Take a look at top league matches this weekend

Fc Barcelona vs Real Betis ( 8:45 pm IST , Mtv India, Voot select)

Football world is witnessing the renaissance of FC Barcelona under the coaching of Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez. Real Betis is one of the best clubs in La Liga going to face FC Barcelona on Saturday evening. This match is going to take the real test of the coaching skills of Xavi. Betis, meanwhile, travelled to Catalonia in high spirit after winning four out of last five games in Laliga, with winger Juanmi in particularly good form after his hat trick against Levante last weekend.

Barcelona are confident that Jordi Alba will be fit enough to play this weekend’s game. While Pedri, Sergio Roberto and Anshu fati will not be featured because of injuries. For Betis side Hector Bellerin will return after the suspension. Claudia Bravo and Victor Camarasa are unlikely to feature.

Also read | Real Madrid vs Athletic Club: Post Match Analysis

If we look at the stats, Barcelona have won 16 out of 20 games against Betis, while 2 were drawn and 2 won by Betis.

Xavi will be keen to see improvement from his side, especially in the final third where they have blatantly lacked confidence this season. After the departure of Messi and Griezmann, this Barcelona side suffered a lot in attack. Currently, Barcelona is in seventh position in the league table, while Betis is at fifth position. Both teams will move a place ahead in the table if they win.

Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid ( 1:30 am IST, MTV India , Voot select)

Real Madrid with 36 points in 15 games is on the top of the league table. Real Sociedad on the other hand with 29 points in 15 games is at number 3 position. Real Madrid is in good form, they did not lost any of their games in the previous 10 matches and . While Real Sociedad managed to win only five out of their previous 10 matches. Real Madrid is the top contender of the league title this season, they are seven points ahead in the table from the champions Atletico Madrid. Real will try to stretch their lead in this game.

Karim Benzema struck the only goal of the game for Los Blancos in their midweek success against Athletic Club. All eyes of Real Madrid fans are on the performance of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, as they both are unable to deliver the match performance of their own level in recent games.

David Silva, Nacho Monreal, Mikel Merino and Carlo Fernandez  are expected to miss out for Sociedad due to injuries. While Carlos Ancelloti has a clean bill of health in his squad. Welsh striker Gareth Bale can also make a comeback  for Madrid in this game, as he is totally recovered from his calf injury.

This weekend promises to be a tricky encounter for Ancelloti’s side. Though the Sociedad side is suffering from injury issues, players like Mikel Oyarzabal can inflict the danger at any moment of the game. A close encounter is expected between these two, with  Real Madrid to edge it.

Manchester City vs Watford ( 11:00 pm IST ; HOTSTAR, Star sports )

Manchester City travels to Watford on Saturday evening to play its eighth away game of this season. A game win for City will bring them to the top of the table. While Watford need to win to stay above the relegation line.

The Watford squad is suffering from so many injuries. Adam Masina, the right back is the new entry in that list. Ismaila Sarr, Ben Foster, and Nicolas N’koulou will remain side lined while Kwadwo Baah and Peter Etebo will also continue their recoveries from injury.

Man City’s men are boosted by the return of Phil Foden and Jack Grealish to the squad. However, Kyle Walker and Ilkay Gundogan will be unavailable for the side due to injuries. Ferran Torres and Kevin De bruyne are not expected to make a return to the field just yet.

With the sheer quality and collective brilliance City is the favourite in this game.

PSG vs Lens ( 1:30 am ist ; VH1 and Voot select)

The Paris team will travel to Lens to play their ninth away game. Psg is leading the table by a huge margin. There is a difference of 12 points between PSG and Marseille ( number 2 in the league table). Lens have not faced a single loss on their home ground this season. This will also be the first game of Lionel Messi after winning the Ballon d’or.

The injury of Neymar in the last game of PSG ruled him out for a minimum five weeks. This is a huge setback for the league toppers. Wijnaldum, Herrera, Ramos are also out for the game due to injuries. On the other hand Lens is coming with its almost full squad for this big game. Lens will be hoping to repeat its last season home game against PSG in which they won by a goal in a thrilling match.

After the inclusion of Lionel Messi in the side, PSG's attack and midfield looks more composed. Messi’s hat trick of assists last week made a statement of his visit to Paris.

League toppers are favorites of this match. Messi and Mbappe combination will be trat for the eyes of the football fans.

Saturday’s night is going to be full of excitement for all the football fans in India. A packed up schedule of these top matches in winters is nothing less than a party for football fans. Lionel Messi, Depay, Mbappe, Silva, Foden, Benzema, Kroos, de jong all are in action this weekend.