It seems like picking the winners in la liga is getting more difficult every week. Even Real Madrid and Barcelona are no longer sure things and it is taking its toll on my winning percentage. Last week was yet another 3/10.
Remember, it is ‘1’ for a home win, ‘X’ for a draw and ‘2’ for an away win. Let’s get it!!!
1. Racing de Santander (18th) – Sporting de Gijón (19th): 1
This is one of those games I referenced last week. Two teams that desperately need the points to try to climb out of the relegation zone. Racing got thumped by Real Madrid 4-0 last week while Sporting managed a very respectable draw with Atlético de Madrid. I think Racing bounces back this week.
2. Atlético de Madrid (6) – Barcelona (2): 2
Barcelona is currently going through a ‘crisis’ in comparison to its normal standard of winning every game it plays in. Lionel Messi had a monster game last week scoring 4 and Barca currently has a full, healthy roster for the first time all season. However, coach Pep Guardiola, whose contract expires at the end of the season has yet to renew and reports are that Inter is offering 20 million euros a season if Pep decides to go to Italy. I think los cules lay it on thick this week to show their coach why he should remain at the helm.
3. Valencia (3rd) – Sevilla (11): 1
Valencia is going to keep it up and stay in 3rd this season. Although Sevilla has been playing better as of late I’m not a believer just yet.
4. Osasuna (10th) – Granada (15th): X
When in doubt, go with a draw.
5. Real Sociedad (16th) – Mallorca (13): 2
Mallorca scored 4 last week, 3 of which came on free kicks. I think they use their game plan of drawing fouls and get a couple of more this week against a totally unpredictable Real Sociedad.
6. Villareal (17th) – Athletic de Bilbao (5): 2
Villareal seemed to be on the come up lately but last week suffered the aforementioned 4-0 loss to Mallorca. Athletic is currently about to face Manchester United in the Europa League last 16. That could mean a lack of concentration but with Athletic currently in 5th and fighting to play in the Champions League next year they need to keep their eye on the ball.
7. Málaga (9th) – Zaragoza (20th): 1
Zaragoza seems almost doomed to relegation this year. I just don’t see a victory for them. Málaga expects more from their highly paid players and they get the 3 points.
8. Betis (12th) – Getafe (14th): 1
Currently level on points (29) with their hated neighbors, Sevilla, Betis keeps the pressure on and finish head of their rival.
9. Espanyol (4th) – Levante (7th): 1
Levante continues their second half free fall. Espanyol would be quite pleased if it remains in fourth until the end of the season. They get the points.
10. Rayo (8th) – Real Madrid (1st): 2
Currently sitting 10 points clear of Barcelona, Real Madrid is desperate to finally get a title away from the ‘Pep Boys’ and has to keep winning. Although facing injuries to Angel di Maria and Karim Benzema, Real Madrid keeps the pressure on. 10 points is almost insurmountable at this point in the season, but Barcelona remains lurking…
Good Luck!!!
