Only four matchdays have passed, yet La Liga has already produced a host of surprises, with teams that nobody expected sitting near the top of the table.
This coming Saturday sees four matches as the fifth round gets underway, and right now it looks as though every single one of them is set to be a goal-fest with the potential for dramatic comebacks.
Check out our expert tips and predictions for all La Liga matches below.
Today’s La Liga betting tips & predictions
Racing Santander vs. Alaves (1pm)
Racing Santander have started the season exactly as we expected – picking up points at home and losing away. What’s interesting, though, is that even in their away fixtures they haven’t looked all that bad so far.
Alaves, on the other hand, have been phenomenal since the start of the season, but there’s another factor at play here – with one exception, their fixtures have been relatively straightforward. Now they’re facing another of the league’s newcomers and will certainly try to capitalise on this opportunity.
Racing Santander have scored five goals in their first two home games of the season and, in my view, will find the back of the Alaves net at least once. I don’t think they’ll win – not at all, in fact – but I expect to see some goals.
Racing Santander vs. Alaves top betting tip: Over 2.5 goals
Osasuna vs. Espanyol (3:15pm)
Osasuna host Espanyol as they look to bounce back from their recent defeats. The Little Reds got off to a strong start until they faced Alavés and lost 5–2.
Espanyol, meanwhile, had one of the toughest opening fixtures and, as a result, have failed to win any of their last three matches. However, the Parakeets have at least been scoring in every match they’ve played, and that’s unlikely to change against Osasuna, whose defensive frailties were evident in their last match.
Once again, I reckon we’ll see goals from both teams. The same fixture last season ended in a 2–1 away win for Espanyol.
Osasuna vs. Espanyol top betting tip: BTTS
Athletic Bilbao vs. Elche (5:30pm)
Athletic Bilbao seem to have found the right formula after a dreadful start to the season and now face Elche on the back of two consecutive wins and two clean sheets. And having beaten Atlético Madrid, they should have no trouble with Elche, who do not look ready for the top flight.
The Green-Striped Ones are still without a win this season, with three defeats and a draw. Their defence is abysmal, having already conceded 12 goals. On a positive note, at least they’re scoring goals even against significantly stronger opponents and will certainly create some chances.
Nevertheless, I expect Athletic Bilbao to capitalise fully on the visitors’ defensive problems and secure a convincing third consecutive victory.
Athletic Bilbao vs. Elche top betting tip: Athletic Bilbao to win
Real Madrid vs. Rayo Vallecano (8:00pm)
Rayo Vallecano have finally secured a win, albeit by the skin of their teeth and against one of the weakest possible opponents. Now, however, they face an away trip to Real Madrid, who have some ground to make up following their defeat last weekend.
Los Blancos played a very tough match against Inter Milan during the week and I certainly expect some rotations from Mourinho. This could create opportunities for the visitors, but I find it hard to imagine another upset.
Everything points to another high-scoring thriller involving these two sides. Real Madrid cannot afford any slip-ups against a team at the bottom of the table.
Real Madrid vs. Rayo Vallecano top betting tip: Real Madrid & Over 2.5 goals
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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