The midseason rush is finally here, and international break is just around the corner, AFCON 2021 is still up and running, and the league cups are edging closer to the crowning fixtures, just before the European football kicks off again in February.
Friday 21 January
Espanyol 39/20 | Draw 9/4 | Real Betis 29/20 (22:00)
It has been a season to remember for Espanyol. After returning to La Liga and currently sitting midtable, what else could they ask for? Yes, it has been a mix bag of results, but it seems certain they will stay afloat. Real Betis are also enjoying life in La Liga this season, and the Champions League is a real target let alone pushing Real Madrid at the top of the table. This fixture has always been a tight affair over the years, but Betis’ current form has seen them score an away goal in their last four fixtures and backing them to score in the first half first for a fifth straight time on the road is the play at 15/10.
Saturday 22 January
Levante 15/20 | Draw 26/10 | Cadiz 37/10 (15:00)
Levante finally found a victory for the first time this season, beating Mallorca by two goals to nil. While you might be tempted to have a go on the Frogs taking their chances at getting out of relegation, I cannot advise to bet on them. Cadiz are not so peachy themselves and it would really be the chance for either team to make moves at the bottom. I can’t see much coming of this fixture and betting on the totals is the safest if you must, and I’d go under 2.5 at 15/20.
Villarreal 9/20 | Draw 34/10 | Mallorca 56/10 (17:15)
There’s literally only one team to back here. Unai Emery’s men have been putting up results since their loss to Barcelona, which really didn’t reflect their performance. Three key players are out due to AFCON, both defenders Serge Aurier and Aissa Mandi, as well as winger Samuel Chukwueze, coupled with three unfit players Francis Coquelin, Ruben Pena, and Paco Alcacer. Despite the injury list, Emery has found a way to win with the squad buying into his style of play. Get strongly behind Villarreal.
Sevilla 13/20 | Draw 11/4 | Celta Vigo 42/10 (19:30)
I don’t need to get too in depth on this one, Sevilla’s season has been one of the highlights in recent times, and their home form has been a level higher, while Celta Vigo have had a torrid campaign and things do not look like taking a turn anytime soon. Put Sevilla in your multiples.
Atletico Madrid 9/20 | Draw 32/10 | Valencia 58/10 (22:00)
Saturday’s final fixture sees Atletico Madrid take on Valencia. This fixture has produced plenty of goals over the years with four of the last eight ties resulting in four or more goals. However, Atletico have not been up to scratch of recent, but their last two fixtures have been a little slither of hope, beating Rayo Vallecano (2-0) and drawing with Villarreal (2-2). Valencia are now at the end of a busy run of fixtures (three games in seven days) and players will feel rather leggy. Bet on the home team.
Sunday 23 January
Granada 15/10 | Draw 22/10 | Osasuna 19/10 (15:00)
This midtable scuffle will be an interesting fixture with some good value. Granada’s recent home form has been consistent, winning three in December and drawing to Barcelona to cement that confidence. One downside would have to be conceding a goal in each of those fixtures. Whereas in stark contrast, Osasuna have struggled on the road. Five games on the bounce without a victory coupled with not finding the back of the net in just as many. The straight bet on Granada is value enough, but January needs a bonus and Granada on the Win/Draw Double Chance and BTTS (No) is tipped at 7/4.
Real Madrid 1/6 | Draw 6/1 | Elche 15/1 (17:15)
Even though slipping up in the league hasn’t affected their position in the standings, winning in the Super Cup will be a prerequisite to the La Liga trophy. Madrid faced Elche in a midweek Copa del Rey fixture, and a better performance is bound to be produced in the league. Elche might be fighting for their lives at the bottom of the league, but in the Bernabeu, it’s all about surviving 90 minutes, not the league. Bet on Madrid to win both halves at 5/10.
Real Sociedad 13/20 | Draw 26/10 | Getafe 46/10 (19:30)
It’s the battle of the blues! Real Sociedad has gotten the better of Getafe in recent times, despite Getafe being historically better. The trend should definitely continue considering both teams are on opposite ends of the table. The White and Blues are due for a slip up in pursuit of European football, but against the Deep Blues I just cannot see the upset happening. Get firmly behind the home team.
Rayo Vallecano 37/20 | Draw 39/20 | Athletic Bilbao 7/4 (19:30)
Rayo Vallecano’s home record is one for the books, undefeated in the last 10 with eight wins and two draws scoring 20 and conceding just four. While goals seem abundant, most of them are scored from the midfield, Sergi Guardiola and Alvaro Garcia, but old faithful Radamel Falcao has also pulled through. The best defence in the league has to go to Athletic Bilbao, but in contrast, their attacking prowess is non-existent, failing to score in four of their last five fixtures. While Rayo Vallecano seem the better side, a draw is a big runner here and I’m backing the stalemate.
Alaves 44/10 | Draw 31/10 | Barcelona 11/20 (22:00)
Life in pursuit of something to brag about has been dismal for Barcelona this season, and a recent defeat to long-time rivals Real Madrid will sting harder than ever. However, the performances under Xavi have really begun to improve. New signings are finally getting registered, and it seems as though more are on the horizon and tides seemingly turning for the Catalans. A fixture against a struggling Alaves will be one Barca can count on for three points, and I confidently see them taking the win here.
QUAD @ 5/1
Sevilla Win 13/20
Atletico Madrid Win 9/20
Real Sociedad Win 13/20
Barcelona Win 11/20
