Spanish La Liga: Gameweek 1 Preview

Here we go again! The Spanish La Liga kicks off on Friday evening with Granada and Athletic Bilbao to open proceedings. Real Madrid’s season opener was scheduled to be on September 13th against Getafe, but the game will be postponed because both teams featured in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League respectively, so the first game for Zinedine Zidane’s men could be on September 20th against Real Sociedad. Last season’s runners-up Barcelona also have their fixture postponed so we will have to wait a while.

Friday 11 September

Granada 37/20
Draw 2/1
Athletic Bilbao 33/20
(21:00)

Both these sides will start the season the same way they finished it as they met in this fixture for their final game in the 2019/20 season with the hosts winning 4-0 to ensure they qualify for the Europa League, but will be disappointed in how they finished the season after having a chance to even qualify for Champions League. Bilbao finished 11th last season and that was very disappointing for such a big team who will need to improve immensely this season. Back the hosts to win here at 37/20.

Saturday 12 September

Eibar 14/10
Draw 22/10
Celta Vigo 2/1
(16:00)

We kick off the Saturday fixtures with a low-key affair as Eibar host Celta Vigo. This is an important match for both these sides as they were fighting relegation last season, so starting the new campaign on a positive note is exactly what they both need. Back these sides to cancel each other out at 22/10.

Cadiz 37/20
Draw 39/20
Osasuna 17/10
(21:00)

Cadiz return to La Liga after 14-year absence. Cadiz, who last won promotion to La Liga in 2005 but were relegated the following year, lead the standings on 69 points after 40 games, with Huesca second on 64 and Zaragoza third on 62. Osasuna had a very good season and we can say they exceed all expectations when they finished in the top half on their first season. Continuity will be key for Jagoba Arrasate and his boys they need to push even harder this season. This is a winnable fixture for Osasuna.

Sunday 13 September

Valladolid 37/20
Draw 22/10
Sociedad 31/20
(16:00)

This is probably the toughest game of the weekend and both teams are really not easy to play against. Valladolid have done an amazing job in the last two seasons and they are improving every time. Real Sociedad made it to the group stages of the Europa League when finishing sixth. Hard to separate these two teams but back Both Teams to Score at 9/10.

Villarreal 6/10
Draw 3/1
Huesca 47/10
(18:30)

Huesca won promotion back to La Liga just one year after suffering relegation. The last time this team played in La Liga, they were extremely poor and you could see they lacked experience as it was their first-ever participation. The fact that they quickly regained promotion does state that they now have the experience and will be much more difficult than the other season. Don’t underestimate this team they will not be a walkover like they were a few seasons ago. Back a draw here.

Valencia 1/1
Draw 5/2
Levante 51/20
(21:00)

Valencia are coming out of their worst season ever in the 2000’s after they finished ninth and registered 14 draws and 13 defeats which was shocking for a team that’s usually competing in Europe. A winning start would be exactly what coach Javi Gracia wants. Back Valencia to win here.

Monday 14 September

Deportivo Alaves 17/10
Draw 43/20
Real Betis 33/20
(21:00)

The two teams who spent most of last season battling relegation will go toe-to-toe on Monday night. What’s interesting is that whenever these sides meet, they always score against each other which makes both teams to score a big runner in this encounter. Real Betis have won all their pre-season games and they will be confident ahead of this fixture. Back the Away Win and Both Teams to Score at 11/4.

DOUBLE @ 9/1 

Real Betis Win & BTTS 11/4
Osasuna Win 17/10

Written by Banele Pikwa