La Liga returns after Jude Bellingham opened his Real Madrid account with a goal and a standing ovation, while in the rival corner, Xavi has already lambasted the refereeing after Raphina picked up a straight red last time out.
Friday 18 August
Mallorca 19/10 | Draw 2/1 | Villarreal 31/20
An opening fixture defeat for Villarreal in such fashion – 90th-minute conceded goal – can be a blow to morale, but a chance to bounce back for the Yellow Submarine against Mallorca is on the cards.
Valencia 8/11 | Draw 5/2 | Las Palmas 4/1
Valencia won (1-2 vs Sevilla) away from home in style against a tough opponent. Another win is likely for Los Che when they battle newly-promoted Las Palmas in their first home fixture of the campaign.
Saturday 19 August
Real Sociedad 8/11 | Draw 23/10 | Celta de Vigo 21/5
Real Sociedad disappointed last time out even though Takefusa Kubo got his campaign off to a brilliant start. A good first half tapered off towards the end, costing Sociedad two points, but it was the first game of the season. I’m reluctantly backing Sociedad again.
Almeria 13/2 | Draw 15/4 | Real Madrid 4/11
Real Madrid had so much value on their opening fixture, and 4/11 is still one for the multiples in my opinion. Jude Bellingham had an emphatic debut game complimented by a goal, and everyone is intrigued to see just how great he will become.
Osasuna 17/10 | Draw 19/10 | Athletic Bilbao 17/10
Osasuna and Athletic Bilbao are expected to produce fireworks. Bilbao were unlucky to face Real Madrid in the opening round, while Osasuna sit top of the table with a comprehensive away win, scoring either side of the half. Both teams to score is my play.
Sunday 20 August
Girona 20/21 | Draw 2/1 | Getafe 3/1
Girona’s late second half goal was enough to earn a point against Sociedad away from home. However, even with the bulk of the possession, the team struggled to create many clear-cut opportunities. The draw is probable.
Barcelona 2/11 | Draw 11/2 | Cadiz 13/1
Barcelona’s title defence is not off to a good start after failing to find the back of the net in a 0-0 draw. Raphina’s 42nd minute straight red card was a huge factor. Like I said last week, something is off about Barca right now, and I’d keep them away from the betting slips till further notice. But if you must have a play, tentatively back the home side.
Real Betis 14/5 | Draw 23/10 | Atletico Madrid 20/21
Atletico Madrid had the least number of defeats away from home last season, and I believe they can do it again this time around. Back the away side as the value bet of gameweek two.
Monday 21 August
Alaves 9/4| Draw 19/10 | Sevilla 27/20
Sevilla have sustained a heavy knock in losing their key signing of the window centre-back Loic Bade via red card in their opening fixture defeat. However, Sevilla can reside in the fact that for 10 straight fixtures they have not lost to Alaves. Back the away team.
Granada 8/5 | Draw 19/10 | Vallecano 15/10
The closing fixture of the gameweek could really go either way. The defence of both clubs was an obvious area to bolster over the transfer window, and both have done so, but goals continue to leak and backing both teams to score.
