Our football analyst previews the Spanish La Liga week 14 action which kicks off on Friday 1 December 2017.
With 13 rounds down, Spanish La Liga’s top trio – Barcelona, Valencia and Atletico Madrid – remain unbeaten and electrifying the league! Facing fierce competition this season, they’ve impressively held their ground. Barcelona leads the table, with Valencia four points behind. Atletico and Real Madrid cling to third and fourth but trail a hefty eight points behind Barca. Ernesto Valverde’s champions are simply untouchable this season and the ones everyone’s chasing.
Friday 1 December
Malaga 8/10 | Draw 26/10 | Levante 34/10
Relegation-threatened Malaga hosts Levante at La Rosaleda. Despite a 3-2 loss to Real Madrid last Saturday, Malaga showed fierce resolve, winning back-to-back home games previously. Levante suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid last weekend. I’m backing Malaga to secure a vital win at 17/20.
Saturday 2 December
Barcelona 1/8 | Draw 8/1 | Celta Vigo 14/1
Barcelona aim to bounce back against Celta Vigo after a 1-1 draw at Valencia, where Messi was wrongly denied a goal. The Catalans have been dominant at Camp Nou, winning all six home fixtures, netting 20 goals and conceding just twice.
Celta Vigo came off a 1-0 win over Leganes but have lost their last two away. They’ll struggle against the table toppers. I recommend backing Barca on the (-1) Handicap at 7/20.
Atletico Madrid 5/10 | Draw 29/10 | Real Sociedad 57/10
Atletico thrashed Levante 5-0 with Kevin Gameiro and Antoine Griezmann shining. They also beat Roma 2-0 in the Champions League. Diego Simeone’s squad is in lethal form with Diego Costa returning soon.
Real Sociedad drew 2-2 with Las Palmas, their second consecutive draw at home. Scoring power is evident with 27 goals in 13 matches, failing once to score. I’m tipping Both Teams to Score at even money.
Sevilla 4/10 |Draw 37/10 | Deportivo 6/1
Sevilla continue their fantastic form, staging remarkable comebacks to draw with Liverpool 3-3 and beat Villarreal 3-2 last weekend. Deportivo are on a three-game winless streak with a 2-2 draw against Athletic Bilbao. Sevilla have won five out of six home games and are a solid pick at 9/20.
Athletic Bilbao 11/2 | Draw 37/10 | Real Madrid 9/20
Real Madrid triumphed 3-2 over Malaga in a thrilling match, with Cristiano Ronaldo clinching the win. Zidane’s men look to build momentum against a struggling Athletic Bilbao, winless in five games. I’m confident Real Madrid will take all three points here.
Sunday 3 December
Leganes 33/20 | Draw 21/10 | Villarreal 7/4
Leganes want to stop the losing streak as they host Villarreal. They’ve lost their last four with no goals scored in the last three. Villarreal, although losing 3-2 to Sevilla after squandering a two-goal lead, remain unbeaten in their last three away fixtures. I’m backing Villarreal on the Win/Draw Double Chance at 9/20.
Getafe 21/10 | Draw 49/20 | Valencia 5/4
Valencia visit Getafe, who have won their last two home games, including a 4-1 victory over Alaves. Valencia earned a lucky draw against Barcelona but showed solid performance and are eager to win again. I tip an away win at 5/4.
Eibar 27/20 | Draw 43/20 | Espanyol 43/20
Eibar, coming off two wins including a resounding 5-0 over Real Betis, host Espanyol. The visitors recently beat Getafe but remain winless away this season. I’m backing Eibar for a third straight victory.
Las Palmas 23/20 | Draw 26/10 | Real Betis 43/20
Las Palmas lifted themselves from the bottom with a tough 2-2 draw at Real Sociedad. They host Real Betis, who have not won in four matches. Both teams score regularly, suggesting an entertaining clash. The bet for Over 2.5 Goals at 6/10 looks smart.
Monday 4 December
Girona 13/20 | Draw 11/4 | Alaves 9/2
Girona hopes to continue their unbeaten streak of five games against Alaves. Alaves dropped to the bottom after consecutive losses, but scoring has been an issue for Girona at home. Girona should manage the win, so back the home victory.
QUAD @ 4.28/1
Barcelona (-1) Handicap 7/20
Sevilla Win 4/10
Real Madrid Win 9/20
Valencia Win 5/4
