LaLiga: predictions, best bets and odds (matchweek 12)

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This weekend’s league fixtures could be important at both ends of the table. Every matchweek before an international break carries an added sense of drama, because good feelings linger for several days, which is unusual in such a congested calendar. The same is true when a weekend ends on a sour note. As a result, a blockbuster such as Atlético v Barça could prove hugely significant for both sides’ seasons, whether positively or negatively. The same applies to Real Madrid’s visit to a Valencia side looking to keep winning under Javier Aguirre and go into the break outside the relegation zone. The meeting between Málaga and Racing could also leave either team with several days of joy or sorrow. Here are our predictions for the matchweek.

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Sevilla - Alavés, Friday, 20:00 GMT

Sevilla welcome their opponents after seeing Getafe come from behind to beat them last time out, although they remain in the European places. Alavés arrive in poor form, taking just two points from their last seven matches and only two points away in the league. That suggests García Plaza’s side could struggle, despite Sevilla winning three of their five league home games and losing only to Atlético and Barça. We believe Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán will be a factor and that Sevilla will beat Alavés, something they have not managed at home since 2021.

Tip: Sevilla to win - 10/11 @ bet365

Bet Explanation: This bet wins if Sevilla win. 

Málaga - Racing, Saturday, 13:00 GMT

The visit of another newly promoted side could be a good opportunity for Málaga to claim their first win of the season, particularly given that Racing have yet to take a point away from home. Both teams are among the four that have conceded the most goals, and all but one of Málaga’s home matches have seen both sides score. The same has happened in two of the last three meetings between the teams.

Tip: Both teams to score - 8/15 @ bet365

Bet Explanation: This bet wins if both teams score.

Osasuna - Athletic Club, Saturday, 17:30 GMT

An intriguing northern derby in Pamplona. Athletic arrive after three successive competitive wins. Osasuna have not scored more than two goals in any match this season and have netted one or two goals in three of their last four home games, where they always feel stronger. Athletic have also scored within that range in nine of their last 10 competitive away matches, while they have conceded one or two goals in each of their last two competitive fixtures.

Tip: Osasuna to score one or two goals - 4/6 @ bet365

Bet Explanation: This bet wins if Osasuna score one or two goals, regardless of the final result.

Valencia - Real Madrid, Saturday, 20:00 GMT

Aguirre’s Valencia, fresh from winning at Elche, welcome a rampant Real Madrid in one of the hottest fixtures of the year at Mestalla. An exciting encounter is expected. Valencia have improved in attack but are still waiting for their first home win, and they have conceded between one and three goals in three of their five league home matches. Real Madrid, meanwhile, have scored within that range in every away match this season apart from their visit to Betis, when they missed a penalty. Madrid have also been within those figures in eight of their last nine competitive visits to Mestalla.

Tip: Real Madrid to score between one and three goals - 4/9 @ bet365

Bet Explanation: This bet wins if Real Madrid score one, two or three goals in the match, regardless of the final result.

Elche - Betis, Sunday, 13:00 GMT

Champions League-chasing Betis visit Elche, who sit just above the relegation zone. Both teams score and concede more than one goal per match on average, and all of the last four meetings between them, including the three played last season, saw both sides score. That has also happened in four of Betis’ last five competitive away matches. With both teams enjoying attacking football, we expect the match to feature goals at both ends.

Tip: Both teams to score - 4/7 @ bet365

Bet Explanation: This bet wins if both teams score.

Villarreal - Getafe, Sunday, 17:30 GMT

A volatile match between two volatile teams. In recent weeks, we have predicted home wins for Villarreal that have failed to materialise - the Castellón side have won just one of their five league matches at La Cerámica. Getafe’s away form does not inspire optimism, but their comeback against Sevilla could prove a turning point for a Madrid side that have taken points from two of their last three visits to Villarreal. We know this is a difficult prediction, but we expect the Azulones to come away with something.

Tip: Getafe to win or draw -7/4 @ bet365

Bet Explanation: This bet wins if Getafe avoid defeat.

Atlético - Barcelona, Sunday, 20:00 GMT

Barcelona’s visit to the Metropolitano is always one of the matches of the year in LaLiga EA Sports. We expect action and goals. Each of the last four league meetings between these teams, all played since Hansi Flick’s arrival in Barcelona, has produced three or more total goals, with both sides scoring. The same was true in two of Barcelona’s three visits to the Metropolitano in all competitions last season. It has also happened in both league visits by Champions League teams to the Metropolitano this season, namely Villarreal and Real Madrid, as well as in nine of Barça’s last 10 matches in all competitions.

Tip: Over 2.5 goals and both teams to score - 1/2 @ bet365

Bet Explanation: This bet wins if the match produces three or more total goals and both teams score.