Predictions for the 7th round of La Liga, September 26-29
Girona vs Espanyol
Girona continues to disappoint its fans with a prolonged winless streak. After 6 rounds in the current season, the "white and reds" have earned only 2 points, which is a disheartening result. It's also worth noting that Michel's squad is characterized by the least effective defensive line in the league, conceding 2.67 goals per match. Espanyol, on the other hand, is one of the main revelations of the current campaign and is positioned within the TOP-6 zone, thanks to a balanced game both in attack and defense. Our editorial team expects a dynamic and high-scoring match.
Match Prediction for Girona vs Espanyol: total over 2 goals
Getafe vs Levante
In the clash between the "city" team and the "frogs," an intense battle for points is expected. José Bordalás' squad surprisingly started the new season strongly, as evidenced by their interim position in the standings – 7th place. Levante, however, has achieved only one victory, displaying rather chaotic football. It's also worth noting that Getafe has not lost to the Valencian club in the last 4 head-to-head home matches. Our editorial team believes that the "dark blues" are a much more established team, having developed an immunity to increased pressure. We do not expect success for the visitors.
Match Prediction for Getafe vs Levante: Getafe to win with a handicap (0)
Atletico vs Real Madrid
The "Whites" under the guidance of Xabi Alonso are one of the most intriguing and exciting teams. Currently, it's hard to pinpoint any weaknesses in the capital club's game – a series of 7 consecutive victories is further proof of that. Real is particularly convincing in positional phases, conceding only 0.5 goals per match (the best result in the league). The situation for the "Colchoneros" is the opposite – they consistently score but struggle to find stability, regularly dropping points. At the moment, Diego Simeone's team is only in 8th place in the standings, trailing the leader by 9 points. In 10 of the last 11 head-to-head encounters, both teams have scored.
Match Prediction for Atletico vs Real Madrid: both teams to score (yes)
Mallorca vs Alaves
Mallorca urgently needs to change something to get out of the relegation zone soon. This season, the "islanders" have not secured a single victory, only drawing with Celta (1:1) and Atletico (1:1). Jagoba Arrasate's football does not stand out with any unique idea, but the poor physical condition of the players significantly affects the effectiveness of the entire tactical model, which is based on intense vertical football. Interestingly, the "glorious" have never achieved success at "Iberostar." Alaves' only victory in Mallorcadates back to the 1974/75 Segunda Division match (1:0). This cannot help but have a psychological impact on the visiting team's players.
Prediction for Mallorca vs Alaves match: Mallorca to win with a handicap (0)
Villarreal vs Athletic
It seems Villarreal is gradually recovering after a series of two victories. Currently, the "Yellow Submarine" has 13 points, placing them in 3rd position in the league table. The "Basques," however, continue to struggle, failing to secure a win in five consecutive matches. Nevertheless, this does not prevent Ernesto Valverde's team from remaining within the TOP-6 of the championship. In 6 of the last 7 head-to-head matches at "La Ceramica," the hosts have not lost to the "Lions." Considering the current form of the visitors, a change in trend seems unlikely.
Prediction for Villarreal vs Athletic match: Villarreal to win with a handicap (0)
Rayo Vallecano vs Sevilla
One of the most intriguing clashes of the 7th round of La Liga will take place at "Campo de Vallecas." The fact is that both the "Bees" and the "Nervionenses" have been highly unstable at the start of the new season, finding themselves in the lower half of the league table. Sevilla, in particular, strives to play proactively on the opponent's half, but a lack of balance in the lines results in numerous open spaces. Inigo Perez's team is known for its pressing football, and it seems we will witness a dynamic encounter, with the initiative shifting back and forth.
Prediction for Rayo Vallecano vs Sevilla match: total over 2 goals
Elche vs Celta
Elche continues its unbeaten run, despite facing significant challenges during the match against Osasuna (1:1) in the last round. Currently, the "Green-Striped" are within the European competition zone and aim to solidify their position in the TOP-6. Meanwhile, Claudio Giraldez's side has yet to secure a victory this season. Even the start of their European campaign ended in a fiasco for the "Celts." Being in 15th place in the league table is hardly satisfactory for the coaching staff and the club's supporters. Our editorial team does not see how the hosts are currently weaker than the visitors.
Prediction for Elche vs Celta match: Elche will not lose
Barcelona vs Real Sociedad
The "Blaugrana" continue to keep pace with Real Madrid. Hansi Flick's team is on a 4-match winning streak, showcasing top-class football. A balanced squad and a fairly deep bench allow the Catalan club to regularly rotate without losing quality. The same cannot be said about Real Sociedad is experiencing significant difficulties with their attacking play, suffering from a lack of creativity in the opponent's half. Interestingly, in 3 out of the last 4 head-to-head meetings between the teams in Barcelona, the "royals" failed to score against the hosts. Considering their current form, we anticipate the continuation of this trend.
Match Prediction for Barcelona vs Real Sociedad: Real Sociedad's individual total under 1 goal
Betis vs Osasuna
The "Beticos" are gradually finding their best football, and the club's newcomers are close to fully adapting. In 7 matches of the new season, the "Heliopolitans" have suffered only one defeat – against Athletic (1:2) at "Benito Villamarín". Currently, Manuel Pellegrini's squad is in 9th place in the standings and is looking to strengthen its position in the near future. Interestingly, the "Reds" have not defeated Betis in Seville since the 2013/14 La Liga season (2:1). The "Green-Whites" have an unbeaten streak of 9 home games against Osasuna.
Match Prediction for Betis vs Osasuna: Betis to win
Valencia vs Real Oviedo
For the first time since 2000, the "Carbayones" will visit "Mestalla". Recall that back then, the "Bats" emerged victorious with a score of 2:0. In fact, over the last 9 head-to-head matches, the team from the namesake city has not lost to Real Oviedo. Expectations for Veljko Paunović's team this season are not high – the squad barely matches the fight for survival, and the club's tactical model is still not settled. The "Bats" will surely dominate the upcoming match and will try to catch the opponent off guard with their effective transitions from defense to attack.
