Fantasy expert, Javier J. Hernandez breaks down the matchups in the final week of the first round of La Liga play.

• By Javier J. Hernandez        Follow @javierjotah
  

The last week of the first half of the  La Liga season is here and with it the bad news, for some fantasy owners, Ronaldo’s suspension.

Week 19 will be an interesting one, at least fantasy wise. Ronaldo will miss it while Barcelona will play at Málaga, a difficult pitch where the home side have conceded only nine goals so far this season.

Beñat the little play maker from Betis will also serve a one game ban, making things even more difficult for fantasy owners. In fact, 15 La Liga players will miss this week due to suspension, though not many big names apart from the Real Madrid star.

On the other hand, Barcelona have been great on the road, but Málaga have a real chance to challenge their undefeated season and it shouldn’t be easy for Tito’s side.

There are other games that on paper look like close matches and may produce a rather low scoring week in Spain. For example, Atlético host a Zaragoza side who have been the fourth best on the road so far, while Valencia and Sevilla clash at Mestalla and Betis host another great side in Levante. So let’s try to pick the best possible XI in a possible low scoring week.

Goalkeeper

Moya (Getafe) – The Getafe goalkeeper hasn’t had a bad year, picking up already 72 saves. Despite having only two clean sheets at home this season, he should get his third against a poor Granada side.

Dani Hernández (Valladolid) – Hosting Mallorca, Dani has a good option for a zero too.

Defence

Godín (Atlético) - Every game he seems to be a bigger factor in Atlético’s defensive success, a team who hasn’t conceded a goal at the Calderón since October.

Nacho (Betis) – He leads defenders in assists with five, and maybe more involved on the wing without Beñat, plus Levante have scored only six goals on the road.

Iñigo Martínez (Sociedad) - After conceding four against Madrid, things should be easier against Deportivo.

Midfielders

Lass (Rayo) – Athletic struggles to defend on the wings, particularly the right side, and Rayo are really hot right now.

Iago Aspas (Celta) - Featured as midfielder in most fantasies; Aspas is a must in your XI.

Óscar González (Valladolid) – He’s back after a one game suspension, he should be fresh and ready to do some damage against Mallorca.

Griezmann (Sociedad) - Had a quiet night against Madrid and Depor is not Oltra’s Depor anymore. However, the Frenchman should still test the worst defence in the league.

Strikers

Larsson (Valladolid) - He arrived last week to La Liga and is a real sleeper here. He will start and already proved a great participation on Valladolid’s game last week, leading his team in passes that lead to a shot.

Carlos Vela (Sociedad) – I’m putting a lot of faith in the Basque side, they scored three times at the Bernabéu and I still don’t believe in Deportivo.

Piti (Rayo) - The skipper is now the undisputable main forward of this team, despite being actually a winger. But he keeps reaching the area and getting goals (Michu style) and this could be his third straight week with a score.

For any direct questions, you can always contact me on twitter @javierjotah.