Despite starting their domestic campaign with 3 straight away league fixtures, Real Madrid currently occupy top spot in La Liga. Hot on their heels are Valencia who are showing signs that they are back. Defending champions, Barcelona, will look to maintain their undefeated start to the season when they take on Villareal.
Friday, 25 August
Las Palmas 31/10 | Draw 22/10 | Real Sociedad 1/1 (19:30)
Following back-to-back home league draws, Real Sociedad are on their travels where they will do battle with Las Palmas. Indeed, the Reale Arena is something of a fortress with the Basque Countryside avoiding defeat across their previous eleven home league appointments. I expect them to take that form into their showdown with newly promoted Las Palmas. Back Real Sociedad on the double chance at 2/9.
Celta Vigo 37/10 | Draw 29/10 | Real Madrid 7/10 (21:30)
Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid side come into this round of fixtures as log leaders, with Englishman Jude Bellingham playing a star role. In his previous La Liga fixture, the midfielder bagged a brace and provided an assist as his side dispatched Almeria 3-1. I anticipate more of the same from him this weekend. Back Bellingham as an anytime scorer at 29/10.
Saturday, 26 August
Cadiz 13/10 | Draw 47/20 | Almeria 21/10 (17:30)
Almeria avoided the drop last season, on the final weekend, and it looks like it could be more of the same this time of asking. Last season, both league fixtures between these two clubs ended in stalemates and I suspect this one will follow suite. Back a goalless draw at 9/1.
Granada 31/20 | Draw 39/20 | Mallorca 21/10 (19:30)
The newsboys Granada will be looking to get their first points on the board this weekend as they host Mallorca. Against newly promoted Las Palmas, Mallorca only managed a point – something which will add extra motivation for the hosts.
Furthermore, the last 4 league meetings between these two clubs have all gone the way of Granada, by an aggregate score line of 13 – 4.
Mallorca aren’t going to just roll over though and I think they find the back of the net. The bet is Granada on the double chance and BTTS (yes) at 37/20.
9/10 Sevilla | Draw 26/10 | Girona 32/10 (21:30)
With back-to-back league defeats, Sevilla enters this round of fixtures in the relegation zone. Head coach Jose Luis Mendilibar has lashed out at clubs interested in his players, alluding to the poor start to the season.
Against Girona, they will likely take all three points as they need to kickstart their season. Back the hosts to win at even money.
Sunday, 27 August
Villarreal 5/2 | Draw 26/10 | Barcelona 21/20 (17:30)
Barcelona will be looking to put their goalless draw on opening day, in their rear-view mirror as they look to defend their La Liga crown. The Blaugrana have a fully fit starting XI and boast firepower in midfield and attack. Gavi and Pedri, paired with the experience of treble winner Ilkay Gundogan should make light work of a Villarreal outfit that lacks several of last season’s regulars. Back the away win and over 3.5 goals at 38/10.
Valencia 1/1 | Draw 24/10 | Osasuna 29/10 (19:30)
Valencia could be the surprise package of the season. On opening day, the South Coast side handed European cup winners Sevilla a 2-1 defeat and followed that up with a win over Las Palmas.
Rubén Baraja’s men could win their opening three league fixtures for the first time – I think the right bet is on the home side to be leading at Half time and Full time, at 2/1.
Athletic Club 17/20 | Draw 26/10 | Real Betis 31/10 (21:30)
Historically, Athletic Club have struggled to find the back of the net against Betis, blanking on four of their previous five league outings against Betis. To compile matters, they hosts have won just one of their previous five league fixtures. Both teams scoring seems to be the banker everybody needs. Get on at 8/10.
Monday 28 August
Getafe 12/10 | Draw 39/20 | Alavez 29/10 (19:30)
Alavez come into this La Liga season as favorites to go down. With that being said, there is little to separate the two sides. The previous six league meetings between these two clubs have ended in stalemates and I anticipate this to follow suite. Draw and Under 2.5 Goals is 43/20 – pile in.
Rayo Vallecano 32/10 | Draw 26/10 | Atletico Madrid 17/20 (21:30)
Atletico Madrid are expected to go toe to toe with defending La Liga champions Barcelona and cross city rivals Real Madrid this season. Diego Simeone’s men threw down the gauntlet on Matchday one, netting three times.
Rayo Vallecano have barely laid a glove on Atletico Madrid if recent history is anything to go by. They have netted just once across their previous 5 league meetings on home soil against the Madrid outfit. For more value though, back Atletico Madrid on the double chance and BTTS (no) at 29/20.
