La Liga Predictions - Week 18
- Getafe have scored just 11 goals this season - the lowest in LaLiga
- Atletico Madrid are on an 11-match winning streak
- Espanyol have lost four straight away matches
With teams having played anywhere between 16 and 18 games heading into Gameweek 18 in LaLiga, the Spanish top-flight is difficult to make sense of right now. One thing is for certain, however, and that is there is an almighty title race on the cards.
There is just one point between Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid at the LaLiga summit, with Saturday’s clash between Barca and Atleti the standout fixture from the Spanish top flight’s final pre-Christmas schedule.
Jamie Griffith has correct-score picks for all 10 LaLiga matches.
Girona vs Real Valladolid (Friday, 8pm)
Girona have gone six matches without a win but while they are hard to trust, it is also difficult to have much faith in a Real Valladolid side with seven losses in eight La Liga away games this season.
Score prediction: Girona 1-0 Real Valladolid
Getafe vs Mallorca (Saturday, 1pm)
Mallorca are flying high in fifth and, fresh from a win over Girona, should have too much for a misfiring Getafe, who have netted a league-low 11 goals this season.
Score prediction: Getafe 0-1 Mallorca
Celta Vigo vs Real Sociedad (Saturday, 3.15pm)
One of the form sides in the league, Real Sociedad have won four of their last six LaLiga games in a run which includes a victory over leaders Barcelona, suggesting they should have no issues at the Balaidos, where they have won six straight clashes with Celta Vigo.
Score prediction: Celta Vigo 0-2 Real Sociedad
Osasuna vs Athletic Bilbao (Saturday, 5.30pm)
Like their rivals Real Sociedad, Athletic Bilbao are in excellent form, winning six of their last seven matches, but they may have to settle for a point at shock top-six side Osasuna, who have drawn four league games on the spin.
Score prediction: Osasuna 1-1 Athletic Bilbao
Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid (Saturday, 8pm)
This top-two clash looks difficult to call. Barcelona are capable of blowing teams away - they have scored 50 goals in 18 LaLiga outings - while Atletico Madrid on an 11-match winning streak.
That makes the draw a huge player in this heavyweight tussle.
Score prediction: Barcelona 2-2 Atletico Madrid
Valencia vs Alaves (Sunday, 1pm)
Alaves did the double over Valencia last term and given the hosts’ seemingly never-ending struggles, they could earn an important point at the Mestalla on Sunday.
Score prediction: Valencia 1-1 Alaves
Real Madrid vs Sevilla (Sunday, 3.15pm)
Real Madrid have been inconsistent this season but they have won their last two home games to nil and it is hard to imagine a Sevilla side with one win in 11 LaLiga away matches causing the champions too many problems.
Score prediction: Real Madrid 2-0 Sevilla
Las Palmas vs Espanyol (Sunday, 5.30pm)
Las Palmas have beaten Barcelona and drawn with Real Sociedad during an ongoing four-match unbeaten run and they can see off Espanyol, who have lost four away games on the spin.
Score prediction: Las Palmas 2-1 Espanyol
Leganes vs Villarreal (Sunday, 8pm)
There is a good mood in the Leganes camp following their shock win over Barcelona and they can extend Villarreal’s winless run to seven by earning a point on Sunday.
Score prediction: Leganes 1-1 Villarreal
Real Betis vs Rayo Vallecano (Monday, 8pm)
Real Betis have lost just one of their last 11 home games but three of the last five have finished level and Rayo Vallecano have the tools to frustrate sides, as shown by their 3-3 draw with Real Madrid last Saturday.
Score prediction: Real Betis 1-1 Rayo Vallecano
