We take a look at three upcoming La Liga matches taking place this weekend where we suggest a bet on each game.
With Real Madrid currently trading at 1/1000 for the title, exploring alternative markets may be the way to go. Currently available are bets on the bottom 3 teams, top goal scorer, as well as markets for the winner without Real Madrid and Barcelona, should that interest you.
Click here for all the long-term La Liga outright markets
Get a refund if your team scores the most Sixes but loses!
Take a win bet on any IPL 2024 cricket match, and if your selection scores the most 6s, but still loses the match, we will refund your stake in Free Bet vouchers.
*Pre-Match Bets only. T’s &C’s apply. Refund/Payout limited to R2000.
Tied match 6s do not qualify. Valid for bets taken on the Match winner market only.
Free Bets do not qualify for this offer. Single/Straight bets only.
Simply email promotions@wsb.co.za with Subject ‘IPL 2024’
SATURDAY 4 MAY
GIRONA v BARCELONA– Click here to bet
Girona will host Barcelona at Montilivi Stadium this Saturday, hoping to achieve a rare double over their visitors this season. Currently 3rd on the table, they trail Saturday’s opponents by just 2 points. It has been a superb campaign for the White and Reds, and they go into this massive encounter knowing that should they triumph over Barca, they will overtake them and mathematically secure their place in next season’s Champions League campaign. Last weekend, Girona walked away 2-0 winners against Las Palmas, securing their second win on the bounce and third from four league appearances. At home, Girona has certainly looked the part this season, boasting the 3rd best home record, having secured 13 wins, 2 draws, and just 1 defeat to date.
Girona have averaged 2.62 goals per game at home this season, with over 2.5 goals arriving in 68.75% of those encounters (11 out of 16).
Barcelona visit Girona this weekend fresh off a much-needed 4-2 win over Valencia this past Monday. Despite dominating possession, Barcelona were forced to come from behind to achieve their much-needed win. Robert Lewandowski, in particular, was in inspired form, netting a second-half hat-trick to secure all three points for Barca. Currently second on the log, they visit Girona knowing the hosts will be no pushovers given their most recent head-
to-head encounter resulting in a win for the White and Reds. Away from home, Barcelona boast the second-best league figures, securing 9 wins, 6 draws, and just 1 defeat thus far.
Barcelona have averaged 1.87 goals per game this season away from home, with over 2.5 goals arriving in 62.5% of those encounters (10 out of 16).
Head-to-Head
Girona won the reverse fixture 4-2 earlier this season with Barcelona winning 1-0 in this fixture last season.
Verdict
The hosts have relied heavily on their home record this season and shouldn’t hold back given what transpired between these two earlier this season. With Xavi recently announcing his intentions to stay at Barcelona, this positive news could very much be the catalyst required to get them over the line here. Despite Girona’s heroic efforts this season, a chance is taken on the visitors to walk away with all three points in light of recent news.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, Barcelona at 11/8
RCD MALLORCA v ATLÉTICO DE MADRID – Click here to bet
Rcd Mallorca is currently 16th on the table and will host Atlético de Madrid, who are struggling to find much-needed form. Despite being 6 points ahead of the bottom three, there will be an element of nerves, knowing how quickly results can turn for or against them in quick succession, especially now that we are in the business end of the season. The month of April has not been particularly good for Mallorca, as they’ve only managed to obtain 1 point during that period. At home, the hosts have fared significantly better than away from home, having obtained a respectable 5 wins, 7 draws, and 7 losses to date.
Mallorca have averaged 0.87 goals per game at home this season, with under 2.5 goals occurring in 75% of those encounters (12 out of 16).
Atlético de Madrid visit league strugglers Mallorca this Saturday, hoping to build on their 3-1 win over Athletic Bilbao this past weekend. It was a massive result given the context of their season thus far, extending their lead to 8 points over Athletic Bilbao for the all-important 4th place positioning for next season’s Champions League campaign. Diego Simeone and his charges will want to capitalize on their opponents’ recent misfortunes as they aim to cement their place in Europe next season. Away from home, Atlético have featured far less impressively, securing 5 wins, 3 draws, and suffering 8 defeats to date.
Atlético de Madrid have averaged 1.37 goals per game away from home this season, with under 2.5 goals occurring in 56.25% of those games (9 out of 16).
Head-to-Head
Atlético de Madrid won the reverse fixture 1-0 earlier this season with Mallorca winning 1-0 in this fixture last season.
Verdict
The hosts have been in terrible form, so it’s hard to back them with much conviction. Despite both teams needing points for very different reasons, the visitors look like value at 11/10. With Champions League qualification as a motivational factor, I think Atlético is the way to go.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, Atlético de Madrid at 11/10
SUNDAY 5 MAY
OSASUNA v REAL BETIS– Click here to bet
Osasuna will host Real Betis in Sunday’s early kickoff, currently placed mid-table in 11th spot on the log. With form very much against them, they look like a side desperate for this season to end. Their most recent encounter resulted in a 3-0 loss away to Granada, extending their losing streak to three consecutive games on the domestic front. Having failed to keep a clean sheet in five of their last six league appearances pretty much sums up their defensive frailties as well, adding to their miserable run at present. As hosts, Osasuna have performed relatively well overall despite recently losing back-to-back league games on home soil. They have registered 6 wins, 3 draws, and suffered 7 losses at Estadio El Sadar thus far.
Osasuna have averaged 1.06 goals per game at home this season, with under 2.5 goals occurring in 68.75% of those games (11 out of 16).
Real Betis visit Estadio El Sadar currently 7th on the log, 9 points adrift of European contention. With five games remaining, it’s unlikely they will achieve the desired effect of featuring in Europe next season. The visitors look set to end the season strong given how effective this past month has been for Betis. Having obtained 7 points from a possible 9 in April, momentum is very much on their side as they strive to achieve a similar position on the log as last season. Real Betis enter Sunday’s clash after drawing 1-1 at home against Sevilla and will hope to continue where they left off on the road, winning 2-1 away to Valencia in their most recent encounter on their travels.
Real Betis have averaged 1.06 goals per game this season away from home, with under 2.5 goals occurring in 56.25% of those games (9 out of 16).
Head to Head
Real Betis won the reverse fixture 2-1 earlier this season with Osasuna winning 3-2 in this fixture last season.
Verdict
With the hosts struggling at the moment and Real Betis arguably having more to gain if they come out on top, my preference here will be with the visitors, knowing that anything less than maximum points will effectively end their European aspirations for next season.
Suggested Bet: Full Time Result, Real Betis at 29/20
Click here for all this weekend’s Spanish Football action
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
