The focus in La Liga on Saturday will be on the race for European qualification, with a bonus: a crucial clash in the battle for survival.
Real Sociedad will look to build on their crucial win from last weekend, while Elche and Valencia will battle for three vital points at the bottom of the table. In the late fixtures, we’ll see Barcelona and Atlеtico Madrid in action, but they will likely be more concerned with the Champions League than their weekend matches.
All in all, there is a lot to look forward to in La Liga this weekend, and you can find our expert tips and predictions below.
Today’s La Liga betting tips & predictions
Real Sociedad vs. Alaves (1pm)
Real Sociedad continue to rely on home wins in their quest for European qualification, but they now host Alaves, who have won their last three La Liga matches against them.
Two months ago, we saw a classic clash between these teams in the Copa del Rey, with Sociedad managing to win 3-2. It’s quite likely that this result will repeat itself, mainly because the hosts are on a nine-game unbeaten streak at the Reale Arena (W7).
However, we must not overlook the fact that Alaves are fighting for survival and are in desperate need of points. Therefore, it is entirely possible to see both Both Teams to Score and over 2.5 goals.
Real Sociedad vs. Alaves top betting tip: Real Sociedad Over 1.5 goals, Over 2.5 goals
Elche vs. Valencia (3:15pm)
For Elche, this match offers a chance to escape the relegation zone. For Valencia, this is a chance to virtually guarantee their survival.
Valencia’s form has been far from consistent, and looking at their away record, we see five wins and five losses in their last 10 matches. Elche, on the other hand, have been absolutely impressive at home, losing only two of their last 10 matches at Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero—to Barcelona and Villarreal.
We really like the double chance on Elche/Draw, but we’d rather go with BTTS, given the latest improvement in both teams’ attacks and the importance of this match.
Elche vs. Valencia top betting tip: BTTS
Barcelona vs. Espanyol (5:30pm)
Espanyol are in their worst form since 2009, having failed to win in 13 consecutive matches. Barcelona are all but certain to win the league title and may take it easy in this match, given the far more important Champions League fixture coming up.
Wednesday’s heavy loss could prompt Hansi Flick to make significant changes to rest his key players. This is even more likely given Espanyol’s poor form and the fact that Barcelona haven’t lost to them since 2018.
Due to the huge gap in quality, bookmakers are expecting over 3.5 goals. We expect Barcelona to go out there to win the match, but without overexerting themselves, so we’ll bet on them + under 4.5 goals.
Barcelona vs. Espanyol top betting tip: Barcelona & Under 2.5 goals
Sevilla vs. Atletico Madrid (8:00pm)
Atlético Madrid have all but secured a spot in the top four and have a far more important Champions League rematch against Barcelona, which could create an opportunity for Sevilla to pick up crucial points.
The hosts are deep in a relegation battle and haven’t won in their last five matches. In their last two matches, they haven’t even managed to score a goal. However, we expect them to change that against Atletico, who are unlikely to come out 100% motivated.
We could try BTTS, but keep in mind it's the riskiest prediction for Saturday.
Sevilla vs. Atletico Madrid top betting tip: BTTS
Vladislav has been professionally engaged in freelance journalism for seven years and has worked with numerous leading sports publications. A football and martial arts fanatic, he spent years training in both disciplines before turning to writing.
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