The Spanish La Liga resumes this week after a week break due to international football. Atletico Madrid still dictates matters at the top with 10 games to go. If Diego Simeone’s men win nine of their remaining 10 matches, they will be crowned La Liga champions for the first time since 2014. Barcelona are four points behind the log leaders and the Catalans know the importance of winning all their remaining matches at this stage of the season. Can Barcelona catch the long-time leaders Atletico Madrid? We shall see.
Friday 2 April
Levante 11/10
Draw 49/20
Huesca 9/4
(21:00)
Huesca are rock-bottom on the table and that is where they have been for most of the season. Winless in the last four clashes, the promoted side has almost paved their way back to the Segunda division. Levante are 10th on the log and have been very impressive in some of their matches this season. At some stage, the hosts enjoyed an unbeaten run of six matches between January and February. This is a perfect opportunity for Levante to return to winning ways.
Saturday 3 April
Granada 26/10
Draw 43/20
Villarreal 11/10
(14:00)
Granada and Villarreal are still on a chase to qualify for the Europa League. These sides occupy seventh and eighth on the table with seven points difference in favour of the visitors. The Yellow Submarine are on a four-match winning streak and will be confident of making it five on the bounce. Despite both teams qualifying for this seasons Europa League quarter-finals, I can say Villarreal have the upper hand coming into this tie. Back the visitors to make it five wins on the bounce.
Real Madrid 3/10
Draw 46/10
Eibar 7/1
(16:15)
Real Madrid’s title hopes are becoming narrow after each gameweek. As the defending champions, Zinedine Zidane’s men are six points behind log leaders, and with the 10 matches left, they need to win all their remaining fixtures, or it is all over. In terms of this match, there can only be one winner. Therefore, back Real Madrid to win this one.
Osasuna 15/10
Draw 37/20
Getafe 23/10
(18:30)
We wrap up the Saturday fixtures with a low-key affair, as two teams with identical form take on each other. Only one point separates these sides who sit at 13th and 14th on the table. Both sides have registered seven wins from 28 matches. I really can’t separate these two teams, so, I’ll back the draw here.
Sunday 4 April
Alaves 39/20
Draw 43/20
Celta Vigo 15/10
(14:00)
Alaves are one of the worst teams in the competition. At the moment, they are placed in the relegation zone, and have won just five times the entire season, which includes one win in the last 12 matches. With the season about to enter its final stretch, time is fast running out for the squad to make amends. They need to act now, or else risk a return to the Segunda Division. Celta Vigo, on the other hand, have lost just twice in their last 10 matches. Back the visitors to win here.
Elche 7/2
Draw 51/20
Real Betis 8/10
(16:15)
Real Betis are equal on points with fifth-place Real Sociedad and have easily been one of the best teams in the competition this season. They have a lead of seven points over eighth-placed Granada with just 10 games remaining in the league, and therefore, have a great shot at qualifying for the Europa League. The visitors have won five of their last six matches and have been presented with an opportunity to make it six wins from seven matches. This is a banker and should be included in all bet multiples.
Cadiz 21/10
Draw 21/10
Valencia 14/10
(18:30)
Cadiz have done fairly well this season after being favourites to go down at the start of the campaign. The new boys need at least five wins to be guaranteed safety, and as for me, I think they’ll survive the axe. Valencia have picked up form at the right time, and the visitors have won three of their last five matches which is a huge sign that things are coming together after struggling for most parts of the season. This is a very difficult game to predict, so I suggest backing a draw here.
Sevilla 19/10
Draw 2/1
Atletico Madrid 16/10
(21:00)
We conclude the weekend matches with a blockbuster as fourth-placed Sevilla host log leaders Atletico Madrid. The hosts are 10 points clear of fifth-placed Real Sociedad and I can confidently say they will qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League. This is more of a must-win clash for the visitors as Barcelona are breathing down their necks. A win here would be a massive boost for Simeone’s men, and it would somewhat put stress on the chasing pack as they are banking on slip-ups in these sorts of matches. It will not be easy, but back Atletico Madrid to grind out a victory here.
Monday 5 April
Barcelona 1/8
Draw 8/1
Real Valladolid 18/1
(21:00)
Barcelona will be happy to be granted a Monday fixture as players recently returned from the international break. One extra day is hugely important at this time of the season, especially if you are fighting for the title. Barca will be hoping Sevilla do them a favour by holding Atletico Madrid on Sunday. In terms of this match, the Catalans are a banker.
TREBLE @ 7/1
Levante Win 11/10
Villarreal Win 11/10
Real Betis Win 8/10
Written by Banele Pikwa