Real inspired by Madrid rematch

Real Sociedad de Fútbol have a chance to exact revenge on Real Madrid CF for pipping them to last season's Primera División title on a weekend where AS Roma are looking to bounce back from defeat and Manchester United FC striving to extend a winning streak.

Contrasting fortunes
The same fixture between Real and Madrid last season was billed as a championship decider. But while Madrid are still riding high, their hosts on Saturday are only a point ahead of the relegation zone. It is a far cry from April when Real were four goals up at half-time in their home league encounter with Madrid, on their way to a 4-2 victory which put them back to within three points of the capital side.

Morale-boosting win
But Real were eventually forced to settle for second place, and this term are back in the relegation mire from which they only just escaped in 2001/02. However, they opened their post-Christmas campaign with a 2-1 win at Málaga CF which led coach Raynald Denoueix to declare: "I think you finally saw what we are capable of with that victory."

Duo return
He also now has goalkeeper Sander Westerveld and striker Darko Kovacevic back from injury, but defender Bjørn Tore Kvarme and forward Nihat Kahveci are doubtful with muscle problems. Meanwhile, leaders Madrid, two points clear of Valencia CF, are without David Beckham due to an ankle injury. Elsewhere, Valencia visit Albacete Balompié, third-placed RC Deportivo La Coruña are at home to Real Racing Club Santander and FC Barcelona play Real Zaragoza.

Confident United
Manchester United extended their English Premiership lead to three points on Wednesday by beating Bolton Wanderers FC and on Sunday face Newcastle United FC, who may be sixth but trail the champions by 20 points. After six straight wins, United are in confident mood ahead of a fixture that has produced 30 goals in the last five encounters.

Arsenal hope
Arsenal FC will look to close the gap as they welcome Middlesbrough FC to Highbury on Saturday for the first of four meetings between the teams in three weeks, the others coming in the League and FA Cups. Third-placed Chelsea FC, beaten 1-0 by Liverpool FC in midweek, visit struggling Leicester City FC on Sunday.

Perugia welcome Roma
Roma's unbeaten start to the Serie A season ended against AC Milan on Tuesday. On Sunday the leaders take on lowly AC Perugia, who are yet to win this season despite being unbeaten at home. Perugia coach Serse Cosmi, a lifelong Giallorossi supporter, declared: "Let's forget I was a Roma fan - all I am thinking about is getting out of this mess."

Depleted Milan
Milan, three points behind Roma, welcome in-form Reggina Calcio without Alessandro Nesta, Kahka Kaladze and Filippo Inzaghi. Juventus FC, level on points with Milan, go to surprise package UC Sampdoria, while fourth-placed FC Internazionale visit AC Parma, who are seeking to keep up their own good form despite their well-publicised financial problems.

Ligue 1 returns
France's Ligue 1 returns from its winter hiatus this weekend. After the top two AS Monaco and Olympique Lyonnais meet on Friday night, Paris Saint-Germain FC will look to keep the pressure on the leaders on Saturday when they welcome Lille OSC. Fourth-placed FC Sochaux Montbéliard meet OGC Nice, who will not field new signing Marco Simone as he is not fit.