Predictions for the 5th round of La Liga, September 19-21
Betis vs Real Sociedad
Both the "Beticos" and the "Royals" have had a rough start to the new season, finding themselves in the lower half of the standings based on points dropped. Both clubs are facing similar defensive issues, conceding more than one goal per game. While the struggles of the team from San Sebastian are understandable due to the arrival of a new coach who is trying to find balance across the lines, the "Heliopolitans" are a shadow of their last season's form. Let's take a look at the average scoring of each side in their head-to-head encounters: Betis – 1.27, Real Sociedad – 1.33.
Match Prediction Betis vs Real Sociedad: both teams to score (yes)
Girona vs Levante
The upcoming match of the 5th round is a great opportunity for both teams to strengthen their standings and move out of the relegation zone. It is also worth noting that both "Girona" and the "Frogs" have the least effective defensive lines in the league, with both clubs conceding more than two goals per game. It's noteworthy that in 7 out of the last 8 head-to-head encounters, there were goals from both sides. Our editorial team believes that the match could be end-to-end, characterized by counter-attacks, leading to a high number of goal-scoring opportunities.
Match Prediction Girona vs Levante: both teams to score (yes)
Real Madrid vs Espanyol
Xabi Alonso's squad is currently a formidable force. In the first 5 matches of the new season across all competitions, the "Whites" have only secured victories. Moreover, the Spanish specialist has managed to transform the team's playing style and adapt it for the upcoming tough competition in prestigious tournaments. Interestingly, in 4 out of the last 5 head-to-head matches, the "Whites" managed to score at least 3 times. Despite the fantastic form of the "Parakeets," the Catalans are not expected to have much chance at the "Santiago Bernabeu."
Match Prediction Real Madrid vs Espanyol: Real Madrid to win with handicap (-1)
Alaves vs Sevilla
Both clubs are still searching for their best form and are hoping to give their all to achieve the desired result this coming Saturday. Alaves surprisingly defeated Athletic (1:0) in the last round, although this was more of an exception – the total xG for the "Glorious" was 0.08. Sevilla, under the guidance of Matias Almeyda, continues to face the same issues – problems breaking down opponents' defenses and securing results against clear underdogs. Moreover, in 6 out of 7 away matches, the "Nervionenses" have exclusively lost to the home side. Our editorial team currently does not see how the visitors will manage to break their losing trend against a very stubborn opponent.
Match Prediction Alaves vs Sevilla: Alaves to win with a (0) handicap
Villarreal vs Osasuna
After a promising start to the season, the "Yellow Submarine" has stalled – Marcelino's team has failed to secure a victory in their last 3 matches across all competitions. Nevertheless, Villarreal remains one of the most prolific teams in the current La Liga season, averaging 2 goals per game. Osasuna, under the guidance of Alessio Lisci, is an extremely pragmatic team, focusing heavily on defensive solidity – no more than 2 goals have been scored in each of the "Reds'" matches this season. Considering Villarreal had a Champions League fixture midweek, it's unlikely the club will have an easy outing.
Match Prediction Villarreal vs Osasuna: total under 3 goals
Valencia vs Athletic
A significant advantage for the "Bats" in the upcoming national championship match will be the home field factor. Valencia has picked up points in 7 of their last 8 official matches at the "Mestalla." Meanwhile, Athletic from Bilbao, who are extremely inconsistent in recent matches with 3 consecutive losses and no goals scored, will visit the "Oranges." Valencia is surely motivated to redeem themselves in front of their fans after a humiliating 0-6 defeat to Barcelona in the last La Liga round. We anticipate that the hosts will not only compete with the "Lions" but also take points from them.
Match Prediction Valencia vs Athletic: Valencia will not lose
Rayo Vallecano vs Celta
The "Bees" are showing decent football, but they have yet to secure a position higher than 13th in the La Liga standings. Last weekend, Iñigo Pérez's squad dominated for most of the match but failed to capitalize, resulting in an away defeat to Osasuna (0-2). The upcoming match against Celta is a great opportunity for redemption, considering the "Celts" have had a tough start with no victories in 5 rounds. Moreover, the team from Vigo hasn't beaten Rayo Vallecano at "Campo de Vallecas" since the 2010/11 Segunda season (3-1).
Match Prediction Rayo Vallecano vs Celta: Rayo Vallecano to win with a (0) handicap
Mallorca vs Atletico
The "Islanders" face a tough challenge against a historically difficult opponent. Jagoba Arrasate's team has had a surprisingly weak start to the new season, adding only 1 point to their tally after 4 rounds. The "Colchoneros" are gradually recovering and last weekend fully demonstrated their potential by deservedly defeating a strong Villarreal (2-0). Diego Simeone's squad emphasizes quick ball movement and effective play on the opponent's half of the field. It should be noted that in the last 5 head-to-head matches, the "Indians" have exclusively won.
Match Prediction Mallorca vs Atletico: Atletico to win
Elche vs Real Oviedo
Head-to-head encounters between the newcomers of La Liga are always intriguing. Let's recall that in the last Segunda season, the "white-greens" managed to earn points in both matches against the "Carbayones" – 1 win and 1 draw. This season, Elche also looks much more convincing – Eder Sarabia's team has not lost in any of the four rounds. It's important to consider the home field advantage, which will certainly contribute to more confident actions from the hosts. Real Oviedo, on the other hand, is characterized by the worst attack in the league – only 1 goal scored in 4 rounds, and they display a style of play that is clearly unprepared for the realities of the elite division.
Match Prediction Elche vs Real Oviedo: Elche to win
Barcelona vs Getafe
The Catalan team cannot afford to let the "Whites" pull away after the 5th round. Currently, Real Madrid is 2 points ahead of Barcelona. However, the clash with Getafe is unlikely to be a walk in the park for Hansi Flick and his company. In 7 of the last 8 head-to-head matches, the "Blaugrana" have failed to defeat the "City" team by more than 1 goal. Moreover, the upcoming match will take place at the club's academy's small stadium, which holds no more than 9,000 spectators, definitely playing into the visitors' hands. We do not expect a rout by Barcelona in this match.
