Primera Liga

Unai Emery's in-form Valencia side travel to Malaga in the pick of the Thursday round of Primera Liga action.

Early league leaders Valencia are in action at Malaga on Thursday looking for their third league win in four after scraping a victory over Osasuna on Sunday courtesy of Juan Manuel Mata's solitary strike.

The form of Los Che is a far cry from their struggles under erstwhile coach Ronald Koeman last term, and defender Alexis attributes the turnaround to the work of new boss Emery.

"Last year is gone," Alexis told the official Valencia website. "We are playing very well this season.

"The coach gives confidence to all the players, treats all players equally, and when there is good cheer in the locker room it is noticeable on the pitch."

Valencia will be overwhelming favourites to continue their solid start to the season against second-bottom Malaga, who have just one point from three games, and Emery is grateful that the fixture comes 24 hours after most of their rivals will have played.

"By Thursday we will know exactly what we have to do to stay top," he said.

Elsewhere on Thursday, surprise package Almeria will be hoping to consolidate their second place in the standings when they visit Real Valladolid, third-bottom Real Mallorca go in search of their first win of the season against Numancia, and Athletic Bilbao visit Huelva to face Recreativo.

Wednesday's remaining fixtures see Getafe play host to local rivals Atletico Madrid, Deportivo visit Osasuna, Sevilla entertain unbeaten Espanyol, and last season's runners-up Villarreal welcome Racing to El Madrigal.