When not all football games are equal

When not all football games are equal

      It’s inevitable, isn’t it? Especially when you have sides with such contrasting resources such as 11-time European champions Real Madrid sharing a league with new boys Leganes and Alaves. But that is the beauty of 11 against 11 over 90 minutes (as Alaves proved against Barcelona 10 days ago). Certainly, this intriguing midweek set of fixtures early in La Liga will leave you sports betting fans with plenty to ponder. As Valencia’s slump continues, perhaps Gary Neville wasn’t so bad after all? And what about betting tips on the big game at the Nou Camp?!

WEEK 5 WEDNESDAY

Malaga vs Eibar

If nine-man Eibar can hold Sevilla, then why not be confident of travelling to Malaga? That they finished the game numerically disadvantaged means goalkeeper Yoel Rodriguez and Dani Garcia will be suspended for this one. The Asian Handicap odds on Malaga – 0.75 @ 2.13 – show the hosts are favourites, despite being five points adrift of their opponents.

Sevilla vs Real Betis

Manager Jorge Sampaoli made history at the weekend when he fielded the first Sevilla team in the league without a single Spanish player in the starting XI. That may have only lasted 14 minutes when injury forced a change but the Chilean will, I’m sure, field at least one ‘home grown’ player in this one. They entertain a Real Betis team who fought back but could only draw at home with Granada last time out. Betis aren’t expected to make it an away double in the Sevilla derby, judging by their 1X2 price @ 7.20.

WEEK 5 THURSDAY

Celta Vigo vs Sporting Gijon

Sporting were steamrollered by Atletico Madrid at the weekend and, really, didn’t give themselves a chance. Being two goals down inside five minutes saw to that and they will need a solid start to avoid a second away defeat in the space of four matches. Despite being just one place off the bottom and missing the goals of Nolito (now at Manchester City), Celta are firm favourites with Asian Handicap odds of -1.25 @ 2.33.

Real Madrid vs Villarreal

After equalling a record consecutive 16th straight win in La Liga, will Madrid claim another record of their own? That victory would see them surpass the run of matches achieved by arch rivals Barcelona in 2010-11, whichmakes it even more of an incentive. Casemiro is likely to miss the game with a calf injury but with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale back in full training, you can see why Villarreal are such outsiders, priced 1X2 @ 13.50.

Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid

The first big clash of the season in La Liga. Barcelona may be league champions but Atletico had the satisfaction of ending their reign as European champions in the quarter-final stage last season. Nine goals in the last two league games show why Barca should be concerned about Antoine Griezmann, Kevin Gameiro and Fernando Torres. Barcelona at home though are always strongly fancied, as odds of Asian Handicap -1.00 @ 2.11 show.

Granada vs Athletic Bilbao

The goals of Aritz Aduriz will always ensure Bilbao have a chance and it was his double in 17 minutes that saw off Valencia. Granada threw away a two-goal lead at Betis and need points from matches like this. A 1X2 Granada @ 4.10 offering shows the experts can’t see a home success.

Real Sociedad vs Las Palmas

Who would have thought Las Palmas would be sitting pretty in third place so early on – ahead of Atletico and with only Real and Barca above them. The surprise team of the early season, the Canary Islanders will enjoy life in the upper echelons of the Primera Division while it lasts. Betting odds – Asian Handicap:-0.75 Real Sociedad @ 2.44 – suggest it won’t.

WEEK 5 FRIDAY

Deportivo La Coruna vs Leganes

After an encouraging start, the task facing Leganes was never more aptly highlighted than at the weekend. Despite a 5-1 home drubbing, to take to the pitch against Barca showed just how far the club – in a town of 185,000 people and playing in La Liga for the first time in their 88-year history – have come. Remember, three years ago they had no training ground and the pitch was full of potholes! It also shows why Leganes are priced 1X2 @ 3.60 to win.

Osasuna vs Espanyol

Two sides struggling for form and in need of an early season boost. If not a must-win game, it’s certainly a match neither side can afford to lose. Quique Flores worked wonders at Watford and it’s tempting to plump on Asian Handicap:-0.25 RCD Espanyol @ 2.19.

Valencia vs Alaves

This is Valencia’s chance. Alaves may have won famously at the Nou Camp 10 days ago – they could barely believe the result themselves! But does anyone really believe they can inflict a fifth straight defeat on rock bottom Valencia who have not had the upsurge they planned after Gary Neville’s spring sacking? Los Che are tipped at Asian Handicap: -1.00 @ 2.08 to end their downward spiral.

Do you like this article? Do you want more? If so, click  to subscribe to our newsletter!