Written by @Wayde_D for @Hollywoodbets. Follow them both on Twitter and Facebook now!
La Liga’s front-runners, Barcelona, have made history by becoming the first team in the league to kick off a season with seven consecutive clean sheets! Lionel Messi and Neymar showcased their brilliance with goals sealing a 2-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano in gameweek six. Atletico Madrid, last season’s champions, suffered a surprising 3-1 defeat to a rejuvenated Valencia side, who are now comfortably holding second place, just two points behind Barcelona on 17 points. Cristiano Ronaldo continued his dazzling form scoring a hat-trick as Real Madrid crushed Athletic Bilbao 5-0, propelling themselves into fourth place. Ronaldo’s third hat-trick this season brings his sensational tally to thirteen goals in only six La Liga matches. Real Madrid sits just a point shy of third-placed Sevilla, who dominated newly promoted Deportivo La Coruna 4-1.
Granada 11/10
Draw 9/4
Rayo Vallecano 5/2
Opening the week’s fixtures on Friday night, Granada face off against Rayo Vallecano. Granada are struggling with a three-match losing streak and a poor home record, scoring just twice in their last three games. Vallecano, despite a 2-0 loss to Barcelona recently, have shown promise with wins against Athletic Bilbao and Levante. Last season, Vallecano blanked Granada 3-0 at home. Having scored double the goals of Granada this season, the away win at 5/2 looks like a cracking bet.
Levante 13/1
Draw 54/10
Real Madrid 1/6
Real Madrid heads to Levante, struggling in 17th place, aiming for their fifth straight win. Madrid leads the league with 25 goals, while Levante has the lowest goal tally at four. Real Madrid is a safe bet here, with the halftime-fulltime double at 11/20 looking a strong play.
Athletic Bilbao 9/10
Draw 5/2
Celta Vigo 28/10
Athletic Bilbao are having a tough season, positioned in the relegation zone after five losses in seven matches. Celta Vigo were strong until a recent home loss to Villarreal. Bilbao’s home advantage and past victories over Celta suggest backing the hosts could pay off.
Barcelona 1/10
Draw 76/10
Eibar 21/1
Barcelona, the dominant force yet to concede a goal this season, face newly promoted Eibar. Eibar sits mid-table, unbeaten in their last four matches. However, Barcelona is expected to keep a clean sheet and secure the win. Betting on Barcelona to be the lone scorers at 6/10 is a smart choice.
Cordoba 21/10
Draw 2/1
Malaga 13/10
Cordoba are still seeking their first win, while Malaga has had a mixed season with two losses but managed a draw with Barcelona. The draw seems most likely in this tightly contested match.
Atletico Madrid 7/20
Draw 34/10
Espanyol 9/1
Atletico Madrid, smarting from a heavy loss to Valencia, look to bounce back against Espanyol. Atletico has dominated Espanyol at home in recent encounters. Espanyol comes into the fixture in good form but winless away. The home win looks a solid bet here.
Deportivo 32/10
Draw 5/2
Valencia 8/10
Deportivo, bottom of the table with four losses, host in-form Valencia who have been unbeaten and sit second just behind Barcelona. Valencia’s solid attack and defense suggest they will take maximum points away.
Elche 27/10
Draw 23/10
Sevilla 1/1
Elche look for their first home win against Sevilla, who are chasing a Champions League spot. Given past results and current form, a draw is a likely outcome.
Villarreal 7/20
Draw 36/10
Almeria 71/10
Villarreal, fresh from a strong win at Celta Vigo, hosts Almeria, whom they beat twice last season. Despite Villarreal’s mixed home results, they should prevail here.
Real Sociedad 11/20
Draw 28/10
Getafe 48/10
Real Sociedad, with just one win (against Real Madrid), hosts Getafe who has struggled away with no wins. Sociedad are favourites to take the win.