Here are some key stats to consider as we look ahead to the top La Liga matches and fantasy options this weekend.
Forwards
Antoine Griezmann should find the back of the net at home against a porous Bilbao defense this week -- especially as Diego Costa is unable to play for the fourth time in five weeks. The Frenchman got off to a slow start last season as well before turning it around in the second half. Griezmann is coming off consecutive games with a goal for the first time this season.
If Lionel Messi (forearm) is deemed healthy enough to start against Betis at home on Sunday, he becomes the go-to Tier 1 forward this week. Although Messi hasn't played since October 20, he is averaging a ridiculous 32 points in home games this season. If Messi is kept on Barça's bench, you should keep him on yours too.
Gerard Moreno is a strong Tier 2 forward candidate and should enjoy a bounce-back game in an away matchup against Rayo Vallecano this week. Rayo has allowed 17 goals in home games this season -- six more than any other team. Furthermore, Carlos Bacca's quadriceps injury should give Moreno the opportunity to shine and take more shots.
Midfielders
With an injury to Philippe Coutinho, this week's Tier 1 midfielder of note is Real Madrid's Toni Kroos against Celta Vigo. The 28-year-old German scored a goal and recorded two assists on Wednesday in the Champions League in a Real Madrid attack that looks revitalized following the departure of former coach, Julen Lopetegui. Since joining Real Madrid, Kroos averages 25.7 fantasy points per game against Celta Vigo.
Sevilla's Pablo Sarabia has scored four goals in his last three home games in all competitions. Only Ivan Rakitic and Philippe Coutinho have more points among midfielders this season than Sarabia.
Alavés midfielder Jony could be an effective play at the Tier 3 midfield slot this week. Jony has put together two of his best three performances of the season in the last two weeks, including multiple shots on goal in each of those games.
Defenders
Sergio Ramos continues to be an obvious choice for Tier 1 defender. As Real Madrid's penalty kick taker, Ramos has scored three penalty kick goals this season, putting him above all other La Liga defenders with 164.3 fantasy points.
Tier 2 defender Jonathan Silva has exceeded expectations for Leganés this season, leading all La Liga defenders with 22 chances created. Silva's offensive skills make him a worthwhile play against a mediocre Girona squad.
Goalkeepers
Alavés goalkeeper Fernando Pacheco is dealing with an ankle injury but remains an excellent play this weekend should he be able to suit up. Alavés has a home matchup with Huesca, which has scored just one goal in their last three La Liga away games. Should Pacheco not be ready to play, Barcelona's Marc-André ter Stegen is a good option against Betis, a team that has scored just one goal in five away games this season.