La Liga weekend predictions, odds & best tips: Barca may have to dig deep for their rewards
Real Madrid remain a point clear at the top of the La Liga table despite having been held to back-to-back draws against Rayo Vallecano and Elche, but they will be expecting to hit back when they head to struggling Girona.
Chief title rivals Barcelona face a visit from Alaves on Saturday while Atletico Madrid, on the charge following six straight wins in all competitions, entertain basement boys Real Oviedo.
La Liga predictions & tips for this weekend’s matches
Getafe vs Elche
Kick-off: 8pm Friday
Elche put in an excellent display when holding Real Madrid to a 2-2 draw last weekend and the confident Green Stripes look capable of achieving another positive result at Getafe. Take Elche to avoid defeat.
Prediction: Elche or draw double chance
Mallorca vs Osasuna
Kick-off: 1pm Saturday
Osasuna have not found a way to score in four successive Primera Liga away games and that looks bad news for their trip to Mallorca. The Islands have not lost at home since a 3-0 opening-weekend defeat to Barcelona and they can come through this one without conceding.
Prediction: Mallorca to win to nil
Barcelona vs Alaves
Kick-off: 3.15pm Saturday
Alaves have failed to score in their last three La Liga away games but they may be able to buck that trend when they head to a Barcelona side licking their wounds after a 3-0 Champions League defeat to Chelsea. Barca have kept one clean sheet in their last 12 matches, so the visitors can strike.
Prediction: Both teams to score
Levante vs Athletic Bilbao
Kick-off: 5.30pm Saturday
Eleven of Levante’s last 13 league games have featured more than two goals but this looks a match that can buck that trend. The home side have scored more than once in just one of their last eight games and Athletic Bilbao have struggled to find the net on the road, so unders looks like a good bet.
Prediction: Under 2.5 goals
Atletico Madrid vs Real Oviedo
Kick-off: 8pm Saturday
Atletico Madrid are going in search of their sixth successive La Liga win and they should be able to get it with minimal fuss. Real Oviedo have been unable to trouble the scoreboard in each of their last three league games and it is difficult to see them laying a glove on Diego Simeone’s side.
Prediction: Atletico Madrid to win to nil
Real Sociedad vs Villarreal
Kick-off: 1pm Sunday
Villarreal were thumped 4-0 by Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, but they have lost only one of their last nine matches in La Liga and are capable of finding the net against Real Sociedad. The hosts have seen both teams score in ten of their 13 league outings this term.
Prediction: Both teams to score
Sevilla vs Real Betis
Kick-off: 3.15pm Sunday
Sevilla have conceded in 16 of their last 20 La Liga home games while both teams to score was a winning bet by half time when Real Betis and Sevilla last met in the league in March. There should be goals at both ends in this one, which looks a potentially tight derby contest.
Prediction: Both teams to score
Celta Vigo vs Espanyol
Kick-off: 5.30pm Sunday
Celta Vigo have had to cope with a difficult Europa League trip to Bulgaria this week and their home form has to be a concern. Espanyol had a wobble after a strong start but last week’s victory over Sevilla got them back in the groove and there looks a strong chance they can collect another win.
Prediction: Espanyol
Girona vs Real Madrid
Kick-off: 8pm Sunday
It has a been a difficult season for Girona and they have won just two games all season. It is hard to see them keeping the stars of Real Madrid at bay and Los Blancos can claim another three points without conceding.
Prediction: Real Madrid to win to nil
Rayo Vallecano vs Valencia
Kick-off: 8pm Monday
Rayo Vallecano look most likely to take the points in this one. The home side have lost just one of their eight matches on their own patch this season and they could prove too strong for Valencia, who have scored just four goals in their last seven outings.
Prediction: Rayo Vallecano
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