Predictions for the 9th round of La Liga, October 17-20
Real Oviedo vs Espanyol
After the international break, the "Carbayones" will make another attempt to improve their standings in La Liga. Last week, Real Oviedo's management did not hesitate to part ways with Veljko Paunović, who had led the team to the elite Spanish division, and agreed on a contract with Luis Carrión until the end of the season. It is worth noting that the Spanish specialist had already managed the Oviedo club in the 2023/24 season, during which they failed to overcome Espanyol in the playoffs. It's also important to consider the unimpressive away form of the "Parakeets" this season, with no wins in 3 games. Considering the change in mood and increased motivation within the "Carbayones" camp, we expect a positive outcome for the hosts.
Match Prediction for Real Oviedo vs Espanyol: Real Oviedo will not lose
Sevilla vs Mallorca
The "Nervionenses" have found a decent form, losing only one of their last 6 matches. A resounding victory over Barcelona (4:1) in the last round was a real sensation for Spanish football fans. Matías Almeyda does not demand supernatural feats from his players and employs a rather pragmatic tactical model, which seemingly perfectly fits Sevilla's mentality. Meanwhile, Mallorca has been unconvincing in the early part of the season and currently sits at the bottom of the league table. Moreover, the "Islanders" have not known victory in away matches for about half a year. Now, the future of Jagoba Arrasate as head coach remains uncertain. It is unclear how the club from the namesake city can achieve success at "Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan".
Match Prediction Sevilla vs Mallorca: Sevilla to win
Barcelona vs Girona
Hansi Flick and his team urgently need to redeem themselves in front of their fans after a series of two consecutive defeats. The failure in the last La Liga round, where the "Blaugrana" suffered a heavy loss to the "Nervionenses" (1:4), was particularly painful. Nevertheless, the Catalan team still holds the status of the most prolific team in the championship, averaging 2.75 goals per game. Interestingly, Girona is characterized by the least effective defensive line, conceding 2.13 goals per match. Furthermore, in the last 4 head-to-head encounters, the "White and Reds" have conceded at least 2 goals from "Barça". Our editorial team believes that Michel's squad has no chance of upsetting an angry and rejuvenated Barcelona.
Match Prediction for Barcelona vs Girona: Barcelona to win with a handicap (-1.5)
Villarreal vs Betis
Arguably one of the most intriguing fixtures of the 9th round of the Spanish La Liga is the clash between the 3rd and 4th teams in the championship. Both clubs are in good form and are not willing to lose their positions. Villarreal is the most effective team in the league in terms of home matches – 4 wins out of 4 possible with a goal difference of 10:1. Betis, on the other hand, has not lost any of their away matches, but has only managed 1 victory in 4 attempts. It's important to note that in the last 5 head-to-head encounters, both teams scored, which indicates the high ambitions of each side. Our editorial team expects this trend to continue.
Match Prediction for Villarreal vs Betis: both teams to score (yes)
Atletico vs Osasuna
After a shaky start to the season, "Los Colchoneros" have regained their form and have not lost in their last 5 matches across all competitions. Diego Simeone's squad is currently just 2 points away from the Champions League zone. Osasuna, under the guidance of Alessio Lisci, is still searching for balance and cannot yet boast stability or maintain the necessary intensity for the full 90 minutes. Noteworthy is the telling statistic – in 4 away matches this season, the "Reds" have not earned a single point (the worst result in the league alongside Mallorca). Moreover, in 8 of the last 9 encounters between Osasuna and Atletico at the "Wanda Metropolitano," the home side triumphed. It is quite reasonable to expect another success for the "Indians."
Match Prediction for Atletico vs Osasuna: Atletico to win with a handicap (-1)
Elche vs Athletic
In the last round of the Spanish La Liga, the "Basques" finally ended their winless streak of 7 consecutive matches across all competitions. For the "Green-Striped," the previous match in the national championship did not bring positive emotions – their first defeat of the season (against Alaves – 1:3). However, it should not be forgotten that at "Manuel Martinez Valero," Eder Sarabia's squad remains very convincing – 10 points after 4 matches (3rd best in the league). Meanwhile, Athletic cannot boast similar effectiveness in away matches – only 3 points from 3 games (12th in the league). Our editorial team expects a low-paced match, which aligns with the tactical models of the teams – this will likely lead to a low-scoring encounter.
Match Prediction for Elche vs Athletic: Total Under 2.5 Goals
Celta vs Real Sociedad
The meeting of teams positioned in the lower half of the league table promises intrigue until the last minute. Despite having a relatively low number of points, the "Celts" have only once in 5 attempts, they conceded at home. Meanwhile, the "royals" have yet to secure a victory in away matches. It's also important to note that the team from Vigo is playing quite decent football, but unclear actions in the final third and poor finishing prevent Claudio Giraldez and company from achieving consistent results. Furthermore, Celta defeated Real Sociedad twice in head-to-head encounters last season: 2-0 at "Balaidos" and 1-0 at "Reale Arena".
Match Prediction for Celta vs Real Sociedad: Celta to win with a handicap (0)
Levante vs Rayo Vallecano
The "frogs" and the "bees" are neighbors in the league table, situated in its lower half. It cannot be overlooked that Levante is extremely productive at the start of the season and can compete in this statistical component with the league leaders – about 1.63 goals per game (6th best in the league). However, Julian Calero's team has yet to secure a victory at home – 1 draw and 2 losses. Here, it's worth highlighting the more balanced Rayo Vallecano, which, despite a difficult period, remains a tough opponent for any club. Maintaining high pressing intensity and having physically fit players contribute to this. We expect at least one goal from the visitors.
Match Prediction for Levante vs Rayo Vallecano: Rayo Vallecano's individual total over 1 goal
Getafe vs Real Madrid
After the 8th round of La Liga, the "whites" once again topped the Spanish La Liga table. Currently, the capital club has 21 points, which is 2 more than their closest pursuer. Meanwhile, Jose Bordalas's team has completely fallen apart in recent matches and hasn't won in 4 consecutive games – now the "city" team is content with only 11th place in the league table. It's important to pay attention to the head-to-head statistics – in the last 7 encounters, Real Madrid exclusively claimed victory. Over the past 13 years, Getafe has only once been stronger than the capital giant. It is quite rational to rely on the strengths of the visitors.
Match Prediction for Getafe vs Real Madrid: Real Madrid to win with a handicap (-1)
Alaves vs Valencia
Valencia is experiencing huge problems in securing results in away matches – only 1 point in 4 games. Moreover, the "bats" are characterized by the worst defensive efficiency on the road – as many as 2.75 goals conceded per game. A terrible result that once again confirms the club's instability and inability to compete for the highest positions. Alaves, on the other hand, approaches the upcoming match in good spirits, having secured a victory over the resilient Elche (3-1).Moreover, the "bean destroyers" have been a challenging opponent for Valencia recently – the "oranges" have not secured a victory in the last 5 consecutive games. Considering all the points mentioned above, we expect the home team to earn points.
