Barca at Sevilla looking for sixth win

SaturdayValencia     vs     Zaragoza    16:00 Málaga     vs     Betis        18:00 Sociedad     vs     Athletic        20:00Sevilla         v     Barcelona    22:00   

Friday, September 28, 2012
Andres Iniesta returns for Barcelona after three weeks out. Net photo.

SaturdayValencia     vs     Zaragoza    16:00 Málaga     vs     Betis        18:00 Sociedad     vs     Athletic        20:00Sevilla         v     Barcelona    22:00    SundayGranada     vs     Celta Vigo    12:00Valladolid     vs     Rayo        16:00    Osasuna     vs     Levante        18:00Real Madrid     vs     Deportivo    19:50    Espanyol     vs     Atlético        21:30Monday    Getafe         vs     Mallorca    21:30    MADRID - Barcelona will be looking for a sixth straight win to equal their best start to a league campaign when they visit in-form Sevilla on Saturday.It would leave Lionel Messi and company at least eight points ahead of arch-rivals Real Madrid, ahead of the October 7 Clasico.But winning in Seville will not be easy, especially with key defenders Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique still injured. In addition, left-back Adriano is also doubtful, with yet another of his periodical muscle injuries.This means that Alex Song and Javier Mascherano will again be in central defence, with Jordi Alba returning at left-back.The good news for coach Tito Vilanova is that little livewire Andres Iniesta is ready to return, after three weeks out, though he will probably start on the subs’ bench.It will not be easy to win in Seville. "We have a very difficult game awaiting us, for sure,” Barca striker Alexis Sanchez said.Sevilla have made their best start for six years. They are joint second - together with Malaga and Mallorca - four points behind leaders Barca. Two weeks ago they beat Real Madrid 1-0.Right-back Cicinho, one of Sevilla’s promising new signings, said: "In order to beat Barca, we will have to play even better than we did against Real.”The Brazilian newcomer was full of praise for coach Michel: "He is working very well with us, going into every little detail. He really thinks a lot about each game.”The big game on Sunday will see Real Madrid at home to Deportivo Coruna, who were such difficult adversaries for the whites in their heyday, a decade ago.Once again, Real coach Jose Mourinho will have to decide between Karim Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain in attack, and between Luka Modric and Mesut Oezil in midfield.According to media reports on Wednesday, Mourinho is annoyed by Oezil’s allegedly wild nightlife. Real are seventh, Deportivo are 10th.