In La Liga, All eyes will be on the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys as Barcelona host Real Madrid in the season’s first El Clasico. The Catalonia outfit have lost five of their previous seven topflight fixtures against the Madridistas but are yet to see league defeat this season.
Friday, 27 October 2023
4/6 Girona | Draw 16/5 | Celta Vigo 7/2
Girona are currently level on points with log leaders Real Madrid, only goal difference separates the two sides. Furthermore, the Gironistes are the top scorers in the Spanish topflight. They are up against relegation threatened Celta Vigo, whom I don’t think will cause them many problems. I expect the three points to remain with the home side at 4/6.
Saturday, 28 October 2023
13/10 Almeria | Draw 23/10 | Las Palmas 2/1
Almeira are the only club yet to register a victory in the Spanish topflight this season. They are currently on their all-time longest winless streak in the top-flight, stretching 13 league games (Draw 5, Loss 8). Furthermore, they have conceded at least three goals in seven of their last 10 games in the tournament. Back the away side to win at 2/1.
29/20 Barcelona | Draw 5/2 | Real Madrid 13/8
Injuries, injuries, and injuries. Barcelona’s sizable injury list means that Xavi may have to be creative with his selection in this one. Sergi Roberto and Jules Kounde have been ruled out, with De Jong, Lewandowski, Raphinha, Pedri and Lamine Yamal all doubtful. They are up against log leaders Real Madrid with a certain Galactico delivering week in week out. Jude Bellingham’s purple patch of form at Real has seen his performances spill over for England with the attacking midfielder impressing both at club and international level. The 20-year-old produced another scintillating performance on Tuesday at Wembley, leading England to a 3-1 comeback victory against Italy and has scored 10 goals in his first 10 matches for Madrid. Back the away team to take all three points at 13/8.
13/10 Mallorca | Draw 19/10 | Getafe 5/2
Despite defeat to Real Sociedad last time out, Mallorca are edging further away from the drop zone. The hosts are yet to see a league victory and home soil and I think that ends this weekend. The forward pair of Vedat Muriqi and Abdon Prats may very well keep them up this season. Back the home team on the double chance at 27/100.
9/4 Cadiz | Draw 9/4 | Sevilla 6/5
Under pressure Sevilla boss Jose Mendilbar was relieved of his duties before the international break, with his successor Diego Alonso (from the US) appointed till the end of the season. Sergio Ramos came close to stealing the three points for Sevilla in Alonso’s debut fixture against Real Madrid. I back the Sevillestas to kick start their campaign with an emphatic victory against Cadiz in this one. Back a Sevilla win at 6/5.
Sunday, 29 October 2023
1/1 Real Betis | Draw 9/4 | Osasuna 13/5
Manuel Pelligrini has churned out strong results since being appointed at the helm of Real Betis. Despite their early season heroics, Betis have won just one of their previous five league fixtures. With a scheduled appointment against Arris Limassol, which will see them travel to Cyprus midweek, I have doubts about them adding to their win tally. Back a draw in this one at 49/20.
85/40 Rayo Vallecano | Draw 19/10 | Real Sociedad 11/18
A solitary defeat against Atletico Madrid across their previous 5 league outings has catapulted Real Sociedad up the La Liga standings. The Basque Country outfit has netted 18 goals this season and currently sit just outside the top four. Back the away side to grab all 3 points in this one at 11/18.
3/5 Athletic Club | Draw 11/4 | Valencia 9/2
Athletic Club are just 5 points off the Champions League spot, with their home form pivotal to their strong league position. Their opening day defeat to Real Madrid has been their only league loss at the San Mames Barria this season, with Bilbao going on to score 12 goals over their ensuing four home league fixtures. Back a home win at 3/5.
4/11 Atletico Madrid | Draw 7/2 | Alaves 7/1
Atleti were one of only two teams to net 2+ goals in the previous round of fixtures. Diego Simeone’s chargers are hot on the heels of the summit of the Spanish topflight and are currently separated by 3 points. I expect them to navigate Alaves comfortably in this one. Back Simeone’s men to take all 3 points at 4/11.
Monday, 30 October 2023
2/1 Granada | Draw 12/5 | Villarreal 6/5
With 9 points from their opening 10 games, Villarreal are edging closer and closer to the drop zone. Grada have gone without a clean sheet this season and haven’t won a match in their previous seven attempts this campaign. Despite both teams faltering, I expect this to be a cagey affair. Back a draw in this one at 12/5.
