After Jimenez's 'different' starting line up against Betis last Sunday he has been heavily criticized but he doesn't give two hoots 'I'd would play exactly the same team if we played Betis again' he said today. 'I've got it quite clear, I know my squad, I know what I'm doing and I don't care what other people's opinions are.'

 He's made it quite clear that he's in control (especially about his body odour, don't worry i've put deodrant on today amigo) but he also takes the blame for the result against Betis, which is fair enough. Against Espanyol tomorrow he will be without Adriano and Konko but will be trying Squillaci and Crespo.Maresca, the Italian midfielder, has defended the criticisms against Jimenez and said 'It's normal that they criticize us, we're Sevilla and everyone always wants more.' Then he added 'Jimenez was convinced of the ability of the team and that they could go out and get a good result against Betis.' He's asked the fans to ease off a bit if things don't get going against Espanyol in the first ten minutes and to hold back on the whistles, but will they listen? Tintin Marquez, manager for Espanyol, seems vibrant about the clash tomorrow. He's said that it will be a good opportunity for him to use other players in the squad as he will be resting some key players, including Raul Tamudo, who's played most of the games so far. 'We've got 27 players in the squad and it’s a good moment to give some of them a rest' he said. What are they on a holiday camp? Haven't they just had two months off? He does have a point though as his next three clashes are against Barca, Real Madrid and Villarreal (didn't I write an article complaining about this yesterday?)The two teams have started well so it will be a tough clash, I think after Sevilla's disappointed result on Sunday they will be raring to go and the fact that Tintin is resting Tamudo may make a difference. Prediction 2 v 1 to Sevilla.

Espanyol v Getafe - K.O. 21.00 - 20/9/08

Espanyol are the second biggest club in Cataluyna and have started La Liga by winning both games 1 v 0 and claiming maximum points, but can their run continue.

'Tintin' Marquez, manager of Espanyol, has said that 'We knew the first three games were important for us,' and why did he say that? Surely they're important for everyone, but not everyone is playing Sevilla, Barca and Madrid in a row afterwards. 'Our idea was to get a cushion of points, and for the moment we have six, this takes the pressure of a bit for the next four games, but at the moment we're top and it's a good moment,' he added.

Tintin, who needs a bit more hair, and a dog, to resemble the famous cartoon character, has had a great start to the season; last year they finished 12th and they could be pushing for a UEFA spot this year. He has commented on the fact that Getafe are without De La Red, now at Real Madrid, by comparing him to Getafe's Celestini 'He's not that brilliant, but he's a better defender,' stated TinTin.

Steve Finnan, ex Liverpool, may get his first game today with Espanyol (as will Callejon and Lola), he's been named in the squad even though he's only had four training sessions with his new team mates.

Getafe, on the other hand, will be looking to end Tintin's unbeaten run. They could jump top if they win but Victor Munoz, manager, insists that being top of the league isn't the most important for him and his team 'I'm not thinking in top place, I'm not saying it wouldn't be beautiful (really? not even for a few hours?), but our obligation is to win and get the points building,' he said.

Espanyol will be without De La Pena today and Munoz thinks that it could be an added bonus for them 'He's an important player and creative with the front players, its could be a big loss for them,' he added.

In the last five meetings Espanyol have won three and Getafe two, but Getafe have managed to slide five goals past them on two separate occasions. Is it time for another smashing by Getafe? Can Espanyol hold onto the lead?

I think Espanyol will come out top, they maybe without De La Red but if Tamudo can get the service they should break down the Getafe defense. Prediction 2 v 1 to Espanyol.