Real Madrid won their 20th consecutive match in all competitions with a 4-1 away win over Almeria last Friday night. Madrid bettered the 18-game winning streak set by Barcelona in 2005-06 when they beat Ludogorets Razgrad in the Champions League last Tuesday. Madrid’s win moved them four points clear at the top of the table after their title rivals Barca and Atletico Madrid dropped points. Real won’t be involved in La Liga action this weekend as they travel to Morocco to contest the Fifa Club World Cup.
Celta Vigo 11/20 draw 31/10 Almeria 5/1
Celta Vigo are coming off their fourth consecutive loss, losing 1-0 at Malaga. They will host an Almeria side who are in worse form and now occupy a relegation place. Celta Vigo will look to this game as a chance to get back to winning ways. They pulled the double over Almeria last season and should earn another victory over their opponents.
Barcelona 1/16 draw 11/1 Cordoba 33/1
Barcelona’s winning form came to an end as they were held to a goalless draw on the road to Getafe last weekend. They should get back to winning ways when they host struggling Cordoba. There is no value in the home win so go for Barcelona to be the only team to score at 11/20.
Levante 2/1 draw 21/10 Real Sociedad 29/20
Both these sides are in poor form and will be desperate for three points. Levante earned a point away to Cordoba last weekend while Real Sociedad drew 1-1 at home to Athletic Bilbao. Sociedad are yet to win on the road and have managed to score only three goals in their seven travels. Levante are unbeaten against Sociedad in eight meetings, winning four times. The home win is tipped as my value bet for the weekend.
Eibar 27/10 draw 24/10 Valencia 21/20
Minnows Eibar continued their impressive form as they moved into eighth position by holding Sevilla to a draw. This weekend they face another tough test as they host a resurgent Valencia outfit. Valencia smashed Vallecano 3-0 at home last weekend and will now be looking to improve on their away form. For all Eibar’s impressive results their goal difference of negative 2 is a shocker. Valencia have a goal difference of plus 15 and are tipped for the victory.
Vallecano 13/10 draw 23/10 Espanyol 2/1
Vallecano were comprehensively beat 3-0 at Valencia last weekend. Espanyol did well to beat Granada 2-1 at home but will need to improve their previous away performances big time if they are to get anything out of this. Espanyol won this match 4-1 last season, but considering their away form this season, the draw is tipped.
Villarreal 7/20 draw 36/10 Deportivo 15/2
Villarreal won for their fourth consecutive league encounter by beating champions Atletico Madrid 1-0 away from home. Their opponents have forgotten what a win feels like as they sit hopelessly in the relegation zone. The home win is a banker bet.
Granada 14/10 draw 22/10 Getafe 2/1
Granada have been poor at home and will host a side high in confidence. Granada are coming off a 2-1 loss at Espanyol while Getafe managed to hold Barcelona to a draw. Granada have scored just three goals in their 7 home matches, winning just once. Getafe won this fixture 2-0 last season and are tipped for the away victory.
Elche 2/1 draw 9/4 Malaga 27/20
Struggling Elche will host a Malaga team who have won six of their last eight matches. Malaga are coming off a 1-0 home win against Celta Vigo. Their away form has been inconsistent and Elche will look to take advantage of that. Their last league meeting came at Malaga’s home ground in March where Elche managed a 1-0 win. With home advantage Elche are tipped to oust their opponents again.
Athletic Bilbao 26/10 draw 23/10 Atletico Madrid 11/10
Atletico’s three game winning streak came to an end last weekend as they were humbled 1-0 at home by Villarreal. They will be out for vengeance when they travel to Athletic Bilbao who they have dominated in recent seasons. Atletico have beaten Bilbao in the last 4 meetings. Bilbao lost 1-0 to Cordoba in their last home game and the champions should claim maximum points.
Written by Wayde Dorkin
Soccer Pro’s La Liga Picks
Celta Vigo WIN 11/20
Barcelona ONLY TEAM TO SCORE 11/20
Levante WIN 2/1
Valencia WIN 21/20
Vallecano DRAW 23/10
Villarreal WIN 7/20
Getafe WIN 2/1
Elche WIN 2/1
Atletico WIN 11/10