The Blaugrana conclude this weekend’s La Liga proceedings with a trip to seventh placed Ossasuna. Prior to that, Sevilla will have their work cut out for them as they look to derail the Atleti bus. All that and more in this week’s La Liga preview!
Friday, 01 September
Cadiz 9/4 | Draw 49/20 | Villareal 12/10 (19:30)
Villareal’s strong showing on home soil against current La Liga holders, Barcelona, last time out has earned the applause of many critics. The Yellow Submarine, now marshalled by Quique Setien, has churned out some dominant performances in the league this season and I expect them to take all three points when they do battle with Cadiz on Friday. Back Villareal on the away win at 12/10.
Almeria 16/10 | Draw 49/20 | Celta Vigo 17/10 (22:00)
Celta Vigo were unlucky to have nothing to show for the resolute performance against the mighty Real Madrid, last time out. Rafa Benitez’s men come into this round of fixtures in the relegation zone, having picked up a single point across their opening three league outings. Despite this, I expect a strong showing against an Alemeira outfit – lead by talisman Iago Aspas. Back Celta Vigo on the away win at 17/10.
Saturday, 02 September
Real Sociedad 9/20 | Draw 36/10 | Granada 6/1 (14:00)
Real Sociedad are well and truly on the hunt for their first league win of the season. The team are currently on a 12-game unbeaten run in the league – winning six and drawing the remaining six. They are up against a Granada outfit who have conceded seven goals across their opening three league outings. Back the home team with a victory and a clean sheet at 5/4.
Real Madrid 1/3 | Draw 42/10 | Getafe 17/2 (16:15)
Real Madrid will look to maintain their 100% record intact, with three wins from their opening three league fixtures. It’s no secret that Los Blancos have opted for success on the European front, over their domestic duties across the last several years – but that trend could be overturned in the 2023/24 as Madrid look to secure their third La Liga crown in the previous five seasons. The bet is the home team with a victory and a clean sheet at 9/10.
Alaves 39/20| Draw 2/1 | Valencia 33/20 (18:30)
Valencia will want to bounce back from a disappointing loss to Osasuna last week. Los Ches started the season in impressive form, with back-to-back victories ahead of that clash which saw the home side concede a late winner, to see the three points leave the Mestalla.
Alavez have seen two losses from their opening three league fixtures, however, their last appearance on home soil saw them come out on the right side of a seven-goal thriller. Back both teams to score at 12/10.
Real Betis 19/20 | Draw 5/2 | Rayo Vallecano 29/10 (21:00)
Manuel Pellegrini’s fresh look Real Betis side was left shell shocked, after they were hit for four, having been two nil up against Atheltic Bilbao. Despite that, it was another strong performance from summer signing Isco who picked up two man of the match performances across his opening two league appearances.
On home soil, I anticipate Isco and company to take full advantage of a Rayo Vallecano side who let in seven goals in their previous run out. Back the home side at 19/20.
Sunday, 03 September
Girona 6/10 | Draw 28/10 | Las Palmas 48/10 (14:00)
Girona’s unbeaten start to the season has caused the rest of La Liga to sit up and take note. Last season’s impressive showing, which saw them finish in the top half of the log, has continued with the club finding their feet in the business end of the pitch. Indeed, Girona have netted 42 topflight goals in 2023 – putting them in the top five from all La Liga clubs during that period. Back the home team with a victory and both teams to score (yes) 32/10.
Mallorca 43/20 | Draw 21/10 | Athletic Club 29/10 (16:15)
Confidence in Athletic Club’s camp will be at an all-time high as they pulled off a come from behind victory in front of their fans, having been two nil down. The front line appears to be clicking, with the attack spearheaded by the Williams’ brothers who have created 9 chances between them thus far.
Mallorca haven’t been able to add to their points tally, after their opening day stalemate. I think the right bet is on the away side to take the three points at 29/20.
Atletico Madrid 11/20 | Draw 32/10 | Sevilla 5/1 (18:30)
Atletico Madrid have dropped the gauntlet – having earned the most eye-catching victory of the season thus far. Their seven-goal romp against Rayo Vallecano, wherein, six different Atleti players found the back of the net is a testament to Simeone ball.
Against a hapless Sevilla side, I anticipate the three points to go the way of the home side. Get on at 11/20.
Osasuna 37/10 | Draw 29/10 | Barcelona 7/10 (21:00)
Barcelona’s sixteen-year-old sensation, Lamine Yamal, is leading the riot act for the defending La Liga champions. The academy product became the youngest player this century to provide an assist in the Spanish topflight, aged 16 years and 45 days. I expect him to go one further and open his account this weekend. Back the away win at 7/10.
