A rare occurrence in the Spanish La Liga sees Granada top the standings after two games. Real Betis are also in an unfamiliar position as they occupy the second spot.
Real Madrid began their title defence in a very disappointing way after playing to a goalless draw at Real Sociedad. All teams are in action this weekend so for the first time this season we will have a full set of fixtures.
Photo Copyright – Steve Haag Sports
Friday 25 September
Eibar 21/10
Draw 19/10
Athletic Bilbao 31/20
Both teams will be looking for their first win of the season. The hosts have played two matches, drawing one and losing the other, while the visitors have played a solo match which they lost. Eibar played to a dull goalless draw against Celta Vigo in their last home match before losing 2-1 at Villarreal. Athletic Bilbao are not only in search of their first points but are also in search of a first goal. Only one goal has been scored between the two teams this season. Back Under 2.5 Goals here at 4/10.
Saturday 26 September
Alaves 26/10
Draw 7/4
Getafe 14/10
We kick off the Saturday fixtures with a low-key affair as Alaves welcome Getafe. Alaves have won one since June, lost all their pre-season friendlies and have lost both of their first two games. The visitors have played and won their only match of the season, beating Osasuna 1-0. Despite playing away, Getafe will fancy their chances against a struggling Alaves side. Back Getafe on the Win/Draw Double Chance at 3/10.
Valencia 19/20
Draw 24/10
Huesca 3/1
After promising signs in the first match, both Valencia and Huesca were extremely disappointing in gameweek 2. Valencia thrashed Levante 4-2 in the first round and went on to lose to Celta Vigo on matchday 2. Huesca went to the Yellow Submarine and completely dominated the game which saw Villarreal score late to force a draw.
The visitors were nowhere to be found at home to Cadiz where they were completely outplayed. Valencia were the most inconsistent team last season and seems like they are continuing with that yoyo form. Back Valencia to beat Huesca at 19/20.
Elche 51/20
Draw 22/10
Sociedad 23/20
After a dramatic stoppage-time winner in the promotional play-offs which ensured their return to La Liga after five years, Elche had to wait to kick a ball in the top flight as both their fixtures were postponed due to being scheduled against teams who had an extended break.
Sociedad have been in action, though, they drew both of their matches played. The fact that Elche haven’t played a game and Sociedad are on their third match will be a massive difference in terms of match fitness. Back Sociedad to win here and include them in all multiples.
Real Betis 3/1
Draw 11/4
Real Madrid 8/10
Real Madrid finished the season winning most of their games by 1-0 and captain Sergio Ramos scored most of those goals which was obvious that Madrid were lacking upfront. Weirdly, Los Blancos didn’t sign anyone despite loaning Gareth Bale to Tottenham, and it wasn’t much of a surprise when they failed to score against Sociedad. It would be a massive disappointment if the champions fail to win this match. Back Real Madrid to come good and secure maximum points at 8/10.
Sunday 27 September
Osasuna 13/10
Draw 9/4
Levante 21/10
Osasuna were impressive against newly-promoted Cadiz, beating them 2-0, but were disappointing against Getafe, going down 1-0. Levante’s defence has been leaking goals, conceding four against Valencia and three against Sevilla in a friendly last Sunday. Both teams are not convincing at the back, so, back Both Teams To Score here at 8/10.
Atletico Madrid 5/10
Draw 28/10
Granada 6/1
After an extended break, Atletico Madrid kick-off their campaign against table-toppers Granada. Atletico were very disappointing in the UEFA Champions League against a crippled RB Leipzig team. Granada have played three matches this season, winning all – including a Europa League match where they thrashed Teuta Durres 4-0. The betting suggests this will be one-way traffic for Madrid, but I think it will be a very close match. Back Both Teams To Score at 14/10.
Valladolid 33/20
Draw 37/20
Celta Vigo 2/1
Struggling Valladolid will play hosts to Celta Vigo who surprised many when they beat Valencia last time out. There’s plenty of value in this encounter and if you manage to find a winner here, you should be rewarded. As for me, I cannot separate the two teams, so, I’ll back a share of the spoils here at 37/20.
Barcelona 5/10
Draw 37/10
Villarreal 47/10
After a dreadful season which saw two managers being sacked, a trophyless campaign, and being humiliated in the UEFA Champions League, Barcelona wasted no time and made big changes, appointing Ronald Koeman as new coach, while releasing big name players like Ivan Rakitic, Arthur and Luis Suarez. The club also brought in Miralem Pjanic, Trincao and promoted a lot of young players which makes it obvious that the plan is to build. Back Koeman to win his first match at 5/10.
Monday 28 September
Cadiz 9/2
Draw 47/20
Sevilla 15/20
Cadiz got their first La Liga win in 14 years quicker than expected. We all expected this team to struggle and be an ATM for points, but they have silenced everyone who underestimated them. They are here to complete and write them off at your own peril.
Sevilla return to domestic football in fine style after being crowned Europa League champions. The experience Sevilla have will be enough to see off Cadiz, despite not being in action for so long. Get on the visitors to win at 15/20.
TREBLE @ 5/1
Valencia Win 19/20
Real Sociedad Win 23/20
Barcelona Win 5/10
Written by @BanzaRP
