IN-FORM Callum Read (@callumread) picks out the best bets from La Liga this weekend.
Sporting Gijon v Sevilla | Saturday 12:00
Sevilla are fighting for the title and currently sit one point behind table-topping Real Madrid. Sporting Gijon however, sit in ninth and come into this fixture with just one point in their last six La Liga games (W0-D1-L5).
This Sevilla side is a joy to watch and Jorge Sampaoli has got his side playing some seriously attractive football. Samir Nasri looks a brand new player, Stepehn N’Zonzi looks like a world class midfielder and their 3-4-3 system has been rewarded this year.
Gijon have conceded 18 goals in the league, whilst Sevilla have scored 17. The away side won their first game on the road in 17 months after a 3-2 success at Leganes a fortnight ago. That tag is now shaken and they can go and play with all the confidence in the world.
Sevilla to win is 66/67 (Marathon).
Alaves v Real Madrid | Saturday 15:15
Karim Benzema scored his fourth La Liga goal of the season in the win over Athletic Bilbao last weekend and is currently fighting off competition from Alvaro Morata for a starting birth. The Frenchman was rested for Los Blancos’ midweek Copa del Rey game, which saw the Spaniard start.
Alaves have picked up just four points from their last five games, losing their last 3-0 against Real Sociedad, whilst, top of the league Real Madrid were 2-1 winners.
Zinedine Zidane’s last six away games in all competitions have seen 22 goals scored with the -2 handicap landing three times.
Alaves are tight defensively conceding just twice at home however, the firepower of the capital club will be to much this weekend. Real Madrid have scored 24 goals this season, the second most in the division.
Real Madrid -2 handicap (13/8 Paddy Power).
Athletic Bilbao v Osasuna | Sunday 15:15 | Sky Sports 4
Ernesto Valverde’s side were brilliant in their defeat to Real Madrid and if it wasn’t for Inaki Williams squandering a handful of chances they may have come away with three points in that fixture.
Osasuna currently sit in 19th with just six points as they’ve shipped 19 goals, whilst away from home that figure stands at 11 goals in just four games. For me, Osasuna have been the most disappointing side out of the newly-promoted sides.
At home, Athletic side have won three games on the bounce at the San Mames with the scores ending, 2-1, 3-1 and 3-2. The two defeats on the road for Osasuna have ended 3-1 and 5-2.
Athletic have scored at least two goals in five of their last six home La Liga games, with Osasuna shipping at least twice in their last five matches. For some historical data, Les Leones have won their last seven home encounters when welcoming Osasuna.
Aritz Aduriz is as brilliant as ever, whilst the three behind him consisting of Iker Muniain, Raul Garcia and Inaki Williams have been fantastic to watch. San Jose and Benat in midfield are a joy to behold and the back five should also be given credit.
Athletic Bilbao to win and Over 2.5 Goals (6/5 BetStars)
Las Pamas v Celta Vigo | Sunday 19:45 | Sky Sports 3
Las Palmas have seen over 2.5 goals in their last six games against Celta Vigo in all competitions, whilst the same amount of goals has landed in eight of Las Palmas’s last 10 games. To add fuel to the fire, there have been Over 2.5 goals in Celta Vigo’s last three La Liga outings.
Both sides have goals flowing throughout their team, with Quique Setien’s hosts scoring 17 goals in nine game whilst conceding 15. The visitors have shipped 17 goals in their nine games scoring 13.
Kevin-Prince Boateng has been a welcome addition to the Canaries, scoring a world class overhead kick against Villarreal – without doubt, it’s a goal of the month contender.
Elsewhere, Roque Mesa has been as superb as ever and for Celta, Iago Aspas is on cloud nine having scored four goals this season, including twice against Deportivo last time out.
Over 2.5 Goals (10/11 Marathon)
Best Bets
Sporting Gijon v Sevilla – Sevilla to win (66/67 Marathon)
Alaves v Real Madrid – Real Madrid -2 handicap (13/8 Paddy Power)
Athletic Bilbao v Osasuna – Athletic Bilbao to win and Over 2.5 Goals (6/5 BetStars)
Las Palmas v Celta Vigo – Over 2.5 Goals (10/11 Marathon)
