REMEMBER Terry Gibson? Well, we've signed him and while he won't be kicking a football he'll be looking into his crystal ball and bringing us his best Spanish tips every week.
The ex-Spurs, Coventry and Manchester United striker is probably best remembered for his time as part of the infamous Wimbledon Crazy Gang side of the late 80s and early 90s. Now an expert in all things La Liga he works as a pundit and co-commentator on Sky Sports’ Spanish football coverage and is a contributor to unibet.
Here he previews two Saturday games.
Athletic Bilbao v Real Betis (Sat 3.15pm)
There is literally nothing riding on this game, with Athletic Bilbao surprisingly not mathematically certain that they were staying in the division until last week.
Real Betis, on the other hand, confirmed their position as participants in next season’s Europa League after their 2-1 win against Malaga on Monday evening.
Athletic Bilbao have made it pretty clear that there will be huge changes next season but, as of yet, they have not confirmed that the coach Cuco Ziganda, will be replaced. Yet everybody knows he will.
A 40 point return this season for the Basques is a terrible return, and as for finding the net, it has been desperate. Just 38 goals scored this season, and with just 17 at home, you can fully understand the frustration and general malaise of the home supporters, they look, and sound bored during and you get the distinct feeling that everybody just wants the season to be over with.
This and the fact that Real Betis actually are a better team, means I fully expect an away win.
Betis are on fire at the moment, having won seven of their last eight. The only slip up came away at Atletico, where they drew 0-0.
Malaga were the first to score against them after six consecutive clean sheets, and I’m backing them again in this game to keep another one.
Terry's Tips
- Bilbao 0, Betis 1 (9-1, Unibet)
- Sergio Leon to score first (6-1, Unibet)
- Betis win to nil (24-5, Unibet)
Villarreal v Valencia (Sat 7.45pm)
Valencia go into this game needing just a point more from their remaining games to guarantee a Champions League position for next season. They missed an opportunity to do so last week, when they were held to a 0-0 home draw with Eibar, and I have a feeling that they will have to wait another week to confirm their status.
In theory, for Valencia to be denied, Betis have to win all of their remaining three games and Valencia have to lose the three they have to play. That won’t happen, but the wait will have to continue as I believe Betis will win this week and I think Valencia will get beat here.
They will get their point at some stage though, as they play Girona away and Deportivo la Coruńa at home.
Villarreal are looking to seal their Europa League position and are not far away from confirming sixth. It is imperative they get maximum points in this game, as they travel to the Nou Camp on Wednesday for a rearranged fixture, and it is the sooner the better for the Yellow Submarine, as they also face Real Madrid in another of their remaining games.
For that reason, I believe they will gain maximum points in this match.
They were impressive last weekend at home to Celta Vigo, registering a 4-1 home win. Carlos Bacca is clearly in top form after notching his first ever hat trick in La Liga. It’s 15 for the season now for the Colombian.
Therefore, I’m going for a home win for Villarreal and I’m going for a pretty high scoring game.
Terry's Tips
- Villarreal 3, Valencia 2 (20-1, Unibet)
- Bacca to score first (41-10, Unibet)
- Over 3.5 goals (2-1, Unibet)
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An ex-Tottenham, Coventry and Manchester United striker, Terry is probably best remembered for his time as part of the infamous Wimbledon Crazy Gang side of the late 80s and early 90s. Now an expert in all things La Liga, he works as a pundit and co-commentator on Sky Sports’ Spanish football coverage.
