LaLiga: Matchday 9 predictions, best bets and odds

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The new LaLiga EA Sports matchday arrives at a crucial point, with important matches looming for many teams in Europe and the league. We expect the competition to grow increasingly intense this weekend, with Barça's visit to Betis arguably the most attractive fixture, although Atletico's trip to Espanyol could also prove significant, given the Colchoneros' problems at the Periquitos' ground. Here are our predictions for the matchday.

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Deportivo de la Coruña vs Levante, Friday, 20:00 BST

Riazor will host the opening match of the weekend as Levante come to town. Both the Galicians and the Valencians are teams with considerable attacking potential, but both have also conceded plenty of goals. The two sides average more than one goal scored and more than one conceded per match. Seven of Deportivo's eight matches have seen both teams score. That has also happened in four of Levante's last five games and in each of the last six meetings between the sides.

Tip: Both teams to score - 7/10 @ bet365

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

Espanyol vs Atletico Madrid, Saturday, 13:00 BST

Cornellà-El Prat will stage one of the weekend's standout fixtures as Atletico Madrid visit. The Catalans are going through a difficult spell, and some supporters are calling for Manolo González to be sacked, but a good result against the Colchoneros could change the mood. Five of Espanyol's eight league matches have featured three or more total goals, including three of the four they have played at home. The same is true of every Atletico Madrid competitive fixture except their first, a 2-0 win over Málaga at the Metropolitano. This article was written before the visit of Manchester United. More than 2.5 goals have also been scored in seven of the last 11 meetings between the sides and in four of the last six at Espanyol's ground.

Tip: Over 2.5 goals - 4/5 @ bet365

Bet Explanation: This bet wins if the match features three or more total goals.

Villarreal vs Elche, Saturday, 15:15 BST

Villarreal host Elche after seeing their upward momentum halted by defeat at the Bernabéu. We expect Iñigo's side to justify their status as favourites and return to winning ways in the league. Elche arrive in the relegation zone with just one win in this league campaign, while the side from Castellón have beaten two other teams near the bottom, Levante and Málaga. The odds on a predictable home win are more appealing than in other cases.

Tip: Villarreal to win - 12/25 @ bet365

Bet Explanation: This bet wins if Villarreal win.

Betis vs Barcelona, Saturday, 17:30 BST

Barcelona visit Betis in what is likely to be the most attractive match of the weekend as the third-placed side host the leaders. They are two of the four teams to have scored the most goals in this league. In five of the last six meetings between them, both teams have scored, and there were at least three total goals. The same has happened in each of the last eight played in Seville. To top it off, those statistics apply to three of Betis' last five competitive matches and four of Barcelona's last five.

Tip: Over 2.5 goals and both teams to score - 8/15 @ bet365

Bet Explanation: This bet wins if the match finishes with three or more total goals and both teams score at least once.

Osasuna vs Racing, Sunday, 13:00 BST

Osasuna have dismissed Ramis and brought back Jagoba Arrasate to turn their fortunes around. The Navarrese side had been strong at home in recent seasons, including under Jagoba, and have lost just one of their four matches in Pamplona (W1, D2) despite their poor run. They now welcome Racing Santander, who have lost every away match they have played so far this league season. We therefore believe the home side will make home advantage count.

Tip: Osasuna to win - 19/20 @ bet365

Bet Explanation: This bet wins if Osasuna win.

Malaga vs Real Sociedad, Sunday, 17:30 BST

Malaga have scored in three of their four home league matches. The bottom side have, in fact, picked up three of their four points at La Rosaleda, although they are also among the teams to have conceded the most goals, with 13. Real Sociedad have conceded 15 and scored 12, despite occupying a European place before this matchday. They have kept just one clean sheet in eight matchdays, while they have also failed to score in one of those eight league games. For all these reasons, we expect both teams to score.

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

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

Real Madrid vs Sevilla, Sunday, 20:00 BST

Sunday's action concludes with a clash between two classic clubs at the Santiago Bernabéu. Real Madrid are overwhelming favourites for this match, and supporters at the Bernabéu will be hoping Mbappe finds the net again. He has scored in two of his last three meetings with Sevilla. The Frenchman has now gone two league matches without scoring while starting, which is unusual since his move to the capital. Before this dip, he had scored in five of his previous six competitive appearances for the club.

Tip: Mbappe to score - 4/9 @ bet365

Bet Explanation: This bet wins if Mbappé scores at least one goal.

Odds correct at time of writing, subject to change.