Real Madrid lead the way from Valencia and Atletico Madrid by way of superior goal difference as we head into gameweek 5 of LaLiga.
*This preview was compiled before the midweek Champions League games.
Friday 17 September
Celta Vigo 5/10 | Draw 31/10 | Cadiz 52/10 (21:00)
Celta Vigo suffered their third defeat of the season when they were thumped 5-2 by Real Madrid last Sunday. The Celtic’s have lost three of their four matches played and have only one point to their name. Just like their opponents, Cadiz are winless from the four matches played with two draws and two defeats. This is a perfect opportunity for either side to get their first win of the campaign and move away from the red zone. In terms of betting, I can’t trust either side based on current form and a draw looks like a big possibility here. Back these sides to cancel each other out.
Saturday 18 September
Rayo Vallecano 29/20 | Draw 39/20 | Getafe 22/10 (14:00)
We kick off Saturday’s fixtures with a low-key profile as Vallecano take on fellow strugglers Getafe at the Campo de Futbol de Vallecas. After losing their first two matches, the hosts went on to collect four points on their following two matches. Getafe lost their first three matches played which is a clear sign that the visitors are now one of the weakest teams in the division. This is a must-win for either side after terrible starts. Just like the first game, no team can be trusted on current form, so I suggest backing a draw.
Atletico Madrid 6/10 | Draw 28/10 | Athletic Bilbao 5/1 (16:15)
For two weeks in succession, Atletico Madrid scored in added time which is indicative of the never say die attitude from the defending champions. Atletico looked like they would lose last week at Espanyol but managed to overturn the tie by scoring in the 80th and 96th minute winning the match 2-1. Diego Simeone’s men are tied on 10 points with Valencia and Real Madrid. This won’t be an easy game but get on Atletico Madrid to win.
Elche 15/10 | Draw 43/20 | Levante 39/20 (18:30)
Two teams that are yet to convince me this season take each other on at the Estadio Martinez Valero in a match where both sides will be looking to turn things around come Saturday. This is one of Levante’s worst starts after failing to win in the first four attempts, drawing three and losing one. This is an opportunity for the visitors to register their first win of the season when they play fellow strugglers Elche. Back Levante on the Win/Draw Double chance in this one at 9/20.
Alaves 37/20 | Draw 2/1 | Osasuna 33/20 (21:00)
Alaves are rooted to the foot of the LaLiga table after losing their first three matches conceding eight and scoring once from their first three matches played. Osasuna were a very good side last season and beating them was not an easy assignment. The visitors have collected five points from their opening three but suffered a defeat in their fourth match which was a very painful one, losing 4-1 at home to Valencia. I’ll draw a line through Osasuna’s last game as it was against an improved Valencia side who look like mixing it up in the race for the top four this season. I’m backing Osasuna here.
Sunday 19 September
Mallorca 51/20 | Draw 2/1 | Villarreal 12/10 (14:00)
The Yellow Submarine are one of the teams that weren’t involved last weekend meaning they had a nice three-week break and should be fresh for this one. Villarreal’s last game was against Atletico Madrid where they were extremely unlucky conceding an own goal in the last minute. The Europa League champions need to start winning matches as they have a busy schedule with their involvement in the UEFA Champions League this season. Back the Yellow Submarines to claim maximum points here.
Real Sociedad 14/10 | Draw 22/10 | Sevilla 2/1 (16:15)
Real Sociedad are proven good starters, in the last campaign they set the pace for the majority of the first half season, and they looked like they will be amongst the title challengers. The hosts have again started well recording nine points from their first four matches. Despite losing their opening match to Barcelona, Sociedad went on and won three on the bounce. Sevilla were amongst the title challengers last season, and we are expecting big things from Julen Lopetegui who won a major trophy in his first season. The Sevillistas were set to play Barcelona last weekend, but the match was postponed. I can’t separate these two sides, so I’ll back both teams to score here.
Real Betis 1/1 | Draw 23/10 | Espanyol 29/10 (18:30)
Real Betis are one of the most well-coached teams in LaLiga. Yes, one can sound clueless for saying that after the team failed to win in each of their opening three matches. But trust me, this team is way better than what the form suggests, and they will definitely upset a lot of teams especially when playing at home. Get on Real Betis to win this one convincingly.
Valencia 28/10 | Draw 11/4 | Real Madrid 9/10 (21:00)
Two teams who have been impressive this season will clash on Sunday. The betting suggests an easy win for Real Madrid, but I disagree with the odds. Only goal difference separates these two sides at the top of LaLiga. One thing that’s amazed me is both of these sides have been scoring goals. At the back, Los Che have been more solid than Madrid who have conceded six from four while their opponents shipped two goals. We are almost guaranteed a goal fest here so BTTS or Over 2.5 Goals looks a certainty for the punters who like such markets. As for me, I will be going for an upset and back Valencia to win at 28/10.
Barcelona 2/9 | Draw 52/10 | Granada 9/1 (21:00)
Barcelona finally gets to play a LaLiga match after being out of action for two weeks. They certainly needed the break to work on their tactics and it gave them enough time to gel as a team. The Catalans have an impressive home record, winning two from two. Only a brave man would bet against Barca here as they welcome a team that hasn’t played much football. Granada have only had two starts and that can affect their preparations when they play teams that are match fit. Back Barcelona to win both halves at 13/20.
DOUBLE @ 66/10
Real Betis Win 1/1
Valencia Win 28/10
