Analysis: Four things to look out for in Spain's matchday 16

MADRID, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- The holiday break is drawing closer, but there won't be a lot of spirit around some clubs in the coming days. Here are some things to look out for in La Liga.

1. Make or break for Alonso in Vitoria

Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso takes his side to play Deportivo Alaves with the threat of the sack hanging over him.

Although Real Madrid's players showed more commitment in Wednesday's Champions League game at home to Manchester City, they still lost to increase the pressure on Alonso ahead of the weekend.

If Real Madrid shows the same commitment it did in midweek then Alonso should be all right, but if the players don't respond as they did in the Champions League (which is a special competition for Madrid) and fail to win, Alonso will very likely be sacked. If Kylian Mbappe misses out as he did in midweek, Alonso's job really does hang by a thread.

2. Lamine Yamal to make Osasuna's life hard

FC Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal wasn't happy to be substituted during his side's 2-1 win at home to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League on Tuesday, but that could be bad news for Osasuna when the team from Pamplona visits the Camp Nou on Saturday.

If Yamal, who seems to have shaken off his pelvic problems, feels he has something to prove that will be bad news for a tough, but slow Osasuna defense.

The entire Osasuna side lacks pace and that is also good news for Barcelona's high defensive line that struggles against quick strikers, but who should be much more comfortable against the powerful, but not rapid, Raul Gonzalez and Ante Budimir.

3. Celta v Athletic promises thrills and improvements

Athletic Club Bilbao has had a poor start to the season with the team suffering injuries and looking flat in several games, while despite its brilliant win away to Real Madrid last weekend Celta continues to struggle at home (as seen in Thursday's Europa League defeat to Bologna).

Athletic improved considerably to beat Atletico Madrid 1-0 last weekend and followed that with a brave 0-0 draw against Paris Saint Germain on Wednesday.

Athletic will look to carry that physical improvement into Sunday's game in Vigo in what promises to be an intense and open match.

4. Gazzaniga decision for Michel

Girona coach Michel Sanchez is one of the coaches in La Liga most in danger of losing his job before Christmas with his side third from bottom of the table after a 3-0 defeat away to Elche last weekend.

One of the main reasons for the defeat was a nightmare display in goal from Paulo Gazzaniga, who was directly responsible for two of the Elche goals after dreadful mistakes.

Gazzaniga has been erratic all season between the posts, but although he should be dropped Michel made it clear on Thursday that he doesn't count on Croatian international, Dominik Livakovic as back-up. ■