Barcelona face a tough Spanish league match against Sevilla today, the same day that leaders Real Madrid will look to brush off a poor cup result with a trip to Hercules.

Sevilla have won four of five matches since Gregrio Manzano took over as coach, but the Andalucian team has only won six times at the Camp Nou — the last in 2002.

Xavi Hernandez could return for defending champions Barcelona, who rested most of their regulars for a midweek win in the Copa del Rey, including all six of the players who were shortlisted for the FIFA world player of the year award.

Xavi has played sparingly over the past few weeks as he nurses a sore Achilles’, with Lionel Messi doing most of the scoring as the Catalan team’s attack hasn’t netted as much as it would like. Defender Gabriel Milito returned from injury to train on Thursday and could be available.

David Villa is off to his worst start in seven seasons with only two goals, as the frustrated Spain striker has mostly found the woodwork despite many opportunities.

"There’s no reason to doubt this team," goalkeeper Victor Valdes said on Thursday. "We’ve experienced some setbacks, but nothing more than that."

Sevilla are coming off an easy Copa del Rey win and a league victory that saw Brazil striker Luis Fabiano finally get on the scoreboard for the first time in two months. But they will be without goalkeeper and captain Andres Palop.

Madrid, meanwhile, will be looking forward to a return to league play after a 0-0 draw against third-tier Murcia in the domestic cup competition. Prior to that, the league leaders beat Racing Santander, Malaga and Deportivo La Coruna.

Midfielders Xabi Alonso and Mesut Oezil, and defenders Ricardo Carvalho should return after sitting out the Murcia match, while Karim Benzema may not. The France striker is struggling with his form and has only one goal in 10 appearances this season.

Perhaps the reported addition of Zinedine Zidane to Jose Mourinho’s coaching staff could make a difference. Spanish press reports have indicated Zidane may be close to joining Mourinho’s entourage following a long meeting with the Portuguese coach and president Florentino Perez earlier this week.

Today

Valencia-Zaragoza

Hercules-Real Madrid

Barcelona-Sevilla

Tomorrow

Dep. La Coruna-Espanyol

Malaga-Real Sociedad

Racing Santander-Osasuna

Sporting Gijon-Villarreal

Atletico Madrid-Almeria

Athletic Bilbao-Getafe

Monday

Mallorca-Levante