano (Sunday, 5.30pm)

Rayo Vallecano ended a run of eight league games without a win with a victory over Real Mallorca, but Celta Vigo, who have won four of their last five, look a more dangerous prospect.

Score prediction: Celta Vigo 2-1 Rayo Vallecano

Real Sociedad vs Barcelona (Sunday, 8pm)

Barcelona have been untouchable in LaLiga over the last couple of months and with Real Sociedad winning just three of their nine home games this term, the points should go to the visitors.

Score prediction: Real Sociedad 1-3 Barcelona

Elche vs Sevilla (Monday, 8pm)

Sevilla have failed to score in their last four matches and Elche can come out on top having posted home victories over Girona and Rayo Vallecano in December.

Score prediction: Elche 2-0 Sevilla