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MADRID, Dec. 5-- Matchday 16 of the Liga Santander should see league leaders FC Barcelona and second-placed Real Madrid take three points from what on paper look to be relatively straightforward home games. Barcelona return to the Camp Nou to entertain Mallorca following their 1-0 win away to Atletico Madrid with a display that will have done much to restore confidence to the side after Leo Messi's late goal gave them all three points. Messi picked up his sixth Balon d'Or award on Monday and with Sergio Busquets back from suspension, the only problems coach Ernesto Valverde has to deal with are the hamstring injury suffered by Ousmane Dembele and Antoine Griezmann's ongoing issues in adapting to the club. Junior is likely to continue at left-back despite struggling against Atletico, while Gerard Pique should be able to play after limping out last weekend after a nasty collision with Vitolo. Real Madrid will also expect an easy ride when they entertain Espanyol in the Santiago Bernabeu. Espanyol traditionally struggle against Real Madrid, although this season has seen them struggle against virtually everyone and they are second from bottom of the table with just nine points. Last weekend's 4-2 defeat at home to 10-man Osasuna saw coach Pablo Machin publically question the attitude of some of his players and unless there is a great improvement on Saturday they could be in for a hiding. Eden Hazard is still out for Real Madrid and it will be interesting to see if Gareth Bale starts after disappointing performance against Alaves last weekend. | 
