Predictions for the 20th round of La Liga, January 16-19
Espanyol vs Girona
The "Red and Whites" are gradually finding their footing and have managed to climb out of the relegation zone. However, the upcoming match will be a real test of resilience for Michel's squad. Espanyol is not only highly effective at home (1.9 points per game) but is also in excellent form (only one defeat in the last seven rounds). However, when placing a bet, it is important to consider the history of head-to-head encounters – Girona has not lost to their opponent in the last 9 meetings. Our editorial team anticipates a scrappy game with points earned by the visitors.
Match Prediction for Espanyol vs Girona: Girona will not lose
Real Madrid vs Levante
For the "Whites," the upcoming match will be a serious test under the guidance of their new head coach – Álvaro Arbeloa. Whether the club's management made a farsighted decision with this significant step will be revealed soon. Levante also underwent a coaching change – after Luis Castro's arrival, the club thrashed Sevilla (3:0) and drew with Espanyol (1:1). Note that both clubs are quite active in the attacking phases. Let's record the average scoring rate of each side in the current season: Real – 2.16 goals per game, Levante – 1.17. We suggest considering the following bet option – both teams to score (yes).
Match Prediction for Real Madrid vs Levante: both teams to score (yes)
Mallorca vs Athletic
Jagoba Arrasate's squad is still within reach of the relegation zone. In the last round, the "Islanders" suffered a painful defeat to Rayo Vallecano – 1:2. Now, Mallorca's winless streak has reached 3 consecutive matches. It is important to note that Athletic is an inconvenient opponent for the "Cinnabar Reds" – the Bilbao team has not lost in the last 8 head-to-head matches. Despite the similarly disheartening form of the "Basques," the class of the players and the coach's influence will play a key role in determining the winner. Thus, our editorial team favors the away side and expects the maximum number of points from Ernesto Valverde's charges.
Match Prediction for Mallorca vs Athletic: Athletic to win with a handicap (0)
Osasuna vs Real Oviedo
The "Carbayones" hope to lift themselves from the bottom of the league table in the upcoming round. Currently, the newcomer to La Liga is 5 points away from the safe 17th position. Meanwhile, Real Oviedo's winless streak has reached 13 consecutive matches across all competitions. In the last round of the national championship, Guillermo Almada's squad failed to maintain their lead against Betis (1:1). Meanwhile, Osasuna appears to be a formidable force at their home stadium – only two defeats in 9 matches played. Notably, in the last 18 previous in head-to-head encounters between the "Reds" and the "Carbayones" in Pamplona, points were consistently scored by the home side. In our opinion, the current form of Real Oviedo simply won't allow them to defeat the current Osasuna.
Match Prediction for Osasuna vs Real Oviedo: Osasuna to Win
Betis vs Villarreal
Arguably, the most intriguing fixture of Saturday's program in the Spanish Primera is the clash between Betis and Villarreal at the “Benito Villamarín”. Both clubs are active participants in the race for European competitions. However, the difference between them in the league table is a whopping 12 points. It's important to note that both teams are known for their effectiveness in the attacking phases of the game: the "Green-and-Whites" average 1.63 goals per game, while the "Yellow Submarine" averages 2.06. In the last 5 head-to-head encounters between the clubs, at least 3 goals were scored. A similar trend is characteristic of 4 out of Villarreal's last 5 matches. Our editorial team anticipates active and intense football in the upcoming game.
Match Prediction for Betis vs Villarreal: Total Over 2.5 Goals
Getafe vs Valencia
The "City" team has lost confidence, suffering 5 defeats and securing only one draw in their last 6 matches. The current form of Getafe has once again complicated their league objectives, with José Bordalás's squad currently sitting in 12th place in the standings. A 4-point gap from the relegation zone can hardly be considered secure for Getafe. It's important to understand that Valencia is a direct competitor for the "Dark Blues". The club from the namesake city is only in 18th place, still searching for balance in their lines. The "Coliseum Alfonso Pérez" poses challenges for any visiting team. In the last 7 head-to-head encounters in Getafe, there has not been a single victory for the visiting side.
Match Prediction for Getafe vs Valencia: Getafe to Win with a Handicap (0)
Atletico vs Alaves
The mentality of Atletico Madrid obliges the players to compete for the championship every season. Currently, the "Rojiblancos" maintain a position within the TOP-4 of the league, but the gap from the leading Barcelona has reached 11 points. Alaves, on the other hand, is a systematic team that performs according to its resources. It's worth noting that both the "Indians" and the "Glorious" are characterized by high defensive efficiency in the current La Liga campaign. Diego Simeone's squad concedes 0.89 goals per game (the best result in the league), while Eduardo Coudet's team concedes 1.26. Moreover, in 3 of the last 4 head-to-head meetings between the teams, no more than two goals were scored.
Match Prediction for Atletico vs Alaves: Total Under 2.5 Goals
Celta vs Rayo Vallecano
After a victory over Mallorca (2:1) in the last round Rayo Vallecano has managed to break into the top half of the league table. The trip to "Balaídos" is a serious test for Iñigo Pérez's squad. The "Celts" are known for their effective actions during transitional phases and make excellent use of the field's width. The "Bees" are currently struggling with maintaining compactness, which complicates their task of countering such opponents. It's also telling that in the last 5 away matches in La Liga, Rayo Vallecano has not won. According to our editorial team, the home side will manage to add points to their tally by the end of the 20th round.
Match Prediction Celta vs Rayo Vallecano: Celta to win with a (0) handicap
Real Sociedad vs Barcelona
After winning the Spanish Super Cup, Barcelona aims to solidify its lead in the national championship standings. Hansi Flick's squad is the most stable and effective team at the end of the first half of the championship. Currently, the "Blaugrana" are 4 points ahead of Real Madrid. It should be noted that the appointment of Pellegrino Matarazzo as the head coach of Real Sociedad is already bearing fruit – qualification for the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey and 4 points in 2 matches of the Spanish La Liga. Let's not forget that the "Royals" were stronger than Barcelona in their last head-to-head match at the "Reale Arena" – 1:0. The fatigue of the "Barça" players might influence the final result.
Match Prediction Real Sociedad vs Barcelona: Real Sociedad to win with a (+1.5) handicap
Elche vs Sevilla
The current form of Sevilla is disappointing the club's fans – the "Nervionenses" have lost three consecutive rounds. Moreover, in none of these matches did Matías Almeyda's squad manage to score. Poor finishing, lack of confidence and experience, as well as the absence of proper balance in the lines contribute to this. The trip to "Manuel Martínez Valero" looks like an incredibly tough challenge for the "Red and Whites". Eder Sarabia's team recently suffered their first home defeat of the season (against Villarreal – 1:3). A fantastic result they wish to maintain. Let's recall that Sevilla's last away victory over Elche dates back to October 2014 (2:0). Whether Matías Almeyda's squad can end an 11-year drought without away wins over Elche remains a big question.
