Predictions for the 4th round of La Liga, September 12-15
Sevilla vs Elche
Elche is arguably the main revelation at the start of the new season. Eder Sarabia's team has drawn twice – against Betis (1:1) and Atletico (1:1) and achieved success in their match against Levante (2:0). These results have allowed the "green-and-whites" to occupy the 7th position in the standings. The "Nervionenses" are still searching for their best form under the new head coach, but the victory over Girona (2:0) in the last round is encouraging for the club's fans. Both teams tend to play defensively, not throwing all their efforts into attack. In 4 of the last 5 head-to-head meetings, no more than 2 goals were scored.
Match Prediction for Sevilla vs Elche: Total Under 2.5 Goals
Getafe vs Real Oviedo
The "Carbayones" are suffering from a lack of high-quality players capable of delivering results at the start of the new season. Largely due to the absence of a clearly structured system and balance across the lines, the newcomer to the Spanish Primera is currently unable to impose their style of play on opponents. However, exemplary counter-attacking play and smart positional defense in the last round allowed Real Oviedo to succeed against Real Sociedad (1:0). However, defeating Getafe will be more challenging – the team has been forged by the dogmatist José Bordalás for several years now, and the "city team" is one of the toughest opponents for any La Liga side. Moreover, the "Carbayones" have never achieved an away victory over the "dark blues" in history.
Match Prediction for Getafe vs Real Oviedo: Getafe Win
Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid
The departure of Imanol Alguacil has only worsened the situation for the "royals". At the start of the new championship, the team from San Sebastián has not achieved a single victory – 2 draws and 1 loss. It is important to note that Real Sociedad faced teams that are not considered giants of Spanish football – Valencia (1:1), Espanyol (2:2), and Real Oviedo (0:1). The style of play being developed by Sergio Francisco with the "white-and-blues" is still unclear. On the other hand, the "Galacticos" have started a new era under Xabi Alonso quite successfully – 9 points out of a possible 9. Currently, it is difficult to identify weaknesses in the "Merengues" lineup – the same can be said about their adherence to the tactical plan. We do not expect a sensational result in this matchup.
Match Prediction for Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid: Real Madrid Win
Athletic vs Alaves
The "Basques" have started the new season with a bang, winning each of their first 3 matches. Ernesto Valverde's team has recently showcased their wing play sharpness and has once again proven that they can create a scoring opportunity out of virtually nothing. Retaining their leaders at the end of the off-season gives hope to the "lions" fans for successful performances on the continental stage. The "glorious" team remains a tenacious side capable of taking points from any opponent. It's worth noting that head-to-head encounters between these clubs are characterized by their scrappiness and often extremely slow pace – in the last 11 meetings, no more than 2 goals were scored. We expect this trend to continue.
Match Prediction Athletic vs Alaves: Total Under 2.5 Goals
Atletico vs Villarreal
Diego Simeone's squad is not themselves at the start of the new season. In three league matches, the "mattress makers" have not secured a single victory. It's important to note that the opponents of the capital club were "second-tier" teams – Espanyol (1:2), Elche (1:1), and Alaves (1:1). Currently, the "Indians" are only in 17th place in the league, complicating the task for their fans to find positives. Villarreal, on the other hand, continues to play eye-pleasing football and does so very effectively – 7 points after 8 matches. It's worth noting that the recent visits of the "Yellow Submarine" to the "Wanda Metropolitano" have been favorable – only 1 defeat in the last 5 encounters.
Match Prediction Atletico vs Villarreal: Villarreal to Win with Handicap (+1)
Celta vs Girona
Poor work in the transfer market and the inability to retain their leaders have led the "Girona" team to fight for survival. The start of the current season confirms that the team from the namesake city is not ready to compete for high places in La Liga and to provide adequate competition even to the near-giants of Spanish football. The "white and reds," along with Levante, remain the only teams that have yet to taste the points. Celta, on the other hand, has not lost yet but also hasn't won – 3 draws. It's worth noting that in 5 of the last 6 head-to-head matches at "Balaidos," the visiting side did not succeed.
Match Prediction Celta vs Girona: Celta to Win
Levante vs Betis
The "frogs" are still in search of their first points in the new season. Nevertheless, the football demonstrated by the club does not look disheartening. The problem of Julian Calero's squad's inexperience and lack of class are the main reasons why the points column still shows "zero." Betis, meanwhile, continues its steady development under Manuel Pellegrini, and the long-awaited transfer of Antony should only contribute to establishing stability and increased wing sharpness. Moreover, in the last 3 head-to-head matches, the "Heliopolitans" have consistently defeated Levante. It seems a more balanced team and a well-structured setup.should prevail.
Match Prediction for Levante vs Betis: Betis to win with a (0) handicap
Osasuna vs Rayo Vallecano
Arguably one of the most intriguing fixtures of the 4th round of the Spanish Primera. Primarily because it's extremely difficult to pick a favorite for this match. Under the guidance of Alessio Lisci, the "Reds" are showcasing quite modern football, characterized by situational pressing and a focus on overloading one of the flanks. Moreover, in the first three rounds, the team from Pamplona demonstrated their ability to maintain a low defensive line as well as operate with a mid-block. The "Bees," on the other hand, remain one of the most intense teams in the league without the ball and constantly complicate life for their opponents. Let's note a telling trend – in 4 of the last 5 head-to-head matches at "El Sadar," no more than 2 goals were scored.
Match Prediction for Osasuna vs Rayo Vallecano: Total under 2.5 goals
Barcelona vs Valencia
The loss of points in the last round surely left an unpleasant aftertaste for the players and fans of the Catalan club. The "Bats," on the contrary, approach the upcoming match in high spirits after a spectacular victory over Getafe (3:0). Barcelona has traditionally been an extremely challenging opponent for Valencia – no wins in the last 11 encounters. Moreover, most of the head-to-head clashes between the teams have delighted with sparkling football and a high number of goals – in the last 4 instances, at least 3 goals were scored. Considering the "Blaugrana's" desire to redeem themselves in front of their home crowd and Valencia's quite engaging play, our editorial team expects the continuation of the current trend of high scoring.
Match Prediction for Barcelona vs Valencia: Total over 3 goals
Espanyol vs Mallorca
After the first 3 rounds, Espanyol is among the leaders of the Spanish La Liga. Manolo Gonzalez's team has yet to slip up – 2 wins and 1 draw. Moreover, playing as the second number, which the "Parrots" coach actively supports, is not at all similar to the commonly accepted "bus" in the football community. The Catalan team strives to advance the ball forward through short passes, but they do not shy away from vertical football, which can maximize benefits and extract the most from this squad. Mallorca, however, looks frankly poor at the start of the season – only 1 point earned. Furthermore, the attacking potential of the "Islanders" raises significant questions. Note that in 9 of the last 10 official matches, Mallorca has scored no more than 1 goal per game.
