Written by Chad Nagel for Soccer Betting News. Follow them both on Twitter and Facebook now!
The 19th round of Spain’s La Liga is bringing us some captivating football and compelling betting opportunities. Atletico Madrid currently sit atop the table after their narrow 1-0 win over bottom side Levante. They were the only contender to clinch full points last weekend, with both Barcelona and Real Madrid settling for draws against Espanyol and Valencia respectively.
Atletico have stretched their lead to two points ahead of Barcelona, who have a game in hand, while Real Madrid trail by four points following managerial changes that saw Zinedine Zidane take over from Rafael Benitez, with his debut coming against Deportivo La Coruna at the Bernabeu.
Barcelona aim to bounce back with a home clash against Granada, while Atletico face a stern test at Celta Vigo. Valencia, under new management seeking their first league win, travel to Real Sociedad.
Loads of thrilling matches and tempting odds await – let’s dive right in!
SATURDAY 9 JANUARY
Barcelona 1/33
Draw 11/1
Granada 35/1
Barcelona drew goalless with Espanyol last weekend and have only won once in their last four league matches. Despite this, they remain unbeaten in 10 games and are second in the standings, two points behind Atletico. New signings Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal are set to make their debuts after the transfer ban was lifted. Granada, meanwhile, won their last outing 2-1 against Sevilla but face a tough task at Camp Nou. Expect Barcelona to dominate at home where they boast an impressive record, including eight wins from nine games. Consider backing Barca on the Handicap at 1/8.
Sevilla 1/1
Draw 5/2
Athletic Bilbao 5/2
Sevilla are looking to recover from a 2-1 defeat to Granada, backed by a strong home record with seven consecutive wins including over Barcelona and Real Madrid. Athletic Bilbao have been solid recently but inconsistent on the road. I’m backing Sevilla to win at even money.
Real Madrid 1/6
Draw 62/10
Deportivo La Coruna 11/1
Zidane takes charge for the first time against Deportivo La Coruna. Real Madrid drew 2-2 with Valencia last weekend and aim to close the gap on the leaders. Deportivo have struggled but are unbeaten in their last four away games. Backing Real Madrid on the Handicap at 9/20 looks smart.
Levante 11/10
Draw 22/10
Rayo Vallecano 23/10
Levante have suffered five straight defeats and are struggling to find the net. Rayo Vallecano have also been poor, losing five of their last six matches. Levante have the upper hand in recent meetings and may leverage home advantage. Expect a tight game but tip Levante to edge it.
SUNDAY 10 JANUARY
Villarreal 4/10
Draw 7/2
Sporting Gijon 6/1
Villarreal are in fine form, unbeaten in seven with six wins, and have a solid home record in La Liga. Sporting Gijon are struggling with six consecutive defeats away. Villarreal looks a safe bet to secure the points.
Real Sociedad 12/10
Draw 22/10
Valencia 9/4
Real Sociedad are yet to find a win in five matches and face a Valencia side battling for a top-four spot under Gary Neville. Valencia have shown resilience in their recent draw against Real Madrid and have the quality to make an impact. Backing Valencia on the Win/Draw Double at 6/10 is the pick here.
Getafe 19/20
Draw 9/4
Real Betis 28/10
Getafe are unbeaten in five competitions and will look to take advantage of a struggling Betis side, who have lost six in a row. The home win is a strong option at 19/20.
Las Palmas 29/20
Draw 2/1
Malaga 19/10
Las Palmas recently held Athletic Bilbao to a draw and have a strong home record. Malaga, unbeaten in their last three away, also pose a threat. This promises to be tight, but Malaga could sneak the win.
Celta Vigo 7/2
Draw 9/4
Atletico Madrid 8/10
Celta Vigo drop to fifth after two defeats and face a tough fixture against leaders Atletico Madrid. Atletico have momentum with two wins and two clean sheets. Expect Atletico to continue their charge and secure maximum points.
MONDAY 11 JANUARY
Eibar 21/20
Draw 21/10
Espanyol 26/10
Eibar come off a big 4-0 win and are unbeaten at home in three, while Espanyol have recently struggled. Eibar are tipped to secure the win on home soil.
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