Unlike the first round, there were some upsets last weekend with both Real Madrid and Barcelona dropping points. Atletico Madrid made it two wins on the bounce and are ready to set the pace this season. The champions will be the benchmark and I have made it clear that Atletico will be the team to beat after Real and Barca lost their key players Sergio Ramos and Lionel Messi to PSG.
Players like Martin Braithwaite were heavily responsible for Barcelona’s draw at Bilbao last week. Easy chances were missed and resulted in points being dropped. It’s still the second game of the season so the Catalans can only get better and one thing for sure is that Barca are hungry this season and the players are prepared to fight for the badge. In their last home game, they scored four goals and I do see them scoring more than one when they host Getafe. Back Barca to win on a (-1) Handicap at 11/10 for value.
Friday 27 August
Mallorca 31/20
Draw 2/1
Espanyol 39/20
(20:00)
Mallorca have started the season on a high earning a crucial four points in matches where we all expected them to lose. The hosts remain unbeaten after two matches. They will be confident in making it back-to-back wins and maintain their unbeaten record as they welcome fellow new boys Espanyol. The visitors are also unbeaten, but they’ve drawn both of their opening matches. Back Mallorca to win their first home game of the season.
Valencia 9/10
Draw 49/20
Alaves 31/10
(22:00)
Valencia were superb on their last home game where they beat Getafe 1-0 despite having a player sent off on the third minute. Last weekend, Los Che went visited Granada one of the toughest grounds in the league and they managed to get a point. It’s seems as if Valencia are much more improved this season and teams will struggle when they visit the Mestalla. Alaves were very disappointing in their last match, losing at home to new boys Mallorca coming straight after being thrashed by Real Madrid. Back Valencia to win convincingly and include it in all multiples.
Saturday 28 August
Celta Vigo 14/10
Draw 22/10
Athletic Bilbao 2/1
(17:00)
Celta Vigo have proven to be one of the toughest teams in La Liga, especially in their home ground. They’ve been dubbed the giant killers because of their performances against big teams. The Sky Blues love such matches, and they always rise to the occasion in these fixtures. Athletic Bilbao are yet to win a match this season after playing to two consecutive draws. Head-to-head favours a draw as these sides have cancelled each other out in two of their last three matches. As the form suggests, back these sides to share the spoils.
Elche 42/10
Draw 26/10
Sevilla 13/20
(19:30)
Sevilla visit Elche in what looks like the banker of the weekend. I’m expecting big things from Sevilla this season and for such to be achieved they will have to win these sorts of matches. Teams like Atletico Madrid have already collected maximum points in their first two matches so it’s very important that Sevilla close the gap. Back Sevilla to beat the new boys in their backyard.
Real Sociedad 11/20
Draw 31/10
Levante 44/10
(19:30)
Real Sociedad registered their first win of the season in their last match, beating Rayo Vallecano by an odd goal. The Blue and white remain at the Anoeta Stadium this weekend and will be confident on making it back-to-back home wins as they welcome a side that has a poor away record. Like mentioned, Levante are a different team on the road then they are when playing at home. Last season they only won four matches on the road from 19 games. Back Real Sociedad to make it two wins on the spin.
Real Betis 32/10
Draw 28/10
Real Madrid 15/20
(22:00)
We close off the Saturday matches with the game of the weekend. Real Madrid continue playing away as their stadium is still under construction. Carlo Ancelloti’s men have recorded four points on their first two matches which is a good return considering they are playing away matches. Last week we made mention that players like Vinicius Junior will have to step up this season and prove they are worth the hype. The Brazilian scored a brace last week and now he will have to maintain consistency and do it week in week out. Madrid have been very dangerous offensively, scoring seven goals in their first two matches. Back Madrid to continue their impressive form.
Sunday 29 August
Barcelona 7/20
Draw 39/10
Getafe 13/2
(17:00)
Cadiz 39/20
Draw 2/1
Osasuna 16/10
(19:30)
Cadiz have done very little wrong since their return to top flight last season. They’ve started the campaign with two consecutive draws against Levante and Real Betis two very tricky opponents. This a perfect opportunity to register their first win of the season as they face a side that’s on the same level of quality and stature as them. Osasuna are one of the toughest opponents in La Liga, they are not a league challenging team but are the mid-table fighter you don’t want to face every week. Back a draw here.
Rayo Vallecano 31/20
Draw 22/10
Granada 37/20
(19:30)
Another low-key affair is upon us this Sunday. This time, it’s Vallecano playing hosts to Granada. It seems like Rayo Vallecano will be the whipping boys this season. The home boys have lost both their opening matches, failing to score a goal in the process. Granada have drawn both their matches and if they are to return to playing European football, they will need to win such matches. Get on Granada to add more misery to Vallecano.
Atletico Madrid 15/20
Draw 5/2
Villarreal 37/10
(22:00)
What a way to finish the third round, we close off proceedings with a cracking encounter which see the defending La Liga champions welcome the Europa League champions to the Wanda Metropolitana stadium in what promises to be the match of the season thus far. Atletico Madrid have started their title defence in fine style winning back-to-back matches and it’s games like these that will give us a clear indication if they are ready to defend their crown or not. Unai Emery is yet to win an official match since winning the Europa League final against Manchester United. The Yellow Submarine lost to Chelsea on penalties in the Super Cup and drew their two subsequent La Liga matches. This game came to soon for the Europa champions and it will add more pressure to these players. This is a clear message that If you want to win big trophies then it’s one difficult game after the other. Back these sides to cancel each other out.
TREBLE @ 3/1
Real Sociedad Win 11/20
Valencia Win 9/10
Sevilla Win 13/20
Written by Banele Pikwa