The international break comes to an end, and we are all systems go. Despite conceding in the opening five minutes in their previous league encounter, Girona hit back on the either side of half time to extend their winning streak.
Friday, 24 November
8/10 Alaves | Draw 5/2 | Granada 33/10 (22:00)
Alaves shocked Barcelona prior to the international break, finding the back of the net after just 17 seconds against the Blaugrana. It was a case of not being able to build on that, with forward Samu Omorodion showing his inexperience in front of goal. Despite having nothing to show for that, I think they will get back to winning ways this weekend. I expect the three points to go the way of the home side at 8/10.
Saturday, 25 November
39/10 Rayo Vallecano | Draw 3/1 | Barcelona 13/20 (15:00)
Robert Lewandowski saved Barcelona blushes after his brace rescued the 3 points. Indeed, the Poland international was on a six-game long goal drought, one of the longest in his illustrious career. With that being said, I expect him to hand his side the 3 points as they come up against a Rayo Vallecano team who have won just one of their previous eight league outings. Back a Barca win at 13/20.
11/10 Valencia | Draw 9/4 | Celta Vigo 24/10 (17:15)
Valencia suffered their fifth league loss of the season. Despite a decent showing in the Spanish topflight, Baraja’s men have a ticket test this weekend against a Celta Vigo outfit that will push them till the end. With Celta just two points from safety, I expect them to get something from this game. Back a draw in this one at 9/4.
13/20 Getafe | Draw 26/10 | Almeria 4/1 (19:30)
Almeria are currently rooted to the foot of the table, with 10 defeats from their opening 13 league outings. Despite that, they have found the back of the net 15 times – the same number of goals as this weekend’s hosts. Sergio Arribas has five strikes to his name and will be key, if Almeria are to get anything from this one. This fixture has the makings of a draw at 26/10.
7/20 Atletico Madrid | Draw 37/10 | Mallorca 7/1 (22:00)
Atleti have an abundance of depth to go off, especially in attack. They have found the back of the net 29 times in the league this season – only Girona (31) have done so more often. With that sort of muscle up top, I expect them to continue to write history as they look for their 15th consecutive home league win this weekend. Back an Atletico win at 7/20.
Sunday, 26 November
12/10 Villarreal | Draw 49/20 | Osasuna 21/10 (15:00)
Villarreal have earned just 12 points from their opening 13 league fixtures this season (W3 D3 L7). The season has not gone according to plan and wholesale changes could be expected in the upcoming transfer window, should Miguel Ángel Tena not steer the Yellow Submarine to calmer waters. Back the home side to return to winning ways in this one at 12/10.
15/20 Real Sociedad | Draw 51/20 | Sevilla 7/2 (17:15)
Sevilla’s lacklustre start to the season has been going on for too long. The club comes into this one on the back of five straight league draws and haven’t kept a clean sheet across their previous seven league appearances. Back the home side to grab all 3 points here at 15/20.
5/1 Cadiz | Draw 34/10 | Real Madrid 5/10 (19:30)
Vinicius Jnr and Rodrygo walked off with a brace a piece, in their 5-1 romp of Valencia, prior to the international break. With Bellingham set to return to the first team (after nursing shoulder injury), Ancelloti should have his big game players available for this one. Back an away win at 5/10.
13/20 Real Betis | Draw 26/10 | Las Palmas 4/1 (22:00)
Betis are seven points off the Champions League places and are closing. Pellegrini’s side are unbeaten across their previous 8 league fixtures, after a 5-nil drubbing by the hands of Barcelona. With Isco firing, I expect the home side to push forward after the international break. Back the home side to take all 3 points at 13/20.
Monday, 27 November
5/4 Girona | Draw 5/2 | Athletic Club 39/20 (22:00)
Athletic Club sit in fifth position in the league and are unbeaten in their previous six games at home in La Liga. Home victories are absolutely vital for Ernesto Valverde’s side in catching up to Atletico Madrid and closing the four-point gap to the top four. Furthermore, they have only seen league defeat once across their previous five fixtures in the domestic league. Back the away side to extend their winning ways in this one at 39/20.
