La Liga Matchday 18 preview, betting picks & top odds

La Liga continues this week with 10 matches of top-flight Spanish football. Here is our free soccer betting preview for La Liga Matchday 18, which kicks off this Tuesday.

ALSO: Bundesliga Matchday 16 betting preview

Rayo Vallecano vs Valencia

Tuesday, December 19 – 7pm CET – Estadio de Vallecas

Kicking off Matchday 18 is a contest between two sides level on points as 10th-placed Valencia head to Madrid to face 11th-placed Rayo Vallecano. After impressing with a 1-1 draw against Barcelona last weekend, Valencia now face the challenge of stringing multiple good performances together. On the other hand, Rayo Vallecano are winless in their last seven matches; however, they haven’t lost to Valencia since 2018, so expect this to be a close match.

Atletico Madrid vs Getafe

Tuesday, December 19 – 9:30pm CET – Estadio Civitas Metropolitano

After a disappointing effort in a 2-0 loss to Athletic Club last weekend, Atletico Madrid now face another tough opponent as they welcome the dangerous Getafe. Having lost just once in their past 11 matches, Getafe have turned their season around to sit eighth on the table. However, Getafe haven’t beaten Atletico in their past 24 meetings, while Atleti have won every match at home this season.

Granada vs Sevilla

Tuesday, December 19 – 9:30pm CET – Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes

After going 14 matches without a win, Granada now sit five points away from safety. Struggling on both ends of the pitch, Granada need to turn things around quickly as they welcome fellow relegation battlers Sevilla. Despite their poor position on the Liga table, Sevilla should be too strong as they look to gain valuable points in their search for safety.

Barcelona vs Almeria

Wednesday, December 20 – 7pm CET – Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys

After dropping points once again last weekend, Barcelona now find themselves nine points off the leaders in their title chase. This week they welcome the last-placed Almeria, who remain winless this season. With three goals in his last four games across all competitions, Barca forward Joao Felix looks a dangerous option in front of goal.

Athletic Bilbao vs Las Palmas

Wednesday, December 20 – 9:30pm CET – San Mames Barria

Following their impressive win over Atletico Madrid last weekend, Athletic Club sit just two points outside the top four. This week they welcome Las Palmas, who have found success in grinding out results in low-scoring matches. As such, this is a danger game for Athletic, who are expected to win but may struggle to create chances.

Villarreal vs Celta Vigo

Wednesday, December 20 – 9:30pm CET – Estadio de la Ceramica

Comfortably beaten by Real Madrid last weekend, Villarreal sit just three points away from the drop zone as they welcome fellow relegation candidates Celta Vigo on Wednesday night. Despite winning last weekend, Celta still sit in 18th spot as a result of their dysfunctional attack. At home, Villarreal should be too strong as they look to avoid a relegation scrap.

Cadiz vs Real Sociedad

Thursday, December 21 – 7pm CET – Estadio Nuevo Mirandilla

Following their draw with Real Betis last weekend, Real Sociedad missed a crucial opportunity to climb into fifth place. As they chase a top-four position, this week they face 16th-placed Cadiz. Having never lost to the Andalusian side, Sociedad should be too strong once again.

Real Betis vs Girona

Thursday, December 21 – 7pm CET – Estadio Benito Villamarin

Continuing their fairytale run, Girona keep on winning as they sit two points clear at top of the table. This week they face the dangerous Real Betis, who are undefeated in their last 12 Liga games and have been a stumbling block for many of the top sides. It is hard to see anyone stopping the Girona attack at the moment, as they average 2.4 goals a game and have a plethora of scoring options.

Deportivo Alaves vs Real Madrid

Thursday, December 21 – 9:30pm CET – Estadio de Mendizorroza

In the midst of a title race, Real Madrid returned to winning ways last weekend as they comfortably beat Villarreal at home. This week they face 13th-placed Deportivo Alaves in a must-win game. In a match where Real Madrid are expected to dominate possession, expect English midfielder Jude Bellingham to get on the scoresheet once again.

Mallorca vs Osasuna

Thursday, December 21 – 9:30pm CET – Estadi Mallorca Son Moix

Wrapping up the Liga schedule before the Christmas break, 15th-placed Mallorca welcome 12th-placed Osasuna. Undefeated in their last four matches, Mallorca have found a way to gain points despite being the lowest-scoring side in La Liga. They are also unbeaten in their last seven home games. Osasuna have lost to Mallorca just once in their past seven matches and will be looking for an upset here.

More sports betting picks