"I don't want to compare now with what we have done in previous seasons. I think we are doing well and we are getting the points and that is what is important," said Barca coach Frank Rijkaard on Wednesday.

The big issue for Rijkaard is whether to start with Icelandic striker Eidur Gudjohnsson, who is still not living up to the reputation he acquired at Chelsea before his summer move, or make Ronaldinho the main target man.

The World Player of the Year is more comfortable taking on defenders down the left flank but Rijkaard is running out of options up front.

Last season's league leading scorer Samuel Eto'o is not expected to be fit until late January at the earliest and Rijkaard's plight worsened this week when Javier Saviola was ruled out for at least a month with a torn hamstring.

The Argentine international striker added his name to an injury list that also includes his compatriot, the sensational teenage winger Lionel Messi.

The bottom of Barca's barrel is also being scraped at the back with their Brazilian defenders-cum-midfielders Edmilson and Thiago Motta, respectively, doubtful with injury and suspended for the visit to Mallorca.

One bright note for Rijkaard is that his Spanish international midfield playmaker Xavi Hernandez is expected to return after missing the last three games with left calf problem.

"The injuries to our strikers are taking their toll. I think this is because of the number of games we are having to play and the demands of the calendar," reflected Xavi on Thursday.

Barcelona are still contesting the Champions League and the Spanish Cup while most of their squad are also regular internationals for their countries.

"At least the guys behind the strikers like Deco and (Andres) Iniesta are stepping up and getting a few goals," added Xavi.

Sevilla play host to Valencia, who have not won in their last three La Liga outings and slipped to sixth.

The spotlight will be on Sevilla goalkeeper Andres Palop who moved to the club two seasons ago after six years at Valencia, where he helped them win two league titles.

This season Palop's performances have propelled last season's UEFA Cup winners into becoming championship contenders as Sevilla chase their first domestic crown since 1946.

"I'm super-motivated. I always want to beat Valencia despite making my name at the club," said Palop, showing little love for his former employers.

Third-placed Real Madrid play host to Racing Santander on Saturday and are looking for revenge after a humiliating 2-1 defeat in the same fixture last season.

"It's going to be strange going back there with a visiting team," said Racing coach Miguel Angel Portugal, a former Real Madrid player and the coach of the Spanish giant's reserve team last season.

"Hopefully the things I learnt at Real I'm starting to be able to translate to the players here at Racing, although to compare the two sides is like trying to compare a multi-national with a corner shop."

"For me, Real Madrid is still the best club in the world while what we are trying to do at Racing is just be as good as we can be," added Portugal on Thursday.

David Beckham is doubtful to play for Real after suffering continued problems with his left knee.

The former England captain exercised in the gym and not with the rest of the squad on Wednesday and Thursday.

At the other end of the table, bottom side Real Sociedad have yet to win this season but will be looking to end that sorry streak at home to fellow strugglers Real Betis on Sunday.
Fixtures
(1600 GMT Kick-off unless stated)
Saturday
Real Madrid v Racing Santander (1900), Sevilla v Valencia (2100)
Sunday
Espanyol v Athletic Bilba, Levante v Atletico Madrid, Real Sociedad v Real Betis, Recreativo Huelva v Osasuna, Villarreal v Getafe, Real Zaragoza v Gimnastic Tarragona, Real Mallorca v Barcelona (1800), Deportivo La Coruna v Celta Vigo (2000)