Reigning champions Barcelona remain at the top of the Spanish first division, although only by the slimmest of margins, and they will be looking to stay there by beating Recreativo Huelva on Saturday.

"We are leading the league and we are calm but it can't always be a fantastic year," said Barcelona's Ludovic Giuly on Thursday, alluding to their less-than sparkling form in recent weeks.

They lost 2-0 at their bitter rivals Real Madrid last Sunday and they have been noticably short of firepower and inspiration up front since the long-term injury to Samuel Eto'o, last season's top scorer in La Liga.

"Although if he (Ronaldinho) is not on top form for one or two matches, or is sometimes a little tired, it's nothing to worry about. He's still the best player in the world," added Giuly, defending the two-time World Player of the Year.

Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard is expected to continue his policy of rotations ahead of their important Champions League match against Chelsea on Tuesday, and Giuly is likely to start alongside his Brazilian colleague.

Recreativo, last season's second division champions, have surpassed expectations so far and lie ninth after having won two of their three away games this season but they face a tough test in the Nou Camp stadium.

Spain's oldest club have four key players injured and coach Marcelino Garcia has called up defender Iago Bouzon and midfielder Rafael Barber for the first time this season.

Real Madrid's confidence rocketed to sky-high levels after their victory over Barcelona but quickly came crashing down to earth when they were held to a 1-1 draw by third division Ecija in the Spanish Cup on Wednesday.

They will have to avoid a similarly complacent display at Gimnastic Tarragona on Saturday and no doubt coach Fabio Capello will have read his squad the riot act.

David Beckham is likely to be on the bench again, which will be the seventh game out of Real's last nine when he has been left to sit among the substitutes, which will increase speculation that the former England captain will be soon leaving Real..

Valencia, who are in second place behind Barca on goal difference, visit Racing Santander on Saturday and coach Quique Sanchez Flores will have to change his midfield around.

Club captain David Albelda damaged ligaments in his right knee in Valencia's 1-0 win over Osasuna on Sunday and his replacement Jorge Lopez is banned after getting sent off late in that game.
FIXTURES
Saturday
(1600 GMT Kick-off unless stated)
Barcelona v Recreativo Huelva (1800), Racing Santander v Valencia (1800), Gimnastic Tarragona v Real Madrid (2000)
Sunday
Real Betis v Real Mallorca, Celta Vigo v Sevilla, Getafe v Deportivo La Coruna, Levante v Espanyol, Real Sociedad v Villarreal, Osasuna v Athletic Bilbao (1800), Atletico Madrid v Real Zaragoza (2000)