MADRID, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) -- Matchday three of La Liga's 2019-20 season is the final one before the first international break of the campaign and also before the transfer window closes. Here are some things to look for in this weekend's round of matches.
1. Tough game for Barcelona in Pamplona
FC Barcelona disappointed in their league debut, but bounced back to form last weekend with a 5-2 thrashing of Real Betis in which a team without Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele gave a lesson in football.
Last weekend saw Antoine Griezmann answer any doubts over his ability to play for Barca, and the Frenchman will lead the line again in the El Sadar stadium where newly-promoted Osasuna will look to keep things tight at the back.
Messi could return for Barca, but after seeing how youngsters Carles Perez and Ansu Fati impressed last weekend, coach Ernesto Valverde is unlikely to risk him from the start in what could be a physical affair against a team that has not conceded a goal so far this season.
2. Will the real Real Madrid stand up in Villarreal?
Two games into the season and it's hard to know the true face of Real Madrid: is it the side that looked confident in Vigo in matchday one? Or the team that looked slack and careless in their 1-1 draw at home to Real Valladolid a week ago?
Sunday sees Real Madrid travel to face a Villarreal side that has shipped six goals in two games, but contains attacking players of the talent of Gerard Moreno, Santi Cazorla, Karl Toko Ekambi and Samuel Chukwueze.
Luka Modric will be back for Real Madrid, but James Rodriguez and Isco both joined the club's injury list during the week to limit Zinedine Zidane's midfield options, although perhaps the biggest issue is in defense.
3. Basque derby to open the weekend
Local rivals Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad go head to head on Friday night in what promises to be one of the most competitive games of the weekend, pitting the visitors' more attacking style against Athletic's intense pressure and solid defense.
Martin Odegaard, Mikel Oyarzabal, Portu and Willian Jose give Real Sociedad options in attack, while Inaki Williams and his express speed pose a huge threat to the visitors, but the midfield battle promises to be decisive in a game where chances could be at a premium.
'La Real' won both derbies last season, but after beating Barca in their first home game, Athletic look in much better shape than a year ago.
4. Nerves at the bottom.
Betis and Leganes go into the last round of matches before the international break as the only two teams in the league without a point, and the two face each other in Betis' Benito Villamarin stadium.
Defeat for either side will leave them with a two-week wait before they get another chance to get points on the board and that is likely to tell on nerves.
Meanwhile, several teams, among them Espanyol, have just one point and will also be looking to calm nerves ahead of the international break.
With Espanyol qualifying for the Europa League, they will want three points from their game against Granada ahead of what will be a very busy autumn schedule. Enditem
