La Liga 27 & 28 Oct

Saturday’s games

Espanyol are in terrific form, not only have they won their last four matches but they have beaten Sevilla, Valencia and Real Madrid. They have have moved up to fifth place, just two places above Mallorca. Mallorca are also in good form, but they have not played any of the teams mentioned above. The bookies seem to be very generous with the odds and I am keen to take advantage. Have a two point bet on Espanyol (+1/4) at 1.94.

[Espanyol drew 2-2]

The other match sees Athletic Bilbao welcome Real Betis. Bilbao have not won at home all season and Betis have a terrible away record so this does not rate to be optimum viewing. Although backing the draw at 3.30 is a possibility, I prefer to leave this match alone, no bet on this one.

Sunday’s games

Athletico Madrid are in great form at the moment, having won four of their last five matches (losing to Barca) they will be keen to take three points to move further up the table. They face a Levante side that looks certain for relegation, having taken just one point from eight games they are in dire straights. The only question that remains is will Athletico be tired from their trip to Moscow? Even if they are tired I think they have more than enough firepower to manage three points.Have a two point bet on Athletico (-3/4) at 1.95.

[Athletico won 1-0]

Having started the season well, Valladolid have slipped down the table, losing their last four games. They travel to Osasuna in the hope of pulling themselves out of the drop zone, but can they achieve this? Osasuna have been strong at home this season, recently beating Villarreal, that coupled with the fact that Valladolid’s away form has been poor makes this match an interesting proposition. Have a one point wager on Osasuna (-1/2) at 1.87.

[Osasuna drew 2-2]

Getafe have one of the worst away forms in La Liga, having lost four games away from home this season. They travel to Racing Santander in the hope of breaking that duck, but they may well be tired from their UEFA Cup match against Tottenham on Thursday. Getafe have put together a little run of form, winning their last two matches, but domestically they have been poor this season and have already slipped into the drop zone. Santander have had a solid start to the season and I think they are worth a small bet. Have a one point bet on Racing (-1/4) at 1.95.

[Racing won 2-0]

Villarreal are one of the form teams in La Liga at the moment, currently in second position they will be looking for three points to keep the pressure on Real Madrid. Like Getafe, they also played on Thursday night, but it was played at home (which will have minimised the effects of tiredness). Zaragoza have been very strong at home this season, they are currently unbeaten on home turf, but apart from Sevilla they have not played any of the form teams and I think Villarreal may well get a result against them. Have a two point bet on Villarreal (level) at 2.20.

[Villarreal lost 4-1]

None of the other games represent great value to me and are best left alone.