Much of the action in La Liga is reserved for Sunday, but Saturday's matches are hugely important for both the race for Europe and the title race.
Barcelona host high-flying Villarreal with hopes of increasing their lead at the top. Rayo Vallecano will try to increase their lead over the relegation zone against Athletic Bilbao, who are in impressive form. Mallorca and Real Oviedo face tough tests against teams from the top half of the table.
Don't miss our expert tips and predictions for all Saturday's La Liga matches.
Today’s La Liga betting tips & predictions
Rayo Vallecano vs. Athletic Bilbao (1pm)
Rayo Vallecano are not yet completely safe, but the improvement in their form is evident. Athletic Bilbao are even more impressive with four wins in their last five games.
In their last home game, Rayo beat Atletico Madrid 3-0, and they have only lost once in their last 10 home games. Each of Bilbao's last six away games featured goals at both ends and over 2.5 goals.
We expect a very tough clash between two teams in desperate need of points, so we are picking both teams to score.
Rayo Vallecano vs. Athletic Bilbao top betting tip: BTTS
Barcelona vs. Villarreal (3:15pm)
Barcelona managed to regain the lead after Real Madrid's mistake, but now they face a huge test in the form of Villarreal, who are third and in great form.
Interestingly, however, Villarreal have had serious problems against the top teams this season. In fact, they have yet to win a single game against a team from the top 5.
Barcelona are unbeaten at home in the league this season and have 17 wins in 18 home games in all competitions. We expect a standard victory with at least a two-goal difference.
Barcelona vs. Villarreal top betting tip: Barcelona to score in both halves
Mallorca vs. Real Sociedad (5:30pm)
Real Sociedad failed to win their last two games after a sensational start to the year and nine games without defeat, but now face Mallorca, who sacked their manager earlier this week.
The visitors' recent matches have shown that their defense is still not where it needs to be, which gives us reason to expect a goal-filled thriller.
Mallorca have won 19 of their 24 points at home and are definitely capable of surprising even the best teams.
Mallorca vs. Real Sociedad top betting tip: BTTS
Real Oviedo vs. Atletico Madrid (8pm)
Atletico Madrid return to domestic action after two thrilling Champions League clashes and qualification.
Real Oviedo achieved a great result against Real Sociedad last week and will try to build on that at home, where they have only lost once in their last seven games.
This is perhaps the most difficult match to predict, but considering the high-scoring games of both teams in recent weeks, goals are probably the best option.
Real Oviedo vs. Atletico Madrid top betting tip: 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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