The La Liga has another exciting weekend with some fantastic fixtures.
Barcelona will want to keep their 100% record continuing but face a hard task at Sevilla. Real Madrid are back to winning ways, whilst Atletico Madrid, who have gone from strength to strength this season, look to continue their impressive and unbeaten start to the season. Here are some of my betting tips for this week’s La Liga action!
Sevilla v Barcelona 9:00pm – Saturday
Sevilla have picked up 11 points from a possible 15, and remain unbeaten. Their proudest moment of the season so far was beating Real Madrid at home, and would like to upset current pace setters Barcelona this weekend. Sevilla have won both home games so far, but face Barcelona who have won all league games so far this season. Barcelona have had some tough games, but this will be their toughest test so far. Barcelona have scored 14, and only conceded 3 in their first five games, but another win here would clearly show a statement of intent. Sevilla are 5/1 to win this match, with Barcelona at 4/9, clear favourites.
These odds were similar to those a few weeks ago when Sevilla beat Real Madrid, so it’s possible again. It’s always risky to bet against Barcelona, but I fancy Sevilla to cause an upset here, and get a draw against the Catalan club, and the odds of that are at 10/3. Messi, as usual, top favourite to score, at 9/4, but I’d tip Sevilla forward Alvaro Negredo at 7/1.
My Prediction; Sevilla 2-2 Barcelona – 16/1
Real Madrid v Deportivo – 6:50pm – Sunday
Jose Mourinho had criticised his team after losing to Sevilla a few weeks ago, and claimed his side have lost their fight and ambition. Real Madrid have lost two games this season, and dropping home points too, leaving them 8 points behind Barcelona already. They have won their last two matches, and the spark seems to be back. No one is expecting any upsets here, as Real Madrid are 1/9 to win. Deportivo, who have had a fairly solid start to the season, unbeaten on their travels, are 16/1 to come away with a victory, or 7/1 to earn even a draw. I’d go for a convincing home win. First goal scorer? Take your pick, but to win better money, you have to be more risky, so I’ll go for Xabi Alonso at 18/1.
Real Madrid 4-0 Deportivo – 15/2
Espanyol v Atletico Madrid – 8:30pm – Sunday
Atletico Madrid were brilliant towards the end of last season. They won the Europa League in style, but couldn’t manage to get in the top four places to have Champions League football. Their aim is to do that this year, but perhaps could even challenge for the title. They have one of the best strikers in the world, in Falcao, and a vast amount of creative midfielders. Espanyol have had a poor start to the season, sitting in 18th position, as Atletico are favourites for this one at EVENS. Atletico to be winning at half time and full time is at 11/5, so I’d tip that. Falcao to score first (if he is not injured) is at 3/1. I’d go for Arda Turan at 7/1 instead.
Espanyol 1-3 Atletico Madrid – 14/1