Our football analyst makes predictions on the Spanish La Liga Week Five games which kick off on Friday 20 September 2019.
The first weekend after the International break is always difficult for the in-form teams and that was proven once again in gameweek four. Barcelona teen sensation Ansu Fati is already being considered as one of the main threats after his superb display in Barca’s rampant 5-2 win over Valencia last Saturday. Eden Hazard finally made his long-awaited Real Madrid debut and Karim Benzema scored twice in a nervy 3-2 win over Levante.
Atletico Madrid were left shocked by rampant Real Sociedad in their renovated Reale Arena stadium. Most teams will be participating in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League in midweek so punters should be careful when taking bets.
Photo Copyright Steve Haag Sport – Hollywoodbets
Friday 20 September
Osasuna 15/10
Draw 22/10
Real Betis 37/20
Osasuna maintained their unbeaten run this season when they managed to steal a point at Real Valladolid leaving the newcomers on six points. Despite the inexperience, the better of the two at the moment, at least as per league standings, is Osasuna.
Real Betis started off with back-to-back defeats Real Valladolid and Barcelona the very same teams who failed to beat their opponents in this campaign. The visitors come from back-to-back home matches winning against Leganes and drawing to Getafe. Osasuna looks to be the surprise package this season so take them on the Home/Draw Double Chance at 5/10.
Saturday 21 September
Villarreal 6/10
Draw 29/10
Valladolid 17/4
Villarreal wrapped up the previous round in style by thrashing Leganes 3-0 on the road. The squad have already begun their new campaign on a strong note, and have picked up a draw with Real Madrid. The Yellow Submarine are very dangerous up front, scoring 10 goals in the four matches played with Gerard Moreno scoring in all the games.
The visitors have the same form as their opponents of two draws, one defeat and a win under their belt. This won’t be as easy as the betting suggests but get on Villarreal to win at 6/10.
Levante 12/10
Draw 5/2
Eibar 43/20
Levante’s two-match winning streak came to an end at Real Madrid last Saturday which will go down as one of the saddest games to lose after being 3-0 down at half-time but came out a completely different team in the second half. Eibar are one of the only three teams left in the table that are yet to register a win and have so far salvaged just a point after four games.
The visitors have been far from impressive in the attacking third and have found the back of the net just three times and changing their front pair in every match hasn’t helped them. Get on Levante at 12/10.
Atletico Madrid 9/20
Draw 32/10
Celta Vigo 7/1
Atletico Madrid succumbed to their first defeat of the season after they visited a full packed newly-renovated Reale Arena which was previously known as Anoeta Stadium. Atleti were just outplayed and they were given no chance. They play Juventus midweek in what should be a grudge game after these sides met last season.
Celta have been far from convincing this season and this is a perfect time to play Atletico Madrid, straight after what should be a tiring midweek clash. The Celtics were beaten 2-0 at home by Granada last time out and getting something in this match would need something really special. Get on Atletico Madrid to return to winning ways.
Granada 6/1
Draw 38/10
Barcelona 4/10
The newly promoted Granada team have made an ecstatic start to their season after playing four matches and collecting seven points on the road including back-to-back impressive wins over Espanyol and Celta Vigo. Barcelona will be making the trip to Granada on the back of an impressive 5-2 win over Copa del Rey champions Valencia.
The Spanish champions have uncourtly the best attack in Europe and that is proven with 12 goals from their last three La Liga matches. Despite all these goals, five-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi hasn’t contributed. It is the young sensation Ansu Fati who’s been the architect. Barcelona at 4/10 is a banker.
Sunday 22 September
Getafe 8/10
Draw 22/10
Mallorca 4/1
Getafe went into the international break riding on back-to-back draws. The team continued where they left off, picking up yet another share of the spoils making it three 1-1 draws on the bounce. On the other hand, Mallorca have not been able to taste success since their opening day victory over Eibar at home and are on a dismal three-match winless run failing to score in each. Getafe should get their first win of the season here.
Espanyol 2/1
Draw 21/10
Real Sociedad 29/20
Espanyol takes on Real Sociedad at the RCDE Stadium. This is a game between two teams that have been blowing hot and cold. Despite their solo win in the league, the hosts started the season in fine style, qualifying for the UEFA Europa League group stages. After playing three away games, Real Sociedad finally returned to their renovated stadium where they totally dominated Atletico Madrid. Former Arsenal left-back Nacho Monreal was on target for his new club in the 2-0 win over Atletico. The odds of 2/1 for Espanyol to win at home are well worth a punt.
Valencia 6/10
Draw 28/10
Leganes 47/10
Valencia sacked their coach Marcelino Garcia before the Barcelona clash which was very strange because he had been at Valencia for two seasons and guided them to back-to-back fourth-place finishes in La Liga and won a trophy in the process. He had picked up four points from three matches this season which isn’t so bad, but nowadays club owners can be unrealistic – these days, you get sacked for losing two games.
Leganes are undoubtedly the worst team in the league at the moment, losing all their matches played and scored only one goal. If there is a side that needs a change of management then it’s the visitors. The home win is a banker here and include in all multiples.
Athletic Bilbao 13/20
Draw 26/10
Alaves 5/1
Athletic Bilbao is slowly showing glimpses of what’s to come in the League. With already the usual four suspects setting targets for the European spots, the 2016 Copa del Rey finalists will have to display an unbelievable streak of consistency to see their objective come to fruition.
The hosts remain unbeaten with two wins and two draws including that opening day upset against the champions Barcelona. Alaves will have to work hard if they are to register their first win on the road. Get on the in-form Bilbao to win convincingly.
Sevilla 37/20
Draw 28/10
Real Madrid 5/4
We round off proceedings with a blockbuster clash where log leaders Sevilla take on Real Madrid. Fireworks will be expected as former Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui will face his former side for the first time since being sacked after that Barcelona defeat. Lopetegui’s men are unbeaten with a record of three wins and a draw putting them at the top of the table with 10 points.
Real Madrid fans will be happy that Eden Hazard is finally fit and he’s expected to start in this grudge game. With Gareth Bale also returning from suspension, Zinedine Zidane will feel a lot more confident. The visitors haven’t had luck in this ground losing each of their last three visits. In fact, Madrid are winless in this venue since 2015. To be honest, I’m not convinced with this Real Madrid team. Sevilla should win this game, get on the 37/20.
TREBLE @ 7/1
Athletic Bilbao Win 13/20
Getafe Win 8/10
Sevilla Win 37/20
Written by Banele Pikwa for Hollywoodbets.
