This Sunday’s fixtures in the Spanish top flight feature three of last season’s ‘Big Four’, including champions Barcelona, surprise package Villarreal, and a shaky Atletico Madrid.
It is Atletico and Villarreal who kick off the fixtures with a star-studded late afternoon clash, followed by Getafe hosting newly promoted Racing Santander. In the late hours of the day, Barcelona travel to Elche.
Below, you’ll find our expert tips and predictions for each of Sunday’s La Liga matches.
Today’s La Liga betting tips & predictions
Atletico Madrid vs. Villarreal (4pm)
Atletico Madrid's fixture list is no easy one, with three consecutive away games ahead of them, so picking up all three points is particularly important. Villarreal didn't get off to the best start against one of the newly promoted sides, with their defensive frailties on show.
After their worst season in years, Atletico were flawless against Malaga and now need to get their own back after Villarreal beat them 5-1 in their last head-to-head.
In my view, it’s entirely logical that the home side are such heavy favourites, and Villarreal appear to be out of form. We may well see both teams score, but Atletico should win at home.
Atletico Madrid vs. Villarreal top betting tip: Atletico Madrid to win
Getafe vs. Racing Santander (6pm)
Getafe have had a poor start to the season, but we mustn’t forget that qualifying for the Conference League is certainly more important to them at the moment.
Racing Santander had every chance of beating Villarreal, but even a point is something of a success. Now they must capitalise on the distracted hosts, who have a return leg against Partizan in Serbia in four days’ time.
However, I reckon it will be tough for them, and it’s far more likely we’ll see another draw, albeit one with goals at both ends.
Getafe vs. Racing Santander top betting tip: BTTS
Elche vs. Barcelona (8:30pm)
Barcelona are starting the season a little later than usual due to the widespread participation of their players in the World Cup, but on paper they have the easiest task of all the favourites in the top flight.
Elche didn’t get off to a bad start to the season, and they must certainly regret not beating La Coruna. The Green-striped ones were quite impressive at home last season and certainly shouldn’t be underestimated, but it was Barcelona who beat them 3-1 at this ground.
Overall, the champions have six consecutive away wins at this ground, and I reckon they’ll make it seven – with plenty of goals to boot.
Elche vs. Barcelona top betting tip: Barcelona & 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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