LaLiga Matchday 3: Predictions, best bets and odds

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The third matchday in the top division brings some interesting games that could start to shape the future of teams or even managers.

It could also mark the end of the transfer window, as the fact that the first three rounds have been played with the market still open has given a certain provisional feel to the matches so far. Here are our predictions for the matchday:

Racing v Elche: Friday 18:00 BST

This intriguing clash between two sides who want to play attacking football and entertain their fans promises plenty of excitement, as seen in Racing's debut at El Sardinero against Villarreal (2-2).

Neither of these teams has kept a clean sheet so far this season, with the Cantabrians not having kept a home clean sheet since February, while Elche struggled badly defensively in their away games last season, finishing as one of the worst travellers.

Tip: Both teams to score – 4/6 @ bet365

Bet explanation: This bet wins if both teams score at least one goal.

Alavés v Villarreal: Friday, 20:30 BST

Two interesting teams meet at Mendizorroza; Quique's Alavés and Iñigo's Villarreal. 

The hosts have made a good impression in these early rounds and have four points so far, plus they haven't lost at home to the Castellón side since 2020, so we can expect them to put up a fight and at least avoid defeat again.

Tip: Alavés win or draw – 4/6 @ bet365

Bet explanation: This bet wins if Alavés do not lose.

Levante v Betis: Saturday, 16:00 BST

Levante host Betis in a match where the Granota are not favourites, but it is their first home game of the season. Betis visit Valencia for the second time this week, and it remains to be seen how the team will respond.

Betis kept a clean sheet in their first two games, and Levante have yet to score so far. 

We see value in backing Levante to get their first goals of the season, as they've scored one or two in each of their last four games against Betis.

Tip: Levante to score one or two goals – 8/13 @ bet365

Bet explanation: This bet wins if Levante score one or two goals, regardless of how many they concede or the final result.

Real Sociedad v Espanyol: Saturday, 18:00 BST

Still not knowing the outcome of the match against Real Madrid at the time of writing, Real Sociedad started the season with a defeat and will make their home debut against Espanyol needing to pick up points.

The Periquitos play their first away game after playing their opening two rounds at Cornellà - El Prat (W1, D1). Recent meetings between these two sides have seen goals, with three or more in four of their last six clashes and in five of the last seven in the Basque Country.

Given that the Catalans' first two games reached that tally, we expect this one to deliver as well.

Tip: Over 2.5 goals – 4/5 @ bet365

Bet explanation: This bet wins if there are three or more goals in the match.

Sevilla v Atlético de Madrid: Saturday, 20:30 BST

Atlético leave the Metropolitano for the first time this season to face the team that finished last weekend top of the table.

García Plaza's Sevilla have had a brilliant start to the campaign, with wins over Rayo and Athletic, and will be looking to keep the run going against an Atlético side who dropped points at home to Villarreal.

Wins have alternated quite a bit in Simeone's recent visits to Sevilla, but the Madrid side have managed to score one or two goals in six of their last eight trips to the Sánchez Pizjuán, and, given they've hit those numbers in the first two league games, we think this is a good bet.

Tip: Atlético to score one or two goals – 8/13 @ bet365

Bet explanation: This bet wins if Atlético score one or two goals, regardless of how many they concede or the final result.

Real Madrid v Málaga: Sunday, 16:00 BST

Madrid's second home game of the week sees them host a newly promoted side. Real Madrid are overwhelming favourites for this match.

This article was written before the game against Real Sociedad, but it's hard to imagine Madrid winning at home without a goal from Mbappé.

The Frenchman has scored in 11 of Madrid's last 14 home league games in which he has started, and the Madrid faithful will be hoping he adds another victim to his impressive tally.

Tip: Real Madrid to win and Mbappé to score – 10/21 @ bet365

Bet explanation: This bet wins if Real Madrid win and Mbappé scores any goal

Barcelona v Rayo Vallecano: Monday, 20:30 BST

Barça rarely play on Mondays during the year, but curiously, one of the last times was a visit from Rayo to Barcelona in Flick's first year, which ended 1-0 to the Catalans.

This is Barça's second home game in a few days, but at the time of writing we don't know how the Athletic visit to the Spotify Camp Nou will end.

Beñat's Rayo haven't really convinced so far, but the Vallecas side have made life difficult for Barça in recent meetings, conceding more than two goals in only one of the last ten (which was three).

Only once have they kept a clean sheet too. So we expect another hard-fought win for the Catalans.

Tip: Barça to win with between 1 and 3 goals scored – 4/5 @ bet365

Bet explanation: This bet wins if Barça win, scoring between one and three goals.