Sevilla will be aiming to notch up their fourth victory over Real Madrid this season when they meet the league leaders at the Bernabeu on Sunday.

The Andalucians beat Real 1-0 in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup and then 5-3 in the return at the start of the season. They also defeated them 2-0 at the Sanchez Pizjuan in the league in November.

Striker Frederic Kanoute has been suffering from pain in his Achilles' heel but is still expected to be available. Serbia defender Ivica Dragutinovic is out after undergoing surgery to deal with a groin injury.

Real Betis are appealing against the decision to make them play Saturday's match against Barcelona at Atletico Madrid's Vicente Calderon stadium because of a two-match stadium ban.

Betis want the ban lifted so that they can play at their own ground or use the city's La Cartuja stadium for the match.

Barcelona will be without Argentine defender Gabriel Milito, who is suffering from a groin injury, while fellow centre-back Carles Puyol is doubtful after suffering a blow to his ankle in Spain's 1-0 win over Italy in midweek.

Midfielder Deco and versatile Mexican centre-back Rafael Marquez are also out injured. Ronaldinho is unlikely to play having not trained with the rest of the team this week, but Thierry Henry and Yaya Toure are expected to be available.

Atletico Madrid winger Simao Sabrosa will miss out on his side's match at Villarreal on Saturday after picking up a thigh strain while on international duty for Portugal in midweek.

Villarreal are in third spot in the league, two points behind Barcelona, while Atletico are fourth.

Atletico Madrid striker Diego Forlan has said victory against his former club Villarreal is vital if they want to secure a place in the Champions League next season.

"It is a key game for both sides," the Uruguayan said. "It will be a strange and special game for me and a important and difficult game for the team. Villarreal have a great squad of players, but we have are also a quality side."

Reuters