Basque derby, Villarreal's UCL push & 2 other key MD17 talking points

The Spanish top division, LaLiga enters matchday17 without the top two teams and bitter rivals, Barcelona and Real Madrid, in action. 

There will be eight matches across the league this weekend, with two of the matches involving Barcelona and Real Madrid moved to February 2nd. 

With the big two this weekend, the main question is, what are the key talking points heading into the game week? Here are four key talking points to help you follow all the actions across the eight centres.  

A Reale battle awaits LaLiga fans and followers this weekend as the Elderbi Vasco highlights matches in the Spanish topflight this season.

With Barcelona and Real Madrid not playing, all eyes are in the Basque region where Real Sociedad host rivals Athletic Bilbao in the first Basque derby of the season. 

The home side, La Real are looking for revenge after Athletic handed them a 4-0 defeat when both sides last met in the reverse fixture 11 months ago. 

The matchday kicks off on Friday night at the Abanca-Balados in Vigo, where Celta welcome the in-form Villarreal CF.

Quique Setien's Yellow Submarines are firing on all cylinders after putting together an incredible run of wins in all competitions.

Last time out, defending champions, Real Madrid, where the victims after an impressive 2-1 win for Nigeria's Samuel Chukwueze and his teammates at home.

This game week, Setien will be looking to consolidate on their form as they plot to add Celta Vigo to the list of casualties in their quest for European football next season.

Whatever magic wand Girona's coach Michel has used to keep his side unbeaten in the last six matches, he will be looking for a repeat of the same when they step on the pitch on matchday 17.

Girona will have their form tested albeit by a struggling Sevilla side, who find themselves just above the relegation zone despite a run of six games unbeaten, which include friendly matches.

The home side in this particular fixture has gone on to win each of the last two meetings between the two.

On Monday night football, Cadiz will host Elche in the final game of LaLiga matchday 17. When both sides take to the pitch, all eyes will be on one man, Jeremias Ledesma.

The 29-year-old has been one of the busiest goalkeepers in LaLiga, having made the most saves (72) in the League.

Cadiz have picked up four points from a possible six and will be counting on their Argentine goalkeeper to lead them to another win when Elche come calling.

RCD Espanyol's Joselu is the second top scorer in LaLiga with nine goals in 16 matches. But while he is finding the back of the net, it seems his goals aren't helping his club, Espanyol. 

The Catalans sit 19th in the table on 14 points from 16 games, having won just two of their games this season. Joselu was on target the last time when they played out a 2-2 draw at home against Girona. 

This week, Joselu and Espanyol are on the road as they make the trip to Madrid to face Getafe. Bet on the 32-year-old to add to his tally this season, hopefully, his goals begin to count for his club.