Andalusian derby headlines LaLiga's classic matchday 14

This weekend’s matchday could be one of the most interesting rounds, and most intense as many clubs will be testing the depth of their squads after a hectic midweek in which all LaLiga Santander teams were involved in league action or Copa del Rey.

Matchday 14 starts on Friday night with two teams situated at the bottom of the log standings, Athletic Club vs SD Huesca. It is going to be a thrilling Saturday with games between Elche CF vs Atlético de Madrid and FC Barcelona vs Valencia CF set to excite us. Sunday also brings the Andalusian derby to our screens, as Granada CF takes on Real Betis in a regional rivalry.

A classic Spanish football fixture and a derby on the cards

Matchday 13 kicks off on Friday with a game between Athletic Club and SD Huesca, at the San Mamés. Both sides are positioned amongst the last 10 on the log table and are gunning for the maximum points. SD Huesca are high on confidence having won two successive games in both LaLiga and Cope Del Rey, while The Basques go into this game without a win in their last four games.

The first game on Saturday – Elche CF vs Atlético de Madrid – will see two Argentinian coaches face off. Jorge Almiron (Elche CF) and Diego Simeone (Atlético de Madrid). Atlético will go into this game looking to bounce back from last weekend’s Madrid Derby defeat, their first domestic loss of the season. Can Atleti remain in the first spot?

Saturday guarantees a classic LaLiga fixture which will see FC Barcelona host Valencia CF – two clubs that have been around for more than 100 years. There has been an astounding 23 goals scored in this fixture over the past five league games. Fact: Ronald Koeman has managed both sides, winning the Copa del Rey with Los Che in 2008.

A Sunday’s clash brings us an Andalusian derby. The game will be an intriguing game as both Granada CF and Real Betis challenge for a European qualification spot. Each side has very talented and experienced African stars in their squad, Granada boast Kingsley Fobi (Ghana), Ramon Azeez (Ghana) and Yan Brice Eteki (Cameroon), while Real Betis have Aïssa Mandi (Algeria) and Paul Edgar Akouokou (Ivory Coast). Who will shine the brightest?

SuperSport’s top two African-born players to look out for during Matchday 14

Here’s a look at two exciting African-born footballers to keep an eye on during this weekend’s LaLiga fixture. These are players born in Africa but represent national teams in Europe.

William Carvalho – Born in Luanda, Angola Carvalho represents the Portugal national team and has gone on to represent all junior national sides, since under 17’s. Formerly of Sporting CP, Carvalho joined Real Betis on a five-year contract, in 2018, and has went on to cement his place in the Betis squad. He has made 13 appearances this season, with 2 goals.

Bobby Adekanye – Adekanya was born in Lagos, Nigeria and having spent his youth at Netherland clubs such as Ajax and PSV Eindhoven he went on to represent their u16, u17 and u20 squads. The 21-year-old is now well within his first season at Cádiz and will look to make the most of it.

MORE LALIGA FIXTURES FOR YOU:

1. Levante UD host Real Sociedad at the Ciutat de València

2. Sevilla FC take on Ronaldo Nazario-led side Real Valladolid at home

3. High-flying RC Celta welcome home 15th positioned D. Alavés

4. Cádiz CF vs Getafe CF follows on Sunday evening

5. The weekend’s action is then rounded off on Sunday night with SD Eibar vs Real Madrid

Be sure not to miss the LaLiga action with SuperSport:

Matchday 14 commences on Friday, 18 December, and the action continues throughout the weekend, ending on Monday evening. Catch LaLiga Santander live this weekend on LaLiga’s dedicated channel - SuperSport LaLiga on DStv Channel 204.