Real Sociedad top the standing after nine matches played with some teams having yet to play all nine, but we know that games in hand are not points in hand. Real Madrid, Sevilla and Atletico Madrid are all tied on 17 points and Barcelona are one point behind them – which means the race is on as La Liga looks to be much closer this season. El Clasico graces our screens this weekend which means one of the big two will definitely drop points and that’s an opportunity for teams like Sociedad to put pressure and extend the gap.
Friday 22 October
Osasuna 8/10
Draw 26/10
Granada 7/2
(21:00)
It’s clear as daylight that the shift of Granada renewing their vows as a relegation fighting team has taken place and it’s not that they are in bad form, but they are just a poor team. They are currently placed second last on the La Liga table. Osasuna, who have lost just twice so far this league campaign, are expected to pick up the three points this weekend at the home to Granada. A win here will see the home side leapfrog Real Madrid to second and they will be level on points with the log leaders. Osasuna are a banker here.
Saturday 23 October
Valencia 15/20
Draw 11/4
Mallorca 36/10
(14:00)
Valencia and Mallorca face each other to kick off the Saturday fixtures, both sides will be looking to turn things around after they were both on the losing end in the last round. Only one point separates these two sides who sit 10th and 13th on the log. Valencia are winless in their last five matches while their opponents have only won once in their last four. I can’t trust either side on current form so back a draw here.
Cadiz 31/20
Draw 2/1
Alaves 2/1
(16:15)
There are no surprises from Cadiz this season, they are what we’ve expected them to be and that’s a relegation fighting team. This weekend, they host fellow strugglers and in fact, they will be welcoming the worst team in the division. Alaves have lost seven of their eight matches and look like early favourites to go down. Because of the opposition, I’ll back Cadiz on the draw no bet at 7/10 to secure my money.
Elche 33/20
Draw 2/1
Espanyol 37/20
(18:30)
Espanyol started their season slowly and they looked like they’d struggle in this campaign, but the Catalans have turned things around and now kicked away from the red zone. The visitors have won three of their last four La Liga matches which includes beating Real Madrid. Elche are languishing in the bottom half struggling for consistency. The home side have recorded two wins and three draws from the nine matches. This will be a tough game, but I’ll back the in-form side, get on Espanyol on a Win/Draw Double Chance at 4/10.
Athletic Bilbao 15/10
Draw 21/10
Villarreal 39/20
(21:00)
Lastly, we end off the Saturday matches with an interesting game which effectively is the match of the day. Villarreal have disappointed me big time this season. After winning the Europa League, I predicted Unai Emery’s boys to go closer and challenge for the league, but the Yellow Sub have been nothing but a disappointment. Villarreal are currently 12th on the log struggling for consistency and playing in mid-week Champions League will make life all the more difficult. Back Bilbao to upset the Yellow Submarine.
Sunday 24 October
Sevilla 5/10
Draw 33/10
Levante 52/10
(14:00)
Sevilla have to be taken seriously this season. The Sevelistas are in contention and proving every week that they deserve to be respected. Julen Lopetegui’s men are three points behind the log leaders and also have a game in hand, which is evidence of how serious they are this time around. Their ability to grind points when needed merits respect and they also oblige when facing smaller teams at home. Sevilla are a banker here and should be included in all bets.
Barcelona 16/10
Draw 26/10
Real Madrid 15/10
(16:15)
Real Betis 8/10
Draw 26/10
Rayo Vallecano 33/10
(18:30)
Real Betis left it late against Alaves on Monday night where they needed a 94th minute goal to win the game and collect the much needed three points. They host a stubborn side this Sunday, Vallecano are in fine form and need to be taken serious or else they will hurt you. The visitors are fifth on the log and they are not there by fluke so Betis will need to bring their A game here if they are to win this match. I like both teams at the moment and I will not bet against any of team currently. Therefore, back Both teams to score in this match at 8/10.
Atletico Madrid 7/10
Draw 26/10
Real Sociedad 39/10
(21:00)
Another top of the table clash is upon us as the La Liga season gets more serious. The defending Champions haven’t been convincing this season despite signing players like Antoine Griezmann. They host the log leaders who’ve got a reputation of being good starters so this will be a true test if they are ready to challenge for the league or not. Only three points separate these sides at the top and a win here for either side will be a huge moral boost going into the next matches. Sociedad have won four of their last five. In fact, their only defeat this season came against Barcelona which raise questions such as are they ready to face big teams or they only good against mid-table opposition. This is a very difficult game to predict but I will try not sit on the fence and go for the kill. Get on Sociedad to shock the world at 39/10.
Monday 25 October
Getafe 17/10
Draw 9/10
Celta De Vigo 19/10
(21:00)
We end off the round with a low-key affair as the worst team in the league host fellow strugglers in what looks to be a dull Monday night fixture. Neither side can be trusted on current form and both teams haven’t convinced me this season. In fact, this match is written goalless draw all over it. Back under 2.5 Goals here at 5/10.
TREBLE @ 12/10
Osasuna Win 8/10
Sevilla Win 5/10
Real Sociedad Win 39/10
Written by Banele Pikwa