1. Tough test for Barcelona
FC Barcelona’s big spending summer got off to a stuttering start when they were held at home by Rayo Vallecano last weekend, and that means the pressure is immediately on Xavi Hernandez’s side for their difficult visit to Real Sociedad.
Barca are without the suspended Sergio Busquets and that should give a chance to Frenkie de Jong in central midfield. Barca improved considerably when de Jong came on as a second-half substitute a week ago, and the Dutchman clearly had a point to make after a summer in which the club have tried to get him to move or accept a pay cut. While another good display from de Jong would certainly back up his case to stay, it could be embarrassing for Barca president Joan Laporta.
2. Morata and Joao Felix to impress again?
One of the weekend’s most interesting games sees joint leaders Atletico Madrid and Villarreal go head-to-head in the Metropolitano Stadium. Atletico were very impressive in their 3-0 opening weekend win away to Getafe, with Joao Felix pulling the strings in attack and Alvaro Morata netting two well-taken goals.
Atletico reportedly rejected a huge offer for Felix from Manchester United during the week.
Morata has often been criticized for wayward finishing, but he put in an all-action display to go with his goals and his immediate connection with Felix bodes well for Diego Simeone’s men.
3. Transfer hints in Real Madrid 11
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has already said he is going to rotate his squad this season, but there are two players who have been out of his plans so far: Marco Asensio and Alvaro Odriozola, who watched their two competitive wins from the bench.
If neither gets any game time in this weekend’s game away to Celta Vigo, it looks clear they need to move if they want to play regularly. Asensio is out of contract at the end of the season, and that could see him and Madrid reach an agreement to let him go cheaply.
There will also be attention on Casemiro at the weekend after Manchester United were linked with the Brazilian. Casemiro has been key to Madrid’s success, but over 50 million euros for a player who will be 31 in February could be too much to refuse.
4. Valverde needs to see goals
Athletic Bilbao kicked off Ernesto Valverde’s third spell in charge by managing over 20 shots in a goalless draw with Mallorca.
At first sight, it looked like a repeat of the problems that stopped the Basque side qualifying for Europe last season, as they failed to turn chances into goals, but Valverde’s side was more flexible in its system than the strict 4-4-2 used by his predecessor Marcelino Garcia Toral.
Next up are Valencia and Valverde wants to see a repeat of his side’s attacking football, but this time with goals.
