Predictions for the 22nd round of La Liga, January 30th – February 2nd
Espanyol vs Alaves
After a resounding victory over Betis (2:1), the "glorious" team faces an even tougher trip to the capital of Catalonia. Despite Espanyol's mediocre form, Manolo Gonzalez's squad remains a formidable force in the current La Liga season. When considering a bet, it's important to note Alaves' dismal performance in away matches – not a single win in 10 attempts. Eduardo Coudet employs a rather basic counter-attacking style that no longer causes a stir during matches. Our editorial team doubts that the visitors will manage to earn points at "Cornella-El Prat".
Match Prediction for Espanyol vs Alaves: Espanyol to win
Real Oviedo vs Girona
In the upcoming La Liga round, the league's underdog will strive to earn points against the resurgent Girona. The "Carbayones" have not been helped by a change of coach or tactical adjustments. The club's winless streak across all competitions has reached 15 consecutive matches. This dismal result indicates serious organizational issues within the team. Meanwhile, the "white and reds" have gone unbeaten in four consecutive matches, climbing to the 10th spot in the league table. Once Michel simplified his team's play and assigned roles that the players understood, their fortunes improved. It is also worth noting that in the last 6 head-to-head encounters, Real Oviedo has been unable to defeat Girona.
Match Prediction for Real Oviedo vs Girona: Girona will not lose
Osasuna vs Villarreal
It seems Marcelino and his Villarreal are facing their first serious crisis of the season. Currently, the club from the eponymous city is on a streak of 4 consecutive defeats across all competitions. Their performance on the international stage has been a disaster – 1 draw and 7 losses (the worst result in the current Europa League campaign). Nonetheless, in the national championship, the "Yellow Submarine" still holds a solid points cushion to remain within the TOP-4. It's important to consider that Osasuna has been preparing for the upcoming match in a weekly cycle, whereas Villarreal made a trip to Leverkusen. Also, do not underestimate the "reds'" effectiveness at "El Sadar" – only 2 losses all season.
Match Prediction for Osasuna vs Villarreal: Osasuna will not lose
Levante vs Atletico
This coming Saturday, "Ciudad de Valencia" will host the clash between Levante and Atletico. Diego Simeone's squad is still aiming to compete with Barcelona and Real Madrid in the title race, but to do so, they need to minimize point losses. In the last round, Levante secured their first home win of the season – against Elche (3:2). Nonetheless, the organizational issues of the "frogs" have not gone unnoticed –it is quite challenging for them to maintain compactness in defense and execute a quick transition from defense to attack. Let's note that the "Colchoneros" have scored at least 2 goals against the Valencia club in 3 of the last 4 head-to-head matches. We anticipate the continuation of this trend.
Match Prediction for Levante vs Atletico: Atletico's Individual Total Over 1.5 Goals
Elche vs Barcelona
In a rather challenging period for Elche, the club faces a confrontation with the reigning national champion. It is worth noting that the "Green-striped" have been unable to secure a victory for 5 consecutive games. However, on their home turf, Eder Sarabia's squad continues to perform convincingly, with only one defeat all season. Meanwhile, "Barca," despite their solidity, continues to experience defensive issues, conceding in 3 of their last 4 matches across all competitions. On the other hand, Elche has managed to score at least one goal in each of their last 10 matches across all competitions. Considering the statistical trends and the current state of the teams, we anticipate an exchange of goals.
Match Prediction for Elche vs Barcelona: Both Teams to Score (Yes)
Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano
This coming Sunday, Álvaro Arbeloa and his team need to redeem themselves in front of their fans after a painful midweek European defeat to Benfica (2-4). Due to this setback, the "Los Blancos" will have to play playoff matches, which will also impact the physical condition of the players. It is important to consider that the crowd at the "Santiago Bernabéu" is the best boost for Real's players. This season, they have only dropped points at home once in the national championship. On the contrary, Rayo Vallecano has been unable to secure a win in 6 consecutive away matches in La Liga. This suggests a betting option where the "Galacticos" confidently secure the maximum points.
Match Prediction for Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano: Real Madrid to Win with a Handicap (-1.5)
Betis vs Valencia
Manuel Pellegrini's squad risks falling out of the TOP-6 in the championship if they drop points in the upcoming match. The "Green-and-Whites" have slightly stalled in recent rounds, losing points where it wasn't expected, such as a draw with Real Oviedo (1-1) and a loss to Alaves (1-2). However, it's important not to discount Valencia, who are gradually improving their standings. Carlos Corberán's team may not be characterized by effective pressing or exemplary ball control, but the "Bats" can easily adapt to the strengths of any opponent. Special attention should be paid to the current statistical trend in head-to-head encounters between in 5 out of the last 6 encounters between Betis and Valencia, both teams have managed to score.
Match Prediction for Betis vs Valencia: Both Teams to Score (Yes)
Getafe vs Celta
The density at the lower end of the league table is striking – not long ago, the "city" team was content with a position in the top half of the table, but now they are forced to fight for survival, leading the 18th spot by just 1 point. The reason for this is a series of 8 matches without a win across all competitions. Moreover, in each of these matches, Getafe did not score more than once. Now, bold decisions are expected from José Bordalás to bring about positive changes. In contrast, the "Celts" appear to be a true monolith – only one defeat in regulation time across all competitions in the last 8 outings. Claudio Giráldez's team is now on the verge of breaking into the top 6. Our editorial team does not anticipate a dynamic development of events – Getafe will try to lock down in defense, depriving the opponent of their advantages, and Celta is unlikely to throw all their forces into attack from the first minutes.
Match Prediction for Getafe vs Celta: Total Under 2.5 Goals
Athletic vs Real Sociedad
Who would have thought at the start of the season that the stable and balanced Athletic would be playing catch-up to Real Sociedad. The fact is, the "royals" are in a transitional period, and there is nothing surprising about their unstable performances. Even the dismissal of Sergio Francisco from the start of the season was probably considered among the board of directors. The "Basques" are in dismal form – an early exit from the Champions League and no victories in the national championship for 6 consecutive games. However, the arrival of Pellegrino Matarazzo at the helm of the "white and blues" has been a decisive factor – under his leadership, Real Sociedad has already qualified for the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey and earned 10 out of a possible 12 points in La Liga. In our opinion, even the away status of the match will not hinder the "royals," who have gained confidence in their abilities.
Match Prediction for Athletic vs Real Sociedad: Real Sociedad Will Not Lose
Mallorca vs Sevilla
The final fixture of the 22nd round of La Liga will feature a clash between Mallorca and Sevilla. Both clubs are still embroiled in the battle for survival. While the "Nervionenses" have pulled away from the 18th spot by at least 3 points, the "Islanders" are currently within the relegation zone. It is worth noting that both clubs are among the most conceding in the league – with an average of 1.57 goals conceded per game. Additionally, consider the following statistical trend – in 3 of the last 4 head-to-head matches, both teams have scored. The fight for survival is always emotional – it seems the upcoming fixture will be no exception. We anticipateincreased activity from both sides.
