With just one loss in the campaign so far this season, Real Sociedad is leading the table as things stands. The Whites and Blues are now starting to believe they can cause a huge upset and win the league for the first time since 1982. It may be early days but with Barcelona and Real Madrid constantly dropping points, Sociedad have every right to dream big. Atletico Madrid though are big favourites to win La Liga this season and the victory against Barca was a statement of intent.
Image copyright – Steve Haag Sports
Standings provided by SofaScore LiveScore
Friday 27 November
Valladolid 15/10
Draw 21/10
Levante 39/20
Real Valladolid shocked the world when beating in-form Granada at their turf last Sunday. Not only was it a surprise win but it was also very comfortable as they were 2-0 up after 50 minutes which saw them win the match 3-1. The win ensured the hosts get back-to-back La Liga wins for the first time in 2020.
Levante remain winless since gameweek one where they beat Osasuna 3-1 and since then, the club has only managed to collect four points in the last seven matches and that include four consecutive draws. I didn’t think I’d do this so soon, but I’m backing Real Valladolid in this one.
Saturday 28 November
Elche 2/1
Draw 39/20
Cadiz 31/20
We kick off the Saturday fixtures with a low-key affair as new boys Elche welcome Cadiz to the Estadio Martinez Valero. Both teams have started the season very well as they sit fifth and ninth on the standings with just two points separating the sides. Elche have won three, drawn three and lost twice from their eight matches played, while Cadiz have won four, drawn twice and lost four from their first 10 matches. Both teams have started well, and this should be a cracking encounter so back Both Teams to Score at 11/10.
Valencia 36/10
Draw 51/20
Atletico Madrid 15/20
Valencia are unbeaten in their last three games and will be looking to repeat what they did against Real Madrid in their last home game where they thrashed reigning champions 4-1. Atletico Madrid are second on the log standings, three points behind early leaders Sociedad who have played two games more.
For me, Atletico should be favourites to clinch the title as both Real Madrid and Barcelona continue to drop points. The visitors are unbeaten this season and they’ve only conceded two goals in eight matches. Last week’s win against Barcelona puts them in a serious title-challenging position. Back Atletico Madrid to continue with their impressive run.
Huesca 3/1
Draw 43/20
Sevilla 1/1
Huesca have drawn seven of their first 10 matches which makes them the drawing kings of La Liga. Winless in the league so far, the hosts will be looking to finally break the drawing curse and finally win a match when they welcome the Europa League champions. After a slow start, Sevilla are slowing finding their feet. Last week’s win ensured they moved to seventh on the standings. With two games in hand, Julen Lopetegui’s men know they are still in the mix, but they can’t afford to drop points in games like this. Back Sevilla to win.
Real Madrid 7/20
Draw 17/4
Deportivo Alaves 7/1
Covid-19 has affected a lot of teams across the globe, especially Real Madrid whom I thought won’t be affected much because of their good financial position. Madrid have been hit hard by Covid-19 and they haven’t been the same since football returned. At 7/20, I wouldn’t back them against anyone.
Alaves are unbeaten in their last four matches and are looking stronger in each game. The visitors have managed to get results against Barcelona and Valencia this season, so, I wouldn’t rule them out in this one. Madrid can’t be trusted on current form, so, I’m backing Both Teams to Score at 8/10.
Sunday 29 November
Barcelona 3/10
Draw 47/10
Osasuna 17/2
Barcelona sit at a surprise 12th place on the log and their problems are looking deeper every week. This will undoubtedly be a long season for Ronald Koeman, the team is demotivated and star player Lionel Messi looks a shadow of himself. Osasuna are tied on 11 points with Barcelona as they occupy 13th spot but their recent form suggests they have no chance in this match if Barca turn up. Because of the opposition, back Barcelona on 3/10.
Getafe 15/10
Draw 37/20
Athletic Bilbao 9/4
Getafe have failed to win in each of their last four matches. Surprisingly, this came straight after beating Barcelona which indicates the team got complacent after that big result. This was a harsh reminder that consistency is key in this league and if you are to challenge for a spot in Europe, it’s important you stay focussed in every match.
Athletic Bilbao are 16th on the table and that’s simply because of their inconsistencies. The visitors have been blowing hot and cold this season, winning three and losing five of their eight matches. Neither team can be trusted on current form, so back Under 2.5 Goals at 4/10.
Celta Vigo 21/20
Draw 47/20
Granada 27/10
Celta Vigo are looking for their first win in nine matches and they’ve conceded in each of their last 10 games. The club is rooted at the foot of the table and are now serious relegation candidates based on current form. Granada have disappointed in the last two matches where they lost to Valladolid and Sociedad. That leaves them sixth on the table and it spoils the good run they possessed in the early stages of the campaign. This won’t be an easy game but I still have faith in Granada and I’m getting on the 27/10 odds.
Sociedad 11/10
Draw 26/10
Villarreal 23/10
We close the Sunday matches with the game of the weekend where log leaders Real Sociedad welcome third-placed Villarreal to the Reale Seguros Stadium. The hosts are on a five-match winning streak, conceding just one goal and scoring 12 in the process. Sociedad look unstoppable at the moment and they are smashing everyone who comes their way, but this will definitely be a true test and will show us how serious they are about challenging for the title.
Unai Emery has made an instant impact at Villarreal and the form is there for all to see. Currently third on the log with just one defeat to their name, Villarreal should be taken seriously this season and the draw against champions Real Madrid last weekend showed they have a lot of fight in them. This will be a very difficult match and I’m expecting fireworks. As for a result, I’m backing the hosts to get a narrow win.
Monday 30 November
Real Betis 7/10
Draw 28/10
Eibar 37/10
We close off the round with an interesting match at Estadio Benito Villamarin where Real Betis host Eibar. The two teams have been struggling for consistency this season and that has been the story for most of the clubs which makes this league the most open and unpredictable. Eibar have collected 10 points from their first 10 matches and that tells the whole story on how unreliable they can be. I Betis will win this match, but they shouldn’t be seen as overwhelming favourites like the betting suggests.
TREBLE @ 14/1
Elche vs Cadiz BTTS 11/10
Sevilla Win 1/1
Granada Win 27/10
Written by Banele Pikwa
