Real Madrid will need a little help in their pursuit of Barcelona at the top of the La Liga table and on top of needing to capitalize on a favorable matchup this weekend, they could also use some help from Sevilla as they clash with the No. 1 seed. The sense of urgency that several teams are facing factors into the decisions teams should make when building their La Liga fantasy team for this weekend.
GK: Iker Casillas, Real Madrid
Casillas led all La Liga goalkeepers in fantasy production a week ago and should be bound for another big performance when Real Madrid hosts Eibar on Saturday. Casillas has been very consistent and with no room for error chasing Barcelona for the top spot in the table. There is a very good chance he grabs a bonus for the clean sheet this weekend.
D: Marcelo, Real Madrid
There is a hefty price to pay for those that want Marcelo in their lineup but he has played an integral role in Real Madrid’s transition offense. On top of that, he is always a threat to find the scoresheet because of his offensive ability. Marcelo has been incredibly consistent and he should have plenty of opportunities to move forward and join the attack versus Eibar.
D: Juanfran, Deportivo La Coruna
The leader in fantasy points among all La Liga defenders will be pushed hard again this weekend when Deportivo visits Real Socieded. That likely translates into him being a safe play at the back.
D: Mario, Villarreal
Mario is another top-five defender in terms of fantasy production for this season and he should be busy when Villareal visits Getafe this weekend. Expect plenty of tackles.
D: Edimar Fraga, Cordoba
Edimar had a strong performance last weekend and should find his way in to the lineup as a better value play this weekend when Cordoba hosts Elche. Elche has scored just 12 away goals this year, which is the fourth fewest in the Spanish Primera.
M: James Rodriguez, Real Madrid
James has been excellent since his return for Real Madrid and he is poised for another big performance this weekend versus Eibar. They have just eight wins in 30 games this season. Rodriguez, a stud midfielder, has combined for a goal and two assists in his last two games and could match those stats in this game alone.
M: Sergio Canales, Real Sociedad
Canales is a solid value play as a quality midfield option at a decent price heading in to a game against Deportivo La Coruna. Deportivo has given up a whopping 47 goals this season, which is the seventh-most, and that makes him a quality play to offset the money spent elsewhere.
M: Gael Kakuta, Rayo Vallecano
A trip to face Celta Vigo this weekend will not limit the production of a player that ranks fifth among all La Liga midfielders in fantasy production for this season. Vigo has given up 14 goals in 14 home games this season. Kakuta isn’t exactly cheap but he is decent value in this spot.
M: Jose Antonio Reyes, Sevilla
Sevilla will have its work cut out for them against Barcelona but if they are going to have any shot at hanging around, they will need Reyes to contribute. Reyes stepped up big time for Sevilla last week and will be leaned on as they try and at least salvage a point this weekend as their pursuit of a top-four spot in the standings continues.
F: Luis Suarez, Barcelona
It’s almost impossible to avoid having at least one play from Barcelona and while Lionel Messi is still their most productive option, the chance to add Saurez at half the price might be the smart play – especially considering his recent fantasy production.
F: Isaac Cuenca, Deportivo La Coruna
Cuenca has had his opportunities in each of the last two weeks and he should have enough chances to score this week too. Deportivo is a cellar-dweller but it’s not like Real Sociedad is impenetrable. Cuenca is worth adding based on the price tag compared to some of the other strikers on the board.
