We look at three La Liga encounters taking place across Saturday the 11th and Sunday the 12th of April from a betting angle.
Let’s begin with a glance at the Outright Betting, where Barcelona remain clear favourites at around 1.05, with Real Madrid trailing them at around 9.50 as the title race continues to unfold.
Click here for the latest LaLiga Outright Betting Markets
SATURDAY:
BARCELONA vs ESPANYOL
Barcelona lead the LaLiga standings with 76 points from 30 matches and have been the standout side this season. Their attack has been exceptional, having fired in 80 goals while permitting just 29 at the back.
They come into this clash after a 2-1 away victory over Atletico Madrid. Prior to that they recorded a 1-0 home win over Rayo Vallecano and thrashed Sevilla 5-2.
In Champions Cup action they were shocked in midweek going down 2-0 at home to Atletico Madrid who they had beaten only days before in the league.
Espanyol sit 10th on the table with 38 points from 30 matches and have been inconsistent throughout the campaign. They have managed 36 goals this season while shipping 44 at the other end.
The side enter this encounter after a goalless draw away to Betis, which followed a 2-1 home defeat to Getafe and a 2-1 loss at Mallorca.
Head-to-Head
Barcelona won the reverse fixture earlier this season 2-0 and have dominated this matchup in recent years, winning the last 4 meetings between the sides.
Betting – Click here to bet
Barcelona 1.29
Draw 6.75
Espanyol 9.00
Verdict
Barcelona have dominated this fixture lately and come into the match in strong form domestically albeit have suffered a shock defeat in midweek. Espanyol have not won in 13 matches and the league leaders should have too much quality here and look set to secure a comfortable victory.
BET: Barcelona to Win and Over 3.5 Goals at 2.20
SEVILLA vs ATLETICO MADRID
Sevilla currently sit 17th on the standings with 31 points from 30 matches and remain under pressure near the bottom of the table. Their season has been difficult defensively, with 50 goals getting past them while they have struck 37 on attack.
They come into this fixture after a 1-0 defeat away to Oviedo while before that they suffered a 2-0 loss at home to Valencia and were beaten 5-2 by Barcelona.
Atletico Madrid occupy 4th place on the table with 57 points from 30 matches and have been solid throughout the campaign, particularly defensively where they have allowed just 30 goals breach their backline and they have also chipped in with 50 at the attacking end.
Their latest La Liga outing ended in a 2-1 home defeat to Barcelona, which followed a narrow 3-2 loss to Real Madrid and a 1-0 win over Getafe.
They come into this game on a high having beaten Barcelona away in Champions Cup last 8 action in the week.
Head-to-Head
Atletico Madrid won the reverse fixture earlier this season 3-0 and have generally had the better of recent meetings between the sides, winning both fixtures last season with 2-1 and 4-3 scorelines.
Betting – Click here to bet
Sevilla 3.15
Draw 3.25
Atletico Madrid 2.50
Verdict
Sevilla have been struggling badly and continue to look vulnerable at the back, while Atletico Madrid have faced tougher opposition and remain one of the more reliable sides in the division. Atletico look the stronger team and should be backed to return to winning ways although there is a risk they will battle to lift themselves after the Champions League upset win.
BET: Atletico Madrid to Win at 2.50
SUNDAY:
ATHLETIC BILBAO vs VILLARREAL
Athletic Bilbao sit 11th on the log on 38 points from 30 games played and have battled for momentum throughout the season. They have managed 32 goals while seeing 43 go in at the other end, which underlines their issues at both ends of the pitch.
They come into this match after a 2-0 defeat away to Getafe. Prior to that they recorded a 2-1 home win over Betis and were beaten 3-0 by Girona.
Villarreal occupy 3rd place on the table with 58 points from 30 matches and continue to enjoy a strong run of form. They have been productive in attack with 54 goals registered, while only 35 have found their way beyond them.
The team enter this encounter after a 1-0 defeat away to Girona and before that they secured a 3-1 home victory over Real Sociedad and drew 1-1 with Alaves.
Head-to-Head
Villarreal won the reverse fixture earlier this season 1-0, although this fixture has often been competitive with several closely fought meetings in recent years, including a 0-0 draw in the corresponding fixture last year.
Betting – Click here to bet
Athletic Bilbao 2.30
Draw 3.50
Villarreal 3.15
Verdict
This should be a closely contested encounter but Villarreal have been the more reliable side across the season and remain in the race near the top end of the table. Athletic Bilbao have struggled for rhythm lately and Villarreal may just edge this one on the road despite being underdogs.
BET: Villarreal to Win at 3.15
Note: All prices are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change.
