Early front runners FC Barcelona make the short journey up to Girona FC as La Liga returns after the international break for Matchday five. Elsewhere Real Madrid take an injury-hit squad up to Real Sociedad and Atl\u00e9tico Madrid host last-place Valencia CF. Here are some match predictions for the heavy hitters following the international break.<\/p>\n
Hansi Flick couldn’t have hoped for a better start to his tenure as Barcelona manager – his team is the only remaining side with a 100% record after four games. However, they face arguably their toughest test yet with a trip up to local rivals Girona.<\/p>\n
The Catalan minnows shocked\u00a0everyone by finishing fourth last season<\/a>, and on their way, managed to claim the regional bragging rights too. Barcelona lost both derbies home and away by a 4-2 scoreline which will further fuel Flick’s incentive to continue their perfect start.<\/p>\n Read More:\u00a0<\/strong>Barcelona Face Major Blow As ‘Hard-Working’ Euro 2024 Winner Faces Injury<\/a><\/p>\n As for this weekend, we can expect the Blaugrana to continue their strong start and get the derby win. Although perhaps not in the same exciting fast-paced fashion as their previous games. With players coming back from international duty, one can anticipate a slow first half with Flick bringing names off the bench throughout the game to secure all three points.<\/p>\n Prediction:<\/strong> Girona FC 0-2 FC Barcelona<\/p>\n The visitors could be without a host of players as more stars suffered injury blows on international duty. Eder Militao and Aurelien Tchouameni should be available for the trip to the Basque Country but are unlikely to feature after picking up knocks away on international duty. Jude Bellingham will hope to win his fitness battle<\/a> to be available for this fixture having been sidelined for the last three La Liga outings.<\/p>\n As far as Real Sociedad are concerned, they will be missing European Championship final-winning goalscorer Mikel Oyarzabal as he picked up an ankle sprain whilst playing for Spain against Serbia. This will be a big blow for La Real as they have only managed three goals in four games so far this season.<\/p>\n Read More:\u00a0<\/strong>La Liga Make Huge’Strategic’ Decision Betraying Fans Again<\/a><\/p>\n Madrid’s quality in their full squad should prevail on Saturday night even at a loud Reale Arena. Mbappe and Vini Jr will be relishing the chance to run at a defence that no longer contains Real Sociedad’s defensive rock of last season, Robin Le Normand.<\/p>\n LWOF Prediction:<\/strong> Real Sociedad 0-2 Real Madrid<\/p>\n Completing the top three, Atl\u00e9tico Madrid occupy their usual spot in the late game on Sunday night as they host Valencia CF in the Spanish capital. Diego Simeone’s men will be looking to build on their positive start, but will likely give a rest to star signing Juli\u00e1n \u00c1lvarez. The 24-year-old missed just one minute over two games with the Argentina national team.<\/p>\n Read More:\u00a0<\/strong>Starting Chelsea Midfielder Agrees Transfer to Atletico Madrid<\/a><\/p>\nMadrid Squad On Fitness Race Against The Clock<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Atleti Waiting For \u00c1lvarez To Get Off The Mark<\/strong><\/h3>\n