La Liga weekend predictions, odds & best tips: Real Madrid and Barcelona do battle in El Clasico

One of, if not the biggest game in football takes place in La Liga on Sunday as Real Madrid and Barcelona lock horns at the Bernabeu in this season’s first El Clasico.
Barca held sway in all four meetings last term, but it’s Los Blancos who have established a narrow lead in the title race, with their bitter rivals looking to leapfrog them.
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Real Sociedad vs Sevilla
Kick-off: 8pm Friday
There looks a strong chance that both teams will find the net in this one. That has occurred in eight of Sevilla’s last ten league games and six of Real Sociedad’s last nine. The visitors will also not be holding back after claiming three successive league victories on the road.
Prediction: Both Teams to Score
Girona vs Real Oviedo
Kick-off: 1pm Saturday
This is a bottom of the table clash between two teams who have been struggling. Five of Oviedo’s last seven games have gone under 2.5 goals and considering the fact that this pair have only got ten goals between them in 18 combined matches, a repeat looks likely.
Prediction: Under 2.5 goals
Espanyol vs Elche
Kick-off: 3.15pm Saturday
Take Espanyol to beat Elche at home in La Liga. The hosts are sixth and have won three of their five home matches, while Elche are seventh but have struggled on the road, failing to win any of their four away games.
Prediction: Espanyol
Athletic Bilbao vs Getafe
Kick-off: 5.30pm Saturday
Athletic Bilbao have won two and drawn once following a six-game winless run, but some glaring issues still remain for the Basque outfit. They are especially unconvincing at the back which should give hope to Getafe, who are rarely kept off the scoresheet.
Prediction: Both Teams to Score
Valencia vs Villarreal
Kick-off: 8pm Saturday
Take both teams to get a goal in Valencia’s clash with Villarreal at the Mestalla. Valencia have scored in four successive La Liga games and both teams have scored in five of the last six meetings between these sides.
Prediction: Both Teams to Score
Mallorca vs Levante
Kick-off: 1pm Sunday
After a slow start, Mallorca have won two of their last three matches, including a resounding 3-1 win over Sevilla last time out. They can claim a victory over Levante, who have beaten lowly Girona and Oviedo, but tend to come unstuck against tougher opposition.
Prediction: Mallorca
Real Madrid vs Barcelona
Kick-off: 3.15pm Sunday
Real Madrid and Barcelona played out four high-scoring Clasico clashes last season, all of which were won by Barca (including one after extra-time). Los Blancos look stronger this season, however, and can expose Barca’s high line. The hosts can claim the points, but the visitors should find the net.
Prediction: Real Madrid to win & both teams to score
Osasuna vs Celta Vigo
Kick-off: 5.30pm Sunday
Osasuna’s home form is keeping them afloat, but their positive results at El Sadar do not reflect their poor performances. They look vulnerable against Celta Vigo, who look a draw-no-bet play given they’ve already had a remarkable seven stalemates this term.
Celta Vigo draw no bet
Rayo Vallecano vs Alaves
Kick-off: 8pm Sunday
This should be a tight contest between two stubborn outfits. Rayo Vallecano have won back-to-back matches, but Alaves have avoided defeat in five of their last seven La Liga contests. The draw looks the value in Vallecas.
Prediction: Draw
Real Betis vs Atletico Madrid
Kick-off: 8pm Monday
Atletico Madrid will be desperate to bounce back from a 4-0 Champions League loss to Arsenal, and can do so against Real Betis. Both teams have been in excellent domestic form, but Atleti have had two extra days to prepare. They can edge an entertaining contest.
Prediction: Atletico Madrid
Read more European football tips from Racing Post Sport:
Bundesliga: Bayern should continue to cut loose
Serie A: Inter can strike a blow in Scudetto race
Ligue 1: Lyon and Strasbourg to put on a show
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