Spain’s finest are back in business, with Copa del Rey matches this week and then the main event restarting at the weekend.
The stars of Real Madrid and Barcelona returned to training in front of adoring crowds with big La Liga football games back on the agenda after the Christmas break.
The first set of fixtures throws up a very difficult visit to Villarreal for Barca, while Los Blancos host Granada in a game where Asian Handicap Betting makes it exciting for us neutrals!
WEEK 17 SATURDAY:
Espanyol vs Deportivo La Coruna
The fixtures open on Saturday with a clash which, on paper at least, looks like a home win. Quique Sanchez Flores’ Espanyol are very strong at the Power8 Stadium, while Deportivo have lost five of their last six away games. The visitors are uncomfortable in 15th place. Espanyol are 2.11 to win, with Deportivo at 3.40 and the draw 3.30.
Real Madrid vs Granada
This is an ideal chance for Zinedine Zidane’s league leaders to stay at the top, or even stretch their lead, against 19th-placed Granada. Lucas Alcaraz has a huge task to steer his side clear of trouble, and this, with Granada at 28.00 to win, is little more than a free hit for the visitors! Real Madrid with a handicap of -3.00 is at 1.96, and Granada is at 1.97 with that 3.00 start.
Eibar vs Atletico Madrid
Atletico’s best player Antoine Griezmann is still happy to dismiss speculation that he too could be lured to the Premier League, and he has work to do to lift Madrid’s second club into the top four. Eibar will present a tough challenge with Spanish duo Sergi Enrich and Pedro Leon working smartly with five goals each.
WEEK 17 SUNDAY:
Real Sociedad vs Sevilla
Two in-form teams meet in San Sebastian; Real are handily placed in fifth thanks to the nine goals of Brazilian hitman Willian Jose, while Sevilla have won the last three and are on course for a Champions League place. Sevilla midfielder Steven N’Zonzi has attracted the attention of Manchester City which could be a distraction.
Las Palmas vs Sporting Gijon
We all love a trip to Gran Canaria on a Sunday, but it’s a serious business for Sporting Gijon in a perilous spot in 18th, although only on goal difference.
Las Palmas heads up four mid-table teams on 21 points and should improve their position against a team which has lost five of its last six games.
Athletic Club vs Alaves
Aritz Aduriz has been in fine form for Athletic Club – his six goals lifting the Bilbao side to seventh in La Liga – and they have been impressive at home, winning the last seven. But Alaves have been in no mood to roll over for some time, unbeaten in their own last seven games.
Real Betis vs Leganes
Madrid’s third team is making a good attempt at survival, currently in 16th and four points above the drop. Leganes will need to strengthen though to sustain their push and are in talks with Fulham to loan back Jozabed Sanchez from the London Club. Real Betis are only two points ahead in 14th.
WEEK 17 MONDAY:
Celta Vigo vs Malaga
Two of the ‘21-point club’ comes head to head with Celta Vigo in 13th, two places behind the visitors. Iago Aspas has been in devastating form for Celta, hitting ten goals so far, but Malaga carries its own threat in the shape of seven-goal Sandro Ramirez.
Villarreal vs Barcelona
Barca will probably be six points behind Real Madrid when they kick off against Villarreal. Fran Escriba has lifted the Yellow Submarine to fourth and, unbeaten in six; it will be hard to sink. Barca have won five on the bounce though, and El Madrigal isn’t exactly a fortress for the home team.
WEEK 17 TUESDAY:
Osasuna vs Valencia
Bottom club Osasuna is stranded on seven points, and this is the type of game they must win if they are to avoid going down before Easter. Valencia hover dangerously above the drop in 17th and are looking for their 10th manager since 2012 after the resignation of Cesare Prandelli. I can’t imagine there’ll be a big queue!
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
