Predictions for the 23rd round of La Liga, February 6-9
Celta vs Osasuna
The opening fixture of the 23rd round of the Spanish La Liga holds quite a bit of intrigue. The fact is that the "reds" have been performing terribly in away matches this season – only one victory in the current national championship. It is also worth noting that Claudio Giráldez's team, under the guidance of the Spanish specialist for several years now, has managed to become a team consistently fighting for European competition spots. Even playing on two fronts has not yet led to a decline in results. Our editorial team considers advanced statistics, as well as the statistical features of each side. We do not expect miracles from the visitors.
Match Prediction for Celta vs Osasuna: Celta to Win
Rayo Vallecano vs Real Oviedo
Both clubs are within the relegation zone. If Real Oviedo's situation is not surprising – the club is objectively the weakest in terms of squad names and cannot boast of well-organized play. However, the "bees'" low position is striking – just last season, Iñigo Pérez and company secured a spot in the European campaign, and now they are forced to fight for their place in the elite of Spanish football. It is worth noting that in the first round of the current championship, the teams could not determine the stronger side – 0:0. In the last round of the Spanish La Liga, the "carbayones" managed to achieve a long-awaited victory and will approach the upcoming round in good spirits.
Match Prediction for Rayo Vallecano vs Real Oviedo: Real Oviedo to Win with Handicap (+1)
Barcelona vs Mallorca
The "Blaugrana" have been flawless in recent matches – the club's winning streak has reached 5 consecutive games across all competitions. Meanwhile, Jagoba Arrasate's team continues to fight for survival, leading the relegation zone by only 2 points. Special attention should be paid to the fact that the "islanders" cannot boast a reliable defensive structure this season – conceding about 1.55 goals per game. It should also be noted that "Barça" is the most prolific team in the league – scoring as much as 2.73 goals per game. In the first round of the current championship, Hansi Flick and company did not face significant difficulties at the "Iberostar" – winning 3:0. We expect a similar scenario with a sufficient number of goals scored by the hosts.
Match Prediction for Barcelona vs Mallorca: Barcelona to Win with Handicap (-1.5)
Sevilla vs Girona
Michel and company are gradually gaining momentum and are close to their optimal condition. In the last 5 matches, the "white and red" have suffered only one defeat, against Real Oviedo (0:1) last weekend. The current 12th place in the standings is further proof that Girona is recovering. Sevilla, on the other hand, remains one of the most unstable teams in the league. Nervion are capable of defeating a grand, but then get defeated by an outsider – what is worth a major failure in the last round (from Mallorca – 1:4). Sevilla and Girona are characterized by the worst defensive lines in the league – 1.68 and 1.64 goals conceded per game, respectively.
Match Prediction for Sevilla vs Girona: Both Teams to Score (Yes)
Real Sociedad vs Elche
The "Royals" will face a challenging match primarily from a physical standpoint. This is because Pellegrino Matarazzo's team had a tough cup match against Alaves midweek (3:2). The American coach has not only brought stability to the team but also a fighting spirit. Despite the fact that the clash with the "Glorious" did not go according to the desired scenario, the "White and Blues" managed to secure a ticket to the semifinals. Under the leadership of Pellegrino Matarazzo, Real Sociedad has not lost in 7 matches across all competitions. It's important to note that Elche is the weakest team in the league when it comes to away games (no wins in 10 attempts). Moreover, the "Royals" have an unbeaten streak of 7 consecutive games against the "Green Stripes".
Match Prediction for Real Sociedad vs Elche: Real Sociedad to Win
Alaves vs Getafe
The "Glorious" and the "City" will face off in a head-to-head clash this coming Sunday. Both clubs are fighting to maintain their status in the elite league. Although Alaves has climbed to the 10th position in the standings, the gap from the relegation zone is only 3 points. Meanwhile, Getafe is in its worst form this season – the team has failed to win in 9 consecutive matches across all competitions. Furthermore, in each of these matches, the "Dark Blues" scored no more than once. Alaves, on the other hand, has conceded no more than one goal in their last 4 home matches in the Spanish Primera. In the last 5 head-to-head encounters, no more than two goals were scored.
Match Prediction for Alaves vs Getafe: Total Under 2.5 Goals
Athletic vs Levante
Will the "Red and Whites" be able to end their winless streak in the 23rd round of the Spanish Primera? One of the highlights of Sunday's program will be the clash between Athletic and Levante at "San Mames". The "Basques'" performances this season have been so disappointing that they are currently only 3 points ahead of the relegation zone. The "Frogs" are in 19th position, trailing the safe 17th spot by 5 points. In recent rounds, the Valencian club has been gradually recovering – only one loss in the last 6 games in the Spanish Primera. Both clubs are in dire need of points, so we expect a cautious and slow-paced game. Moreover, in 6 of the last 7 head-to-head meetings, no more than two goals were scored.
Match Prediction for Athletic vs Levante: Total Under 2.5 Goals
Atletico vs Betis
Arguably one of the most intriguing fixtures of the 23rd round of the Spanish La Liga. It's unclear why bookmakers are underestimating Manuel Pellegrini's side so much. The Seville club is known for its recognizable style and clear strategy, similar to what brought Diego Simeone success at Atletico. In the last 8 head-to-head encounters, the "Colchoneros" have only managed to thrash their opponent once. Moreover, the capital club is in poor form, with unnecessary point losses in the league leading to a 10-point gap from the leader, as well as a very tough progression to the Champions League playoffs. The "Heliopolitans" simply appear to be a more harmonious team with their strengths and weaknesses.
Match Prediction for Atletico vs Betis: Betis to Win with a Handicap (+1.5)
Valencia vs Real Madrid
At first glance, it might seem like the "Los Blancos" are in for an easy ride this upcoming weekend. However, trips to "Mestalla" are never straightforward for the capital club. In the last 5 visits, the "Galacticos" have secured only two victories. Moreover, Real Madrid has been unable to achieve a convincing win over Valencia in 8 consecutive away games. Considering the current organizational and structural issues of the "Los Blancos," Alvaro Arbeloa will need to exert considerable effort to devise a successful game plan against the "Bats." The task is further complicated by Valencia's good form – the "Oranges" have scored at least one goal in 15 consecutive matches across all competitions.
Match Prediction for Valencia vs Real Madrid: Valencia to Score
Villarreal vs Espanyol
Villarreal and Espanyol are the surprise packages of the current Spanish La Liga season. The "Yellow Submarine" at one point was vying for the top spot in the league, while the "Parakeets" were content with a position in the TOP-5. Currently, both teams are experiencing a playing crisis, being in poor form – each team has not won in 5 consecutive matches. It is equally important for both sides to break their losing streak and get back on track to stability. Special attention should be given to the history of head-to-head encounters – Villarreal's unbeaten streak has reached 7 consecutive matches. It is also important to note that Marcelino's team is quite convincing at "La Cerámica" – only two defeats in the current La Liga season (against Real Madrid – 0:2 and Barcelona – 1:2).
