After two exciting midweek schedules, La Liga’s Round 36 concludes with three important fixtures on Thursday, as 14 of the league’s 20 teams still have everything to fight for.
Valencia and Rayo Vallecano will provide the early action, as both sides can still play in Europe next season. Girona will host an unmotivated Real Sociedad in pursuit of survival, and Real Madrid will try to end the season on a positive note, starting with a home match against already-relegated Real Oviedo.
Continue reading below for our expert tips and predictions for all La Liga fixtures on Thursday.
Today’s La Liga betting tips & predictions
Valencia vs. Rayo Vallecano (6pm)
Valencia and Rayo Vallecano are in a rather interesting position, with both teams equally close to qualifying for European competition or facing relegation. This makes the three points absolutely crucial to their season.
In practice, both teams are in identical form in the league and have room for improvement. What they have in common right now is that they are relatively solid defensively and don’t concede many goals.
Their head-to-head matches have always been tough and competitive, and we’ve rarely seen high-scoring results. Only one of the last 10 H2Hs has featured more than two goals. Considering all factors, a draw is quite likely, and even a 0-0 result is entirely possible.
Valencia vs. Rayo Vallecano top betting tip: Draw
Girona vs. Real Sociedad (7pm)
Girona’s poor form has seen them slip into the relegation zone, and they can no longer afford any more slip-ups. Real Sociedad secured their spot in the Europa League by winning the Copa del Rey, and, to be honest, haven’t been putting in much effort lately.
On paper, Real Sociedad have the weakest defense in the top half of the table, and especially recently. They have conceded 55 goals in 35 matches so far, having scored less —54.
This match is significantly more important for Girona, who are facing relegation. We plan to bet on both teams to score, given the visitors’ statistics.
Girona vs. Real Sociedad: BTTS
Real Madrid vs. Real Oviedo (8:30pm)
Alvaro Arbeloa is trying to rally Real Madrid for their final matches, but the team has nothing left to fight for. They need just one more point to secure second place in this trophy-less season.
Real Oviedo, meanwhile, confirmed their status as the first team to be relegated with their performance over the weekend and also have nothing to play for.
Even without motivation and with all the injuries, Real Madrid should be able to win without any problems. The first match of the season ended 3-0, and Oviedo didn’t create any real chances. We expect something similar here.
Real Madrid vs. Real Oviedo top betting tip: BTTS – No
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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