The second international break of the season is done and dusted and club football returns where three teams are tied on 17 points at the top of La Liga. Barcelona were expected to part ways with Ronald Koeman during the break, but the Catalan giants will give their coach another chance. Koeman knows that any defeat to a small team will see him out as Barca are ninth on the log. Elsewhere, Getafe continue to be the whipping boys as they are rooted to the foot of the table with one point.
Saturday 16 October
Levante 31/20
Draw 37/20
Getafe 43/20
(18:30)
Getafe have been one of the worst teams in the division this season, and understandably are placed dead last on the table – with only one point from eight matches. Levante are also yet to win a match in this campaign drawing and losing four games so far. Both these sides are in the red zone with only three points separating them and if they don’t turn things around, both will see themselves playing in the Segunda division. I can’t trust either side on current form, so I suggest backing Under 2.5 Goals.
Real Sociedad 9/20
Draw 33/10
Mallorca 6/1
(21:00)
Just like last season Real Sociedad are one of the log leaders after eight matches, they are one of the best starters in the league but always fade out in the second half. Hopefully, this time around they will show consistency throughout. On the other end, Mallorca have been the talking point in South Africa as the rumours that they are after Kaizer Chiefs youngster Njabulo Blom keep gaining momentum. The visitors are a good side and their form this season tells the whole story. Mallorca are on 12th position with a form of three wins and two draws. However, in terms of this game I will be backing Real Sociedad.
Sunday 17 October
Rayo Vallecano 7/10
Draw 26/10
Elche 4/1
(14:00)
The surprise package of the season so far is undoubtedly Rayo Vallecano. The Vallecans are sixth on the log standings with 13 points. They also have a 100% record at home winning all three of their matches played. Elche on the other end have a very poor away form of three defeats from four matches. As the form suggests, back Rayo Vallecano despite the short odds.
Celta Vigo 23/10
Draw 22/10
Sevilla 5/4
(16:15)
Celta Vigo have started very slow this season, but they are slowly picking up as they managed to win two of their last three matches to ensure they move away from the red zone. However, the Celtics are tasked with yet another difficult assignment as they host a title challenging Sevilla who are three points away from log leaders Real Madrid with a game in hand. Should the visitors win here they will be tied on 17 points with the table-toppers. This makes this match a must-win game for Sevilla. I fancy the visitors to claim maximum points here.
Villarreal 15/20
Draw 26/10
Osasuna 36/10
(18:30)
The Yellow Submarine haven’t had the start they would’ve hoped for, especially after ending last seasonKon a high and winning the Europa League. We expected Villarreal to be amongst the title contenders this season, but they find themselves on the 11th position with only 12 points. Osasuna have stated very well continuing where they left off last season. The visitors are fifth with 14 points and a win here will see them tie with Real Madrid. Difficult game, but back Villarreal on a Win/Draw Double Chance.
Barcelona 5/10
Draw 34/10
Valencia 46/10
(21:00)
It’s do or die for Ronald Koeman as his job is on the line after one of the worst starts from the Catalans. Barcelona have been poor both domestically and in Europe losing to teams they use to beat comfortably. Some big names are heavily linked with the hot seat, but the directors seem to be giving the Dutch man one more chance. A defeat here will be the final nail on the coffin for Koeman surely. Valencia are not easy but their recent form has been very poor failing to win in each of their last four. Because of home advantage, back Barcelona to win here.
Monday 18 October
Alaves 22/10
Draw 9/4
Real Betis 13/10
(19:00)
Espanyol 13/20
Draw 26/10
Cadiz 42/10
(21:00)
Espanyol surprised everyone last time out when they handed Real Madrid their first defeat of the season. That was the home sides second win in their last three matches which is evidence that the side is now maturing in top flight after spending last season in Segunda. Cadiz were a very good side last season but have failed to produce this time around. Back Espanyol to make it two wins on the spin.
TREBLE @ 67/10
Real Betis Win 13/10
Barcelona Win 5/10
Sevilla Win 5/4
Written by Banele Pikwa