La Liga's season continues with Matchday 23 and this Saturday, as usual, we will see four games being played, all at different times.
The first on the programme is the duel between two teams currently in the relegation zone, Rayo Vallecano and Real Oviedo. After that, we will see Barcelona host Mallorca as they look for three points to solidify their place at the top of the standings.
The penultimate match of the day pits Sevilla against Girona and it should be an interesting one with the two teams only separated by one point in La Liga's table. Finally, Real Sociedad and Elche will meet in San Sebastian in the evening game, in which the hosts will hope to keep their six-game streak without a loss in the league alive.
In this article, we provide expert betting tips and predictions for all four of today’s La Liga matches.
Today’s La Liga betting tips & predictions
Rayo Vallecano vs Real Oviedo (1:00pm)
The hosts enter this game on a three-match losing streak in La Liga, which saw them slip down to the relegation zone, making this next game against the bottom-of-the-table rival a crucial one if they are to avoid getting even deeper in trouble.
That being said, Real Oviedo have won five points from their last five games and enter this match after a win over Girona, so while they are currently last in the standings and six points behind Rayo Vallecano, they might have the advantage in the mental department as Rayo Vallecano face pressure to end their losing streak.
The first meeting between them this season has ended in a boring scoreless draw, and given the troubles both team have on offense (Rayo Vallecano 18 goals in 22 games, Oviedo 12 goals in 22 games), we wouldn't be surprised if this match follows a similar pattern.
Rayo Vallecano vs Real Oviedo top betting tip: Draw at Half Time or Full Time, Under 2.5 total goals
Barcelona vs Mallorca (3:15pm)
The giants from Barcelona enter this game on a high since they've won 16 of their last 17 matches in all competitions. The only time they failed to win was away at Real Sociedad in La Liga, in a match they lost 2-1, but otherwise they are in great form and sitting at the top of the La Liga table, albeit with just one point more than their fierce rivals Real Madrid.
On the other hand, Mallorca are 14th in the standings at the moment and just two points ahead of the relegation zone, but they've won twice in their last three league matches, beating Sevilla and Athletic Bilbao, both at home.
All in all, there is little doubt about the outcome of this game and anything other than a convincing win for the hosts would be a huge surprise, which is also reflected in the odds. So, to find bets with good value, betting on Barca to score multiple goals sounds like the way to go, as well as backing Ferran Torres to score as the team's top scorer in La Liga this season with 12 goals.
Barcelona vs Mallorca top betting tip: Barcelona over 2.5 total goals, Ferran Torres to score at any time
Sevilla vs Girona (5:30pm)
After a horrible start to the season and just one win in their first 11 games, Girona have found their groove and managed to string some good results, including three wins in their last five La Liga matches, helping them create some separation from the relegation zone.
Meanwhile, the hosts are on a bad run of form at the moment, with four losses in their last six games in the league. However, they are overall pretty much in the same boat as Girona, one point behind them with a better goal difference.
With both teams in danger of relegation, it's hard to predict the outcome of this game and it's better to stick with goals. Both teams are struggling to defend, with four clean sheets in 22 games each. On the other hand, Sevilla have scored 29 goals so far, while Girona have scored 21, so we can see this game ending with goals on both sides.
Sevilla vs Girona top betting tip: BTTS, Over 2.5 total goals
Real Sociedad vs Elche (8:00pm)
The two teams enter this game in completely different moods – the hosts are on a run of nine games without a loss in all competitions, while Elche have failed to win in their last six games, five of which were La Liga matches.
Real Sociedad are in the top half of the standings, chasing a spot in Europe for next season, while the guests are two points ahead of the first team in the relegation zone. On top of that, the team from San Sebastian have won eight of the last 10 H2H meetings, although their first duel this season has ended in a 1-1 draw.
Despite that last result, we can't see Elche avoiding another loss and the odds on Real Sociedad aren't bad, but we feel confident in their win to back them winning after also leading at half time. That being said, Elche could find a way to score here given that the hosts have conceded a goal in the last 10 games in a row in all competitions, while Elche have scored at least once in their last nine matches.
Real Sociedad vs Elche top betting tip: Real Sociedad/Real Sociedad, BTTS
An avid sports fan and bettor, with a soft spot for basketball, tennis, and football. Vladimir is a part of MFT's unique community both as writer and editor.
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