Posted by Stephen Kuzner

By Stephen Kuzner - WFD Fan Correspondent

2010-2011 La Liga Guide

If you don't follow La Liga, this is the year to do it and this is the guide to chart your course in Spanish football. Real Madrid and FC Barcelona may have the best teams they have ever assembled. That is saying a lot for two of the world's largest teams and most successful teams. Madrid being the 20th century's best according to FIFA and Barcelona arguably the team of the last decade. For Madrid and Barcelona, this will be a pursuit for perfection. Last year, Barcelona had the most points every in La Liga history with 99 points. Ironically, Madrid had the second most ever with 96. A perfect season would be 114 points. This year we will see two teams surpass the 100 point mark in this pursuit of perfection.

La Liga BBVA may be the world's best league. It's debatable if La Liga is better than the Barclay's English Premier League, but at the top of the footballing world, La Liga is #2 at worst. Atlético Madrid, Sevilla, Valencia, Villarreal, and Athletic Bilbao are teams that would finish at the top or win most of the leagues around the world. Spain just won a World Cup with players primarily from La Liga. La Liga also has a diversity of playing styles from it's teams making match-ups particularly interesting. It terms of footballing skills and technique, La Liga is often sited as the best.

This guide is designed as something easily consumed before a match you may watch. Look-up the two teams playing and you have your match preview. It's something you can go back-to time after time throughout the La Liga Season. The information listed comes from dozens of sources. I've done the work for you. Now, all you need to do is enjoy. This guide will be particularly useful if you don't speak Spanish since the best sources of La Liga information are in Spanish.

So what will happen? Here's a preview of the upcoming La Liga season.



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ALMERIA

Founded: 1989

Nicknames: Rojiblancos (like some others)

Ground: Estadio del Mediterráneo

Capacity: 22,000

Last Year: 13th (42 Pts)

Manager: Juan Manuel Lillo



Players In: Marcelo Silva Fernández (Danubio), D. Valeri (Porto), M. Luque (Barcelona), Ulloa (Castellón), Okoro (Heartland F.C ), Jakobsen (Aalborg), Carlos García (Betis)



Players Out: Chico (Genoa), Cisma (Racing), Gilherme Valladolid), David Rodríguez (Celta), Soriano (Osasuna), Álex Quillo (Recre), Borzani, Solari (Apoel Nicosia), Natalio



Best 11: Diego Alves (G), Michael Jakobsen (LB), Carlos García (CD-L), Marcelo Silva Fernández (CD-R), Míchel (RB), Crusat (LM), Fabián Andrés Vargas (CM-L), Hernán Bernardello (CM-R), Diego Valeri (RM), Pablo Daniel Piatti (F), Kalu Uche (F)



Formation: 4-4-2 (Possession Game)



Summary: AD Almeria played in Spain's 1st Division in 1979-81, left in 1982, and was reborn in 1989. In their somewhat short history, this year will be their fourth (consecutively) season in La Liga. Manager Juan Manuel Lillo took the reins at Almeria in late December 2009, replacing Hugo Sanchez. At the time, Almeria were one step from the relegation zone. Lilllo righted the ship and took Almeria up to 13th in the table. As a team, they retain the ball very well. This should not be a surprise because Lillo often is credited with giving Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola much of his tactical education while Lillo coached Mexican side Dorados de Sinaloa. Piatti, Uche, and Crusat all blossomed under Lillo. Crusat brings pace to the attack while Piatti and Uche (if he stays) both bring creativity. Carlos García coming back from Loan to Real Betis should help a porous defense that gave up 55 goals last year and help relieve Chico's departure to Genoa in Serie A. Chico made a number of La Liga's Best XI lists last year. Michael Jakobsen's arrival will also help the backline. Another year under Lillo should see Almeria progress a little up the table.



Player to Watch: Pablo Daniel Piatti

Captain: José Ortiz

Prediction: 12th



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ATHLETIC BILBAO

Founded: 1898

Nicknames: Los Leones (The Lions)

Ground: San Mamés

Capacity: 39,750

Last Year: 8th (54Pts)

Manager: Joaquín Caparrós



Players In: M. San José Domínguez (Liverpool), Igor Martínez (Alavés), Ibai Gómez (Sestao River), Murillo, Balenziaga,



Players Out: Etxeberría (Retired), Armando, Yeste (Al Wasl), Muñoz (Cartagena), Zubiaurre (Albacete), Etxeita, Díaz De Cerio (Córdoba)



Best 11: Iraizoz (G), Andoni Iraola (LB), Jon Aurtenexe Borde (CD-L), Mikel San José Domínguez (CD-R), Amorebieta (RB), Javi Martínez (CM-L), Iturraspe (CM-R), Vélez (LM), Gaizka Toquero (CM), Carlos Gurpegi (RM), Fernando Llorente Torres (F).



Formation: 4-5-1 (Counter-Attacking)



Summary: Bilbao is one of 3 clubs that have never been relegated from La Liga. FC Barcelona and Real Madrid being the other 2. They are known for their cantera policy of developing Basque youth players and signing professional players native to the greater Basque Country. With a winning record and 8th place finish last year, it's amazing to think they conceded 3 more goals than they scored last year. This is a big, strong, physical team that will knock you down and hit you on the counterattack. They can also play through the middle with Markel Susaeta. Javi Martínez and Llorente are world class players, both having won the World Cup with Spain. Javi Martínez is multi-faceted holding midfielder. Llorente is a 6-5 target man that can lead a line, hold-up the ball, and put it in the back of the net as well. His 14 goals in La Liga last year was 9th best. Gaizka Toquero is a hard-working player that netted 8 times last year. The young Aurtenexe may get a chance to step up to the A side this year in the cantera tradition. A chance at the Champions League is not out of question.



Player to Watch: Javi Martínez

Captain: TBD

Potential Revelation: Jon Aurtenexe Borde

Prediction: 7th



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ATLÉTICO MADRID

Founded: 1903

Nicknames: Los Colchoneros (The Mattress-makers), Los Rojiblancos (The Red and Whites)

Ground: Vicente Calderón

Capacity: 54,851

Last Year: 9th (47Pts)

Manager: Quique Sánchez Flores



Players In: Tiago Mendes (Juventus), D. Godín Leal (Villarreal), Filipe Luis (Deportivo), Mario Suárez (Mallorca), Fran Mérida (Arsenal), Diego Costa



Players Out: Cabrera (Recreativo), Roberto (Benfica), Pacheco (Independiente), Pablo (West Bromwich), Pernía



Best 11: De Gea (G), Filipe Luis (LB), Diego Godín Leal (CD-L), Álvaro Domínguez (CD-R), Tomas Ujfalusi (RB), Simão (LM), Tiago Mendes (CM-L), Paulo Assunçao (CM-R), José Antonio Reyes (RM), Kun Agüero (F), Diego Forlán (F)



Formation: 4-4-2



Summary: Atlético has won both La Liga and the Copa del Rey each 9 times. They gained the nickname Los Colchoneros (The Mattress Makers) because their red and white uniforms resembled old mattresses. They are also known as Los Indios (The Indians) because they stadium is "camped" on a river bank and because Los Indios are the traditional enemy of what Atlético's rival Real Madrid call themselves, Los Blancos (the whites). Last year was mixed-bag for a team that had high expectations, finishing only 9th with 47Pts, having lost the Copa Del Rey final to Sevilla, and having won UEFA Europa League final over Fulham. This year should have high expectations as well. Only 3 teams gave-up more goals than Atlético. Signing Godín from Villarreal and Filipe Luis (hopefully healthy) from Deportivo could turn one of La Liga's worst defenses into one of the best. Resigning Tiago will provide help and depth in the midfield. Diego Forlán was perhaps the best player at the World Cup and La Liga's leading scorer two seasons ago. Kun Agüero also is a world class striker. This is a team with talent all over the field that would worry anyone in La Liga and Europe for that matter, if they had qualified for UEFA Champions League or Europa League. Third place in the table is reasonable and realistic with a few breaks.



Player to Watch: Diego Forlán (F)

Captain: Antonio López

Potential Revelation: Fran Merida

Prediction: 3rd (Champions League Qualification)



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BARCELONA

Founded: 1899

Nicknames: Culers, Culés (Arse People), Blaugranes (The Blue & Garnets)

Ground: Camp Nou

Capacity: 98,772

Last Year: 1st (99Pts)

Manager: Pep Guardiola



Players In: Adriano (Sevilla), David Villa (Valencia), Aliaksandr Hleb (VfB Stuttgart), Martin Cáceres (Juventus)



Players Out: Rafa Márquez (NY Red Bulls), Henrique (Racing), T. Henry (NY Red Bulls), Yaya Touré (Manchester City), Chigrinski (Shakhtar Donetsk), Keirrison (Santos), M. Luque (Almeria), Á. Sánchez Benítez (Zaragoza), Botía (Sporting de Gijon)



Best 11: Valdés (G), Maxwell (LB), Gerard Piqué (CD-L), Puyol (CD-R), Daniel Alves (RB), Andrés Iniesta (LM), Busquets (CM), Xavi (RM), David Villa (LW), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (CF), Lionel Messi (RW)



Formation: 4-3-3



Summary: FC Barcelona are known as "Més que un club" (more than a club) for their support of freedom and human rights around the world. In contrast, their supporters are known as Culers/Culés, meaning "Arse People". However, this is a term of endearment being that the name came from the truly dedicated supporters of FC Barcelona that sat at the top row of the old Camp de la Indústria with their butts visible to those walking-by outside the stadium. In Spanish football, Barcelona has won the most total trophies including 20 La Liga titles, a record 25 Spanish Cups, 8 Spanish Super Cups and 2 League Cups. Last year Barcelona finished top of the table in La Liga with the highest point total in La Liga history, 99 points. However, the season fell short of expectations not having won any other trophies and being ambushed by José Mourinho's Intermilan in the UEFA Champions League. Barcelona will play an attacking possession game on offense and a pressing game on defense. On paper they are arguably the world's best team having 7 of Spain's World Cup winning starting 11, Lionel Mess (perhaps the best player in the world), and Dani Alves (one the 2-3 best right-backs in the world). A season ago Barcelona won 6 trophies. Expectations are that high again this year. Only this time, José Mourinho is at Real Madrid and has signed all the necessary ingredients to make this the best title race La Liga will ever see. It will be The Race to Perfection. Barcelona and Madrid will each need to be nearly perfect this year to win La Liga. Because of this arms race, Barcelona orchestrated a very public courting of Cesc Farbregas that ultimately failed, at least for this year, and left a foul taste in many a mouth around London. Road dates at Atlético Madrid, Athletic Bilbao, and Espanyol are probably the most vital fixtures outside of el Clásico with Real Madrid, the grandest of all rivalries in sport.



Player to Watch: Lionel Messi

Captain: Carles Puyol

Potential Revelation: Jonathan dos Santos

Prediction: 2nd (Champions League Qualification)



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DEPORTIVO LA CORUÑA

Founded: 1906

Nicknames: Los Turcos (the Turks), Blanquiazules (blue-whites), SuperDepor

Ground: Riazor

Capacity: 34,600

Last Year: 10th (47Pts)

Manager: Miguel Ángel Lotina



Players In: Felipe Ramos (Real Madrid), Rubén Pérez (Atlético), Stopira (Santa Clara), Saúl (Elche), Urreta (Benfica), Desmarets (Vitoria de Guimaraes), Míchel (Valencia), Aythami (Xerez), Rubén Castro (Rayo),



Players Out: Filipe Luis (Atlético), Iván Pérez (Ponferradina), Sergio (Levante), Bryan Angulo, Mista (Toronto FC), Bodipo (Vaslui), Álex Bergantiños (Granada), Rubén Castro (Betis)



Best 11: Aranzubia (G), Stopira (LB), Alberto Lopo (CD-L), Diego Daniel Colotto (CD-R), Manuel Pablo (RB), Yves Desmarets (LM), Juan Rodríguez (CM), Saúl (RM), José Andrés Guardado (AM-L), Riki (AM-R), Lassad Niouoi (CF)



Formation: 4-3-2-1 / 4-2-3-1



Summary: Deportivo, a La Liga regular, has been in the Spanish top flight all but 2 seasons since the Spanish Football League Systems was formed in 1928. They have won the Spanish First Division League Title once in 1999-2000. Last year they finished mid-table at #10 with 47 points. This place hides the fact they had a -14 goal differential last year scoring only 35 goals and conceding a respectable 49. To build on last year, more goals will have to come from somewhere. Losing fullback Filipe Luis to Atlético Madrid does not help. While healthy last year, Luis has perhaps La Liga's best left back. His transfer was used to make unfulfilled payments to former players Sergio Gonzalez and Sebastian Taborda and avoid a forced relegation. At their best, Deportivo is a well organized tight defensive unit. They turn things into a scrap and grind out results. Going forward they do have Guardado, a classy winger from Mexico and another quality winger in Riki. Another mid-table finish is expected.



Player to Watch: José Andrés Guardado

Captain: Manuel Pablo

Prediction: 8th



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ESPANYOL

Founded: 1900

Nicknames: Periquitos (Parakeets), Blanquiblaus (White and Blues)

Ground: Estadi Cornellà-El Prat

Capacity: 40,500

Last Year: 11th (44 Pts)

Manager: Mauricio Pochettino



Players In: Sergio García (Betis), Mattioni (Mallorca), Dátolo (Nápoles), Osvaldo (Bolonia), Galán (Girona)



Players Out: Román Martínez (Tigre), Pareja (Spartak de Moscú), Lola (Partizan), Ben Sahar (Hapoel) , Marqués (Parma), Tamudo (Real Sociedad), Javi Ruiz, Pillud, Roncaglia , Beranger (Tenerife)



Best 11: Kameni (G), Chica (LB), Juan Daniel Forlín (CD-L), Victor Ruiz (CD-R), Mattioni (RB), Javi Márquez (LM), Moisés (CM), Verdú (RM), Pablo Zabaleta (AM-L), Luis García (AM-R), Pablo Daniel Osvaldo (CF)



Formation: 4-3-2-1



Summary: Espanyol, Spain's sixth most winning team and the "other team" in Barcelona, is now a year removed from club captain Daniel Jarque's sudden heart attack and death. Time can heal, but Jarque will never be forgotten. Last season started with the long-awaited unveiling of the 40,500 seat Estadi Cornellà-El Prat. Manager Mauricio Pochettino, who spent his playing days at Espanyol, has a deep love for the club. When Pochettino took over Espanyol in 2008/2009, they sat in the relegations zone with 10 weeks to go. He hiked 12 km to the holy shrine Montserrat and prayed for help. Divine intervention came with 8 victories down the stretch and a 10th place finish. Pochettino's pressuring tactics have been lauded for styming Barcelona last season and were then replicated by Jose Mourniho against Barcelona in the Champions League. These tactics will be needed to help a team that scored a dismal La Liga low 29 goals. Worse, losing Pareja, Ben Sahar, Marqués, and Tamudo will hurt across the board. Some help may come in the form of winger Jesus Datolo on loan from Napoli, striker Sergio García from Betis, and Osvaldo on loan from Bolonia. Another mid-table finish is likely.



Player to Watch: Pablo Daniel Osvaldo

Captain: Iván de la Peña

Prediction: 9th



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GETAFE

Founded: 1946, Re-founded in 1983

Nicknames: Azulones (The Dark Blues), El Geta (Short for Getafe)

Ground: Coliseum Alfonso Pérez

Capacity: 17,700

Last Year: 6th (58 Pts)

Manager: Míchel



Players In: Adrián Colunga (Recreativo), Mosquera (Real Madrid), Arizmendi (Real Zaragoza), Borja (Valladolid), Ivan Marcano Sierra (Villarreal), Ibrahim Kas (Besiktas), Signorino (Cartagena)



Players Out: Belenguer (Betis), Celestini, Cortés (Hércules), Adrián, Roberto Soldado (Valencia), Guerrón (Atlético Paranaense), Pedro León (Real Madrid)



Best 11: Oscar Alfredo Ustari (G), Mané (LB), Cata Díaz (CD-L), Rafa Lopez (CD-R), Miguel Torres Gómez (LB), Jaime Martinez Gavilan (LM), Javier Casquero (CM-L), Derek Boateng (CM-R), Daniel Parejo (RM), Manu Del Moral (F), Adrián Colunga (F)



Formation: 4-4-2 / 4-2-3-1



Summary: Getafe was founded in 1946, re-founded in 1983, and was 1st promoted to the Spanish 1st Division in 2004-05. Getafe is a city in the greater Madrid metropolitan area. They are a small club that has punched above their weight the past few years and earned themselves a space in the Europa League with a 6th place finish last year. In the recent past, Getafe had a sponsorship deal with Burger King where if someone scored they could turn their jersey inside-out over their head and the king's face would cover theirs. All kidding aside, tactically, Getafe are no joke. They will park the bus defensively and absorb what's thrown at them and then offensively play a possession style game. Roberto Soldado and Pedro León did much for Getafe attacking, combining for 24 goals. However, both of them have moved-on. There absence will hurt a team that scored 58 goals and conceded 48. The addition of Perez Adrian Colunga will help lessen the blow. Colunga and Manu Del Moral will have their hands full. Again, Getafe will not be a fun team to play, but the loses of Roberto Soldado and Pedro León will likely pull them down a handful of slots on the table.



Player to Watch: Adrián Colunga

Captain: TBD

Prediction: 10th



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HERCULES

Founded: 1922

Nicknames: Herculanos, Blanquiazules (Whites).

Ground: Estadio José Rico Pérez

Capacity: 30,000

Last Year: Promoted

Manager: Esteban Vigo



Players In: Nelson Haedo Valdez (Borussia Dortmund), Cristian Pulhac (Dinamo de Bucarest), David Cortés (Getafe), Abel Aguilar (Udinese), Fritzler (Lanus), Thomert (Le Mans), Mohamed Sarr (Standard Liege)



Players Out: Dani Bautista, Rodri, Andrija Delibasic, Sergio Díaz (Nástic), Ionel Danciulescu, Jorge Alonso (Valladolid)



Best 11: Calatayud (G), Paco Peña (LB), Rodri (CD-L), Abraham Paz (CD-R), David Cortés (RB), Cristian Hidalgo González (LM), Farinós (CM-L), Tiago Gomes (CM-R), Rufete (RM), Jorge López Marco (Tote) (F), Nelson Haedo Valdez (F)



Formation: 4-4-2



Summary: In their 88 years as a club, Hércules spent 20 of their seasons in La Liga and rank 24th on all-time La Liga Table. Last year, Hércules was promoted back into La Liga after 13 years. The promotion came in dramatic fashion on the last round of the Segunda season. A comeback in their penultimate game put them into the race again going into the final round. Real Betis' last day 4-0 win over Levante and better goal difference over Hercules was cancelled out because Hércules led in the head to head. Hércules were promoted. Hércules nearly scored double the amount of goals of their opponents last year in the Segunda; 61 scored to 34 conceded. This positive attack should be no surprise because Manager Esteban Vigo spent 10 of his playing years at FC Barcelona during the 1977-87 seasons. Two years ago he lead Xerez to promotion and then did it again last year with Hércules. Recently, the Spanish Football Federation dropped their investigations into match fixing against Hercules. A number of signing should help, particularly Paraguayan World Cup star, Nelson Haedo Valdez, but relegation is still likely.



Player to Watch: Nelson Haedo Valdez.

Captain: Jorge López Marco (Tote)

Prediction: 19th (Relegation)



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LEVANTE

Founded: 1909

Nicknames: Granotes

Ground: Estadi Ciutat de València

Capacity: 25,534

Last Year: Promoted

Manager: Luis García Plaza



Players In: Valdo (Espanyol), Munúa (Málaga), Christian Stuani (Reggina), Xavi Torres (Málaga), Miquel Pallardó (Getafe), Sergio (Deportivo)).



Players Out: Dani Carril (Las Palmas), Javi Guerra (Mallorca), Pau Cendrós (Mallorca), Manu, Serra, Ángel, Jorge Pina (Albacete), Samuel, Del Moral, Ángel Sánchez (Alcorcón), Juan Luis Mora (retired)



Best 11: Manolo Reina (G), Nano (LB), Ballesteros (CD-L), Miquel Robusté (CD-R), David Cerrajería (RB), Juan Luis Gómez López (Juanlu) (LM), Pallardó (CM), Vicente Iborra (RM), Xisco Muñoz (LW),Rubén Suárez Estrada (F), Christian Stuani (F)



Formation: 4-3-3



Summary: Levante's experience with La Liga has been that of a yo-yo club. They ranked 41st all-time on the La Liga table, has spent 6 seasons in the Primera División, and won a Copa del Rey in 1937. Johan Cruyff did a brief 10 match stink at Levante in the 1980's. Most recently in 2008 when club players went on strike in the prospect of not being paid €18 million in unpaid wages. The situation was remedied with a friendly best-of-the-best La Liga selection with all the earnings going to Levante players. Despite that, they gained promotion last year. Surviving a year in La Liga is not likely. The sales to Mallorca of Javi Guerra (12 goals last year) and Pau Cendrós will hurt.



Player to Watch: Rubén Suárez Estrada

Captain: TBD

Prediction: 20th (Relegation)



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MALLORCA

Founded: 1916

Nicknames: Los Bermellones (The Vermilions - The orange red color of their shirts)

Ground: ONO Estadi

Capacity: 23,142

Last Year: 5th (62Pts)

Manager: Michael Laudrup



Players In: De Guzmán (Feyenoord)



Players Out: Aritz Aduriz (Valencia), Mattioni (Espanyol), Mario Suárez (Atlético Madrid), Óscar Trejo (Rayo Vallecano), Borja Valero (West Bromich), Gregorio Manzano (Entrenador)



Best 11: Dudu Aouate (G), Ayoze Díaz Díaz (LB), Iván Ramis Barrios (CD-L), José Carlos Araújo (Nunes) (CD-R), Enrique Corrales (RM), Gonzalo Castro (Chori) (LM), Josep Lluis Martí (CM-L), Jonathan De Guzmán (CM-R), Tomás Pina Isla, (RM), Emilio Nsue (F), Pierre Achile Webó (F)



Formation: 4-4-2



Summary: Mallorca is an island team from the Balearic Islands. Historically they have exceeded expectations, having spent 20 seasons in the Spanish Top Flight, finishing 3rd twice in La Liga (1998-99 & 2000-01), and having won the Copa del Rey in 2002-03. Staying in the top four of the table most of last year, Mallorca's current nightmare started after they beat Espanyol in their final match putting them ahead of Sevilla briefly on the table. Mallorica watched the final minutes of the Sevilla game on the jumbotron while they sat on the field. Sevilla sank Almeria 3-2 on a last-minute strike. From there it's only been a mess. In May, Mallorca applied for voluntary administration (bankruptcy) amid estimated debts of €70million. Then in July, UEFA denied Los Bermellones entry into the 2010/11 Europe League deeming the administration and debts as foul of financial regulations. The team was dismantled, selling Aritz Aduriz, Borja Valero, and Mario Suárez to pay debts. Between them they played 92 games, scored 22 goals, and dished-out 13 assists. Fortunately Mallorca had a well balanced attack with 37 goals coming from the rest of the team. Nevertheless, their big guns are gone. Depth will be a problem as well. There is some quality with Nunes, Gonzalo Castro, Josep Lluis Martí, Ayoze Díaz Díaz and Iván Ramis Barrios. A fall is likely, but not relegation. That should be a good thing with what surrounds the club. Michael Laudrup has his work cut-out for him.



Player to Watch: Gonzalo Castro (Chori)

Captain: José Carlos Araújo (Nunes)

Prediction: 13th



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MÁLAGA

Founded: 1948

Nicknames: Boquerones (Anchovies)

Ground: La Rosaleda

Capacity: 28,963

Last Year: 17th (37 Pts)

Manager: Jesualdo Ferreira



Players In: Galatto (Atletico Paranaense), Fernández (Banfield), Malagueño (Indios), José Salomón Rondón (Las Palmas), Sandro Silva (Botafogo), Eliseu Pereira dos Santos (Eliseu) (Lazio)



Players Out: Miguel Ángel, Pere Martí, Muñiz (Entrenador), Fernando, Stepanov, Santamaría (Las Palmas), Munúa, Stepanov (Oporto),Valdo (Espanyol),Orozco, Caicedo (Man. City), Obbina (Inter de Milán), Forestieri (Genoa), Xavi Torres (Levante)



Best 11: Francesc Arnau (G), Patrick Mtiliga (LM), Weligton Robson Pena de Oliveira (Weligton) (CD-L), Juan Rosario Hélder (CD-R), Jesús Gámez Duarte (RB), Sérgio Paulo Barbosa Valente (Duda) (LM), Fernando Miguel Fernández Escribano (Fernando) (CM-L), Antonio Galdeano Benítez (Apoño) (CM-R), Eliseu Pereira dos Santos (Eliseu) (RM), José Salomón Rondón (F), Sebastián Fernández Miglierina (F)



Formation: 4-4-2



Summary: Málaga CF is generally considered the heir of CD Málaga. Together, they have spend 29 seasons in La Liga. On the all-time La Liga table, combined they would rank 19th. Málaga has a sizeable British following, as result of the amount of British expats residing on the Costa del Sol. Málaga is the southernmost large city in Europe. Last year they finished a disappointing 17th. Having scored 42 goals and allowing 48, their goal differential suggests a mid-table team, but stats don't always reflect in numbers. To blame was former manager Muñiz's inept management. A last round win by Valencia over Tenerife and a Málaga draw with Real Madrid sent Tenerife to the Segunda and secured survival for Málaga. This win was critical because President Fernando Sanz had been negotiating a sale of the club to a Qatari Sheikh, Abdullah Bin Nasser Al-Thani. The deal totaled €36m, but most importantly it included all debts. Al-Thani's plan is to build and invest slowly over the next 3-4 years. New manager, Jesualdo Ferreira comes having success at FC Porto, winning 3 titles in Portugal. Prior to winnng these titles, Jose Mourniho had a swipe a Ferreira in his weekly column for Portuguese sports magazine Record comparing Ferreira to a donkey who worked for 30 years and never became a horse. Mark Málaga vs. Real Madrid as two must see games this year. There already is talent in the midfield with Duda and Apoño and the signing of José Salomón Rondón and Eliseu Pereira dos Santos (Eliseu) will help the attack. Málaga will make some progress this year up the table.



Player to Watch: Duda

Captain: Francesc Arnau

Prediction: 11th



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OSASUNA

Founded: 1920

Nicknames: Los Rojillos, "Gorritxoak" (The little red ones)

Ground: Estadio Reyno de Navarra

Capacity: 19,800

Last Year: 12th (43 Pts)

Manager: José Antonio Camacho



Players In: Dejan Lekic (Estrella Roja), Damiá (Betis), Soriano (Almería), Asier Riesgo (Real Sociedad), Medina, Kike Sola



Players Out: Azpilicueta (Olympique Marsella), Dady (Bucapsor), Galán (Huesca), Andrés Fernández (Huesca), Esparza (Huesca), Delporte



Best 11: Ricardo (G), Nacho Monreal (LB), Miguel Flaño (CD-L), Sergio Fernández (CD-R), Damià Abella Pérez (RB), Javier Camuñas (LM), Javad Nekounam (CM), Juanfran (RM), Dejan Lekic (AM-L), Masoud Shojaei (AM-R), Pandiani (CF)



Formation: 4-3-2-1 / 4-2-3-1 / 4-4-2 / 4-4-1-1



Summary: Osasuna has spent 33 seasons in La Liga over its 90 year existence with it's highest-ever position being 4th on 2 occasions (1990-91 & 2005-06). Zaragoza's derby match of every season encounters Osasuna with Real Zaragoza. Last year they finished in the middle of the pack at 12th, but were 3 points within 7 teams on table. 2 years ago they had to beat Real Madrid on the last day of the season to avoid relegation. Osasuna's biggest asset may be manager José Antonio Camacho, one of the most experienced Spanish managers in today's game. A Camacho trademark is tactical fluidity. He will use formations to fit the situation, hence the 4 formations listed above. Leading the attack last year was "El Rifle", Walter Pandani with 11 goals. Although strong and great in the air, he is getting-on in years and would probably be more productive as an MLS Designated player than leading the line of a La Liga side. Masoud Shojaei, when healthy a productive attacking midfielder and Juanfran is good winger. However, Osasuna scored a dismal 37 goals last season. The arrival of 6-4 Serbian Striker Dejan Lekic will help. However, this is an aging team that will need to rely on a respectable defense, tactically acumen of Camacho, and veteran savvy. Otherwise, they could be flirting with relegation again like in 2008-09.



Player to Watch: Dejan Lekic

Captain: Francisco Puñal

Prediction: 15th



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RACING SANTANDER

Founded: 1913

Nicknames: Los Racinguistas (of Racing), Los Verdiblancos (The Green and Whites), Los Montañeses (The Highlanders / Mountains)

Ground: El Sardinero

Capacity: 22,271

Last Year: 16th (39 Pts)

Manager: Miguel Ángel Portugal



Players In: Ariel Nahuelpan (Barcelona), Henrique Adriano Buss (Barcelona), Bakircioglu (Ajax), Cisma (Almería), Francis (Xerez), Mario Ortiz, Ismodes



Players Out: Canales (Real Madrid), Luis García, Moratón, Oriol (Aris), Xisco (Newcastle), Morris (Panathinaikos), Crespo (Sevilla), Juanjo Expósito (Wattford), Jorge Gonçalves (Olhanense), Sarmiento (Salamanca), Luis García



Best 11: Toño (G), Domingo Cisma (LB), Henrique Adriano Buss (CD-L), Oriol Lozano (CD-R), Pablo Pinillos (RB), Óscar Serrano (LM), Gonzalo Colsa (CM-L), Papa Kouli Diop (CM-R), Manuel Arana Rodríguez (Arana) (RM), Kennedy Bakircioglu (F), Mohammed Tchité (Memé) (F)



Formation: 4-4-2 / 4-2-3-1



Summary: Racing has spent 43 seasons in the Spanish Top Tier, most notably 2nd in 1930-31, and qualified for the UEFA Cup in 2006-07. Last year they fought possible relegation until the bitter end, finishing 16th 39 points. Manager Miguel Ángel Portugal has deep roots with Real Madrid as a player having won 2 La Liga titles, as a Technical Director at Madrid, and as coach of the Madrid B & C teams. Much of last year he employed a conservative and counterattacking 4-2-3-1 with a lone striker. At age 35, Pedro Alvarez Munitis doesn't have much gas left in the tank. Mohammed Tchité (Memé) is a service-able striker. Despite these tactics they still conceded 59 goals. Matching last season's 42 goals may be enough to survive another season in La Liga, but it's hard to see where the goals are going to come from. After all the signings that Real Madrid made this summer, Sergio Canales should have stayed at Racing. It would really have helped and he would have played. Another relegation fight is probable again.



Player to Watch: Mohammed Tchité (Memé)

Captain: Pablo Pinillos

Prediction: 18th



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REAL MADRID

Founded: 1902

Nicknames: Los Blancos (The Whites), Los Merengues (The Merengues)

Ground: Santiago Bernabéu

Capacity: 80,354

Last Year: 2nd (96 Pts)

Manager: José Mourinho



Players In: Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea ), Sami Khedira (Stuttgart), Pedro León (Getafe), Angel Di María (Benfica), Sergio Canales (Racing Santander), Mesut Özil (Werder Bremen)



Players Out: Marcos Alonso (Bolton), Raúl (Schalke 04), Guti (Besiktas), Metzelder (Schalke 04), Rodrigo (Benfica)



Best 11: Iker Casillas (G), Arbeloa (LB), Ricardo Carvalho (CD-L), Raúl Albiol (CD-R), Sergio Ramos (RB), Xabi Alonso (LM), Mesut Özil (CM), Sami Khedira (RM), Ángel Di María (LW), Gonzalo Higuaín (CF), Cristiano Ronaldo (RW)



Formation: 4-3-3 / 4-3-1-2



Summary: Real Madrid is the most successful club in La Liga history with 31 La Liga Titles. Add on to that 17 Spanish Cups, 8 Spanish Supercups, 1 Copa Eva Duarte, 9 UEFA Champions Leagues, 2 UEFA Cups, 1 UEFA Supercup, and 3 Intercontinental Cups and you see why FIFA voted Real Madrid as the most successful club of the 20th century. If that wasn't enough, Madrid is the highest valued and most followed professional sports club on the planet. Last year, Madrid had the 2nd highest point tally in La Liga history at 96 points, but it was unfortunately not enough to surpass FC Barcelona's 99 points. The two highest point totals in La Liga history in the same year. But Madridistas do not need to fear. With the arrival Manager José Mourinho, Madrid has the mastermind that engineered Intermilan's game-plan that sent Barcelona home in last year's Champion's League. Plus a host of world-class signings, including Ricardo Carvalho, Sami Khedira, Angel Di María, and Mesut Özil, will likely work their way into Mourinho's starting 11. The distribution that will come from Xabi Alonso, Mesut Özil, and Sami Khedira will be a thing of beauty to watch. Ángel Di María, Gonzalo Higuaín, and Cristiano Ronaldo will lead what may be the greatest counter-attack anyone will ever see. The frightening thing for opposing teams, is we haven't even mentioned Kaka yet, who will miss a bit of the season with injuries. Expectations are always the highest in Madrid. This year, the expectation will be perfection. There are 114 possible points. This year Madrid and Barcelona may both surpass the 100 mark. The most difficult dates on the calendar for Madrid will be road dates at Atlético Madrid and Athletic Bilbao and of course el Clásico. However, the most critical thing maybe to simply keep focus the whole way. This superhuman season-long concentration will determine the outcome of perhaps La Liga's greatest title race ever.



Player to Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo

Captain: Iker Casillas

Potential Revelation: Sergio Canales

Prediction: 1st



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REAL SOCIEDAD

Founded: 1909

Nicknames: Txuri-urdin (white-blue), Erreala

Ground: Estadio Anoeta

Capacity: 32,076

Last Year: Promoted

Manager: Martín Lasarte



Players In: Raúl Tamudo (Espanyol), Paco Sutil (Eibar), Joseba Llorente Etxarri (Villarreal), Toño



Players Out: Franck Songo'o (Zaragoza), Emilio Nsue (Mallorca), Carlos Bueno (Peñarol), Jonathan Estrada (Millonarios Bogotá), Sergio Rodríguez y Asier Riesgo (Osasuna)



Best 11: Claudio Bravo Muñoz (G), Alberto de la Bella (LM), Ion Ansotegui (CD-L), Mikel González (CD-R), Carlos Martínez (RM), Diego Rivas Gutiérrez (CM-L), Mikel Aramburu (CM-R), Francisco Sutil Tirado (LM), Xabi Prieto (CM), David Zurutuza (RM), Joseba Llorente Etxarri (CF)



Formation: 4-5-1



Summary: Make no mistake, Real Sociedad is not a small team that won the Segunda Division and was promoted. Sociedad ranks 8th on La Liga's all-time table, has spent 64 seasons in La Liga, has won La Liga twice in 1980-81 and 1981-82, and has won the Copa del Rey twice in 1908-09 and 1986-87. Add to that a 32,076 stadium and you have a rather large club. Last year they finished 1st in the Segunda Division with 74 points, scored 53 goals, and conceded 37. Real Sociedad attempt to keep a core of Basque players, but also employ non-Basque Spanish players and foreigners. For the most part you will see the exact same team that won promotion from last year with the exception of Joseba Llorente Etxarri, who signed from Villarreal. He'll face his former team in the 1st Round of La Liga. Etxarri is a proven scorer that should help an already cohesive team hopefully stay in La Liga.



Player to Watch: Joseba Llorente Etxarri

Captain: Mikel Aranburu

Prediction: 16th



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REAL ZARAGOZA

Founded: 1932

Nicknames: Blanquillos (little-whites), Maños (magnus / great)

Ground: La Romareda

Capacity: 34,596

Last Year: 14th (41 Pts)

Manager: José Aurelio Gay



Players In: Álex Sánchez (Barcelona), Nicolás Bertolo (Palermo), Marco Pérez (Gimnasia y Esgrima), Leo Franco (Galatasaray), Matteo Contini (Napoles), Toni Doblas (Huesca), Songo'o, De Barros, Braulio



Players Out: Carrizo, Humberto Suazo (Monterrey), Eliseu (Lazio), Luccin, Pulido, Roberto (Atlético), Arizmendi (Getafe), Edmilson, Pablo Amo, Abel Aguilar (Hércules), Adrián Colunga (Recreativo)



Best 11: Leo Franco (G), Ivan Obradović (LB), Matteo Contini (CD-L), Jiri Jarosik (CD-R), Carlos Diogo (RB), Ander Herrera (LM), José Gomes Moraes (Edmílson) (CM), Gabriel Fernández Arenas (Gabi) (RM), Ángel Lafita Castillo (Lafita) (AM-L), Jorge López (AM-R), Ikechukwu Uche (CF)



Formation: 4-3-2-1 / 4-2-3-1



Summary: Real Zaragoza ranks 9th in Spain's all-time league table. In cup wins they are ranked 6th with 6 victories in the Copa del Rey among other trophies. Last year they were able to scrape their way up to 14th, having gained promotion the year prior. To stay in La Liga they'll need to improve all over the field having scored only 46 goals and allowing 64. Last year, Manager José Aurelio Gay employed a flexible 4-2-3-1 formation with a midfield that fed Chilean striker Humberto Suazo while he was on loan. His 8 goals in 17 games was the closest thing Zaragoza had to a capable scorer. Suazo does not return and striker Ikechukwu Uche is set to miss the first month of the season, Zaragoza will again have to find goals collectively. Signing Matteo Contini and a breakthrough season by Ivan Obradović could help a porous defense. Anticipate Real Zaragoza to be in the middle of a relegation battle again.



Player to Watch: Matteo Contini

Captain: Gabriel Fernández Arenas (Gabi)

Potential Revelation: Ivan Obradović

Prediction: 17th



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SEVILLA FC

Founded: 1905

Nicknames: Sevillistas, Rojiblancos (Red-Whites), Los nervionenses

Ground: Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán

Capacity: 48,649

Last Year: 4th (63 Pts)

Manager: Antonio Álvarez



Players In: Luca Cigarini (Nápoles), Tiberio Guarente (Atalanta), Dabo (Saint Etienne), Alfaro (Tenerife), Koné, David Prieto, Chevantón, Armenteros



Players Out: De Mul (Standard de Lieja) , José Ángel Crespo (Padova) Adriano (Barcelona), Marc Valiente (Valladolid), Stankevicius (Sampdoria), David Prieto (Tenerife)



Best 11: Andrés Palop (G), Fernando Navarro (LB), Sébastien Squillaci (CD-L), Julien Escudé (CD-R), Abdoulay Konko (RB), Diego Perotti (LM), Didier Zokora (CM-L), Renato (CM-R), Jesús Navas (RM), Luis Fabiano (F), Frederic Kanouté (F)



Formation: 4-4-2

Summary: Founded in 1905, Sevilla is 100+ years old and has 1 La Liga title to it's name and 5 "Copa del Rey" Spanish Cups. Last year they won the Copa del Rey. Their nickname Los nervionenses refers to the River Nervion that passes through the city of Sevilla. Last year, Sevilla earned the fourth and final Champions League spot. Sevilla is known for a deadly attack. Antonio Álvarez uses a standard 4-4-2 with two outright strikers either Luis Fabiano, Frederic Kanouté, or Álvaro Negredo who are supported by wingers Jesús Navas, Diego Perotti, or Diego Capel. Fabiano is world-class when at his best. Kanouté can also serve as a target man, thus making partnerships with Fabiano and Negredo devastating. Navas was a major contributor on Spain's World Cup winning side this past summer. Didier Zokora is an effective holding/defensive mid-fielder, but is known to get unnecessary cards. Another top 3-4 finish will be expected. They are about a year away from probably blowing-up the team and selling Fabiano and Squillaci. As of this writing they have not been sold, but rumors about their transfers abound.



Player to Watch: Jesús Navas

Captain: Andrés Palop

Prediction: 4th (Champions League Qualification)



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SPORTING GIJON

Founded: 1905

Nicknames: Sportinguistas (those from Sporting) / Gijonudos (ballsy Gijon) / Rojiblancos (red & whites)

Ground: El Molinón

Capacity: 25,885

Last Year: 15th (40 Pts)

Manager: Manuel Preciado



Players In: Sebastián Eguren (Villareal), Alberto Botía (Barcelona), Nacho Novo (Glasgow Rangers), Ayoze García Pérez (Ayoze) (Tenerife), Gastón Sangoy (Apollon Limassol ), Jorge García (Gimnàstic de Tarragona)



Players Out: Maldonado (Cartagena), Gerard Autet, Milan Smiljanic (Lola) (Espanyol), Diego Camacho, Pedro Santa Cecilia (Pedro), Enrique Mateo Montoya (Elche CF)



Best 11: Pichu Cuéllar (G), Roberto Canella Suárez (LB), Grégory Arnolin (CD-L), Iván Hernández Soto (CD-R), Rafael Sastre Reus (Sastre) (RB), Diego Castro Gimenez (LM), Sebastián Eguren (CM), Miguel de las Cuevas (RM), Nacho Novo (AM-L), Alberto Lora Ramos (AM-R), Mate Bilic (CF)



Formation: 4-3-2-1



Summary: Sporting Gijón is the 6th oldest team in La Liga and sits 15th on the all-time table. Last year they took a step back one spot on the table to 15th from 14th the previous year. However, Sporting was probably a slightly better team last year. 2 years ago after promotion to La Liga, Sporting did not take the typical play-it-safe approach, but rather used an attacking and free-flowing game that resulted in 47 goals and a staggering 79 conceded. This attacking style reflected their ballsy nickname Gijonudos. Last year Sporting sealed-up the defense somewhat letting in 51 goals. Defensively, the back door is half-way closed, but offensively Sporting will need to find more goals than the 36 of last year. There is some quality with Diego Castro as an attacking midfielder, Miguel de las Cuevas a versatile player capable of playing on the wings, behind a striker or in the midfield, and Roberto Canella Suárez, one of the most talented left-backs in La Liga. With continued incremental improvement, Sporting could see themselves mid-table or if they regress defensively, find themselves in a relegation battle.



Player to Watch: Roberto Canella.

Captain: Rafael Sastre Reus (Sastre)

Potential Revelation: Alberto Botía

Prediction: 14th



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VALENCIA

Founded: 1919

Nicknames: Los Che (Surprise / Exclamation), Murciélagos (Bats), Valencianistas

Ground: Mestalla

Capacity: 55,000

Last Year: 3rd (71 Pts)

Manager: Unai Emery



Players In: Artiz Aduriz (Mallorca), Alberto Tino Costa (Montpellier), Roberto Soldado (Getafe), Mehmet Topal (Galatasaray), Ricardo Costa (Lille), Feghouli (Grenoble), Sunny, Del Horno, Guaita, Hugo Viana, Nacho González



Players Out: Aarón Ñíguez (Recreativo) , Marchena (Villarreal), Lombán (Xerez) , David Silva (Manchester City), Baraja, David Villa (Barcelona), Zigic (Birmingham), Míchel (Deportivo), Renan (Sport Club Internacional)



Best 11: César (G), Bruno (LB), Alexis (CD-L), Ángel Dealbert (CD-R), Miguel (RB), Juan Mata (LM), Alberto Tino Costa (CM-L), Ever Banega (CM-R), Pablo Hernández (RM), Aritz Aduriz (F), Soldado (F)



Formation: 4-4-2 / 4-2-3-1



Summary: Valencia is one the most success teams in La Liga history having won the league 6 times. In La Liga's all-time table, Valencia is 3rd behind just Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. They also are the last team to win La Liga outside of Madrid or Barcelona, back in 2003-04. Going a step further with the bronze-metal-theme, Valencia are the 3rd most supported team in Spain as well. Last year, Valencia finished (you guessed it) 3rd in the table with 71 points. Tactically, Valencia like to soak-up pressure and strike on the counterattack. They also have a lot of movement up front in attack. This summer, Valencia finally cashed-in and sold David Villa and David Silva. Roberto Soldado and Artiz Aduriz could prove to be cheaper replacements having combined for 28 goals last year, compared to Villa and Silva's 29. Other signings that will make an already strong team a bit deeper include Alberto Tino Costa, Mehmet Topal, and Ricardo Costa. Ever Banega and Pablo Hernández are budding stars in the mold of Villa and Silva a few years back. Ángel Dealbert will have to step-up to fill the large shoes vacated by Marchena in the heart of the defense. Finishing 3rd this year will be a bit tougher than last year with Atlético Madrid having improved. Nevertheless, Valencia will be fighting for a Champions League spot again.



Player to Watch: Juan Mata

Captain: TBD

Prediction: 5th (Europa League Qualification)



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VILLARREAL

Founded: 1923

Nicknames: El Submarino Amarillo (The Yellow Submarine)

Ground: El Madrigal

Capacity: 25,000

Last Year: 7th (56 Pts)

Manager: Juan Carlos Garrido



Players In: Carlos Marchena (Valencia), Dervite (Tottenham), Borja Valero (West Bromwich Albion), Altidore, Somoza



Players Out: Escudero (Boca), Joseba Llorente (R. Sociedad), Pires, Ibagaza (Olympiacos), Eguren (Sporting), Javi Venta, Marcano (Getafe), Sigali (Godoy Cruz), Godín (Atlético de Madrid)



Best 11: Diego López (G), Joan Capdevila (LM), Gonzalo Rodríguez (CD-L), Carlos Marchena (CD-R), Ángel López (RB), Borja Valero Iglesias (LM), Marcos Senna (CM-L), Bruno Soriano Llido (CM-R), Santiago Cazorla González (RM), Giuseppe Rossi (F), Nilmar (F)



Formation: 4-4-2 / 4-3-3



Summary: Villarreal was founded in 1923, but did not make it to the Spanish 1st Division until 65 years later in 1998 and have stayed since 2000. Villarreal, based in the small town of Vila-real, are known as The Yellow Submarine for their yellow-on-yellow uniforms. Last year was a bit of a disappointment not finishing in a Champions League or a Europa League spot. 7th should be a great finish for a club from such a small town, but success over the past number of years has increased expectations for European football. Villarreal play an aggressive pressing style defensively and a quick passing game offensively. Depending on the situation they can become more defensive if necessary and manager Juan Carlos Garrido has been known to deploy numerous formations. In attack, they have a lot of weapons with the young Giuseppe Rossi and Nilmar and recently signed Borja Valero. On the backline, Joan Capdevila and the recently acquired Carlos Marchena both won the 2010 World Cup with Spain and should be productive for a least another year. An improvement on 7th place or even a Champions League spot is possible, but not likely unless some other teams slip.



Player to Watch: Nilmar

Captain: Marcos Senna

Potential Revelation: Mateo Pablo Mussachio

Prediction: 6th (Europa League Qualification)