This weekend, we turn our attention to three La Liga matches, providing betting insights and detailed analysis for each game.
But first, let’s review the current outright market prices: Real Madrid remain firm favourites at 4/7, with Barcelona close behind at 2/1. Atlético Madrid are next in line at 10/1, while the rest of the field is listed at 50/1 or better.
Click here for all the long-term La Liga outright markets
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SATURDAY
VALENCIA v GIRONA– Click here to bet
Valencia, anchored at the bottom of the table with just 1 point and a goal differential of -7, have had a difficult start to their domestic campaign, having played five league matches so far. Los Che enter match day 6 hoping to recover from a heavy 3-0 defeat to Atlético Madrid last weekend. With a poor recent record against their upcoming opponents, Valencia will be eager to change their fortunes around as they host Girona at the Mestalla early Saturday evening, still in search of their first league win of the season.
Last season’s surprise package, Girona, travel to the Mestalla this weekend in search of their third victory of the season. Currently sitting 9th in the table with 7 points, the White and Reds will be looking to bounce back from last week’s heavy 4-1 home defeat to Barcelona. This will be their fourth away fixture of the season and they’ll be eager to improve their mixed record on the road, having secured 4 points from a possible 9 in their travels so far.
Head-to-Head
Last season, Girona completed a double over Valencia, securing a 2-1 victory in the reverse encounter, followed by a comfortable 3-1 win in this fixture.
Betting
Valencia 18/10
Draw 95/40
Girona 16/10
Prediction
I believe Girona will respond strongly after last weekend’s performance and are likely to secure all three points in this match. Valencia have failed to impress me thus far and may need more time to secure their first win.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, Girona Win at 16/10
REAL MADRID v ESPANYOL– Click here to bet
Earlier this week, Real Madrid marked their return to Europe with a 3-1 victory over Stuttgart. This weekend, they turn their attention back to domestic duties, aiming to secure all three points against Espanyol at the Bernabéu. Although they haven’t quite hit their stride this season, currently sitting 3rd with 11 points, their perfect home record suggests we can expect another strong performance from the hosts, who have secured back-to-back wins at the Bernabéu so far. Additionally, Real Madrid has enjoyed significant success in this fixture, winning their last 9 league encounters against Espanyol at home and keeping a clean sheet in 7 of those victories.
Espanyol’s return to top-flight football has been commendable so far, with a respectable 11th place standing after the early stages of the season. They are unbeaten in their last three league encounters, with 2 wins and 1 draw and will head to Madrid this Saturday on the back of an entertaining 3-2 victory over Alavés last weekend. However, despite their relatively good form entering week 6, this weekend will be a daunting challenge for the visitors. With historical results heavily favouring Real Madrid in this fixture, Espanyol will need to be at their very best to secure a positive result.
Head-to-Head
The last time these two teams met, during the 2022/23 season, Real Madrid achieved a double over Espanyol, winning 3-1 in both home and away fixtures.
Betting
Real Madrid 2/11
Draw 7/1
Espanyol 15/1
Prediction
Espanyol have been respectable this season, but things are likely to unravel for them this weekend. Real Madrid have been solid at home and should have little trouble overcoming the visitors, potentially securing another clean sheet win.
Suggested Bet: Real Madrid To Win To Nil, Yes at 5/6
SUNDAY
VILLAREAL v BARCELONA– Click here to bet
Fourth place meets first this Sunday as Villarreal host table-toppers Barcelona at the Estadio de la Cerámica. Unbeaten this season, the Yellow Submarines enter week 6 in strong form, coming off a hard-fought 2-1 victory away to Mallorca last weekend, bringing their overall tally to 3 wins and 2 draws. Despite this solid start, Villarreal are well aware of their dismal home record against Barcelona, having failed to secure a single win in their last five home encounters against the Catalan giants.
Yet to drop a point this season, Barcelona travel to Villarreal with a perfect record in the league, having secured maximum points from all 5 appearances so far. Despite midweek European commitments, the Catalan giants will be eager to maintain their strong league form, following a commanding 4-1 victory over Girona last weekend. Under Hansi Flick, Barcelona have been in formidable shape, scoring an impressive 11 goals in their last two league outings—an average of 5.5 goals per game—which may give Villarreal a clear sense of the challenges they will face this Sunday.
Head-to-Head
Last season Barcelona triumphed 4-3 in this fixture, while Villarreal managed to win 5-3 in the reverse encounter.
Betting
Villarreal 16/5
Draw 33/10
Barcelona 15/20
Prediction
Despite the Yellow Submarines entering this clash unbeaten this season, one gets the sense that something has to give this Sunday. Barcelona’s destructive run of form, along with their impressive record away to Villarreal, certainly tips the scale in their favour. At 15/20 for the win, I will have a nibble.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, Barcelona at 15/20
Click here for all this weekend’s Spanish Football action
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change