La Liga Matchday 25 betting preview, picks & predictions

The 2023/23 La Liga season continues this weekend with 10 matches of top-quality Spanish football. Below are our free picks and predictions for Matchday 25, with odds from the top soccer betting sites in United States.

Villarreal vs Getafe

Friday, February 16 – 9pm CET – Estadio de la Ceramica

Following their 3-2 comeback win over Celta Vigo, the 10th-placed Getafe now sit just five points outside the top six. They head to Villarreal this weekend for a cracking matchup between two of the top-scoring sides in La Liga. While Villarreal are undefeated in their past four matches, their defence has been terrible all season, which suggests that the over is the safer bet.

Atletico Madrid vs Las Palmas

Saturday, February 17 – 2pm CET – Estadio Civitas Metropolitano

Winless in their past three in all competitions, the mid-season woes continued this week for Atletico Madrid when they announced that star striker Alvaro Morata would be out for the near future. Las Palmas have been excellent lately and boast one of the best defences in La Liga, losing just one of their past five — and that was to Real Madrid. As such, expect this match to have few scoring opportunities at either end.

Osasuna vs Cadiz

Saturday, February 17 – 4:15pm CET – Estadio El Sadar

Sitting three points shy of safety in 18th place, Cadiz head to Pamplona with hopes of an upset against the inconsistent Osasuna. Prior to their 1-0 win over Real Sociedad last weekend, Osasuna were winless in their past three. However, they haven’t lost to Cadiz in their past 11 meetings, and facing the lowest-scoring side in La Liga, they should be too good.

Celta Vigo vs Barcelona

Saturday, February 17 – 6:30pm CET – Abanca-Balaidos

After their disappointing 3-3 draw with Granada, Barcelona will be keen to show their quality against another relegation candidate this weekend as they head to Vigo. A side just three points clear of the drop zone, expect Celta to struggle as Barcelona hold plenty of the possession. However, as Barca hold the worst defensive record of any side in the top 10, look for both teams to score for added value.

Valencia vs Sevilla

Saturday, February 17 – 9pm CET – Estadio de Mestalla

In the midst of a relegation battle, an upset win over Atletico Madrid was huge for Sevilla last weekend as they created a six-point buffer. Heading to Valencia, they face a side that has alternated wins and losses over the past six weeks. However, despite their inconsistencies, Valencia are a much better team at home, which should give them the edge here.

Rayo Vallecano vs Real Madrid

Sunday, February 18 – 2pm CET – Estadio de Vallecas

A 4-0 win over Girona last weekend was arguably the most impressive performance of the season for Real Madrid, who now hold a five-point lead at the top. Facing local rival Rayo Vallecano, they will have to do it without star midfielder Jude Bellingham. Winless in their past five, it is hard to see Rayo causing much damage against the best defence in La Liga, so look for Real Madrid to put in another spotless performance.

Granada vs Almeria

Sunday, February 18 – 4:15pm CET – Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes

Wins have been hard to come by for both Granada and Almeria as they both chase the unlikely safety from relegation. After drawing 3-3 with Barcelona last weekend, Granada will be confident of their chances against the winless Almeria. In a battle of the two worst defences in La Liga, back the home side here.

Mallorca vs Real Sociedad

Sunday, February 18 – 6:30pm CET – Estadi Mallorca Son Moix

Goalless in their past four matches, Real Sociedad have tumbled down the table and out of the top six. Heading to Mallorca this weekend they will be desperate for an improved performance against a side they haven’t lost to in over 10 years. Playing each other for the second time in two weeks, it was 0-0 last week and we can’t expect many more goals here. However, with much more quality and plenty on the line, the visitors should be too strong.

Real Betis vs Deportivo Alaves

Sunday, February 18 – 9pm CET – Estadio Benito Villamarin

Jumping into the top six after a 2-0 win over Cadiz last weekend, Real Betis now sit at the top of a logjam of teams fighting for just one top-six position. Hosting Deportivo Alaves, Betis will be keen to avenge their loss earlier in the season in front of their home support. However, without star midfielder Isco they may struggle to create chances, and facing one of the worst attacks in La Liga, this should be a low-scoring affair.

Athletic Club vs Girona

Monday, February 19 – 9pm CET – San Mames Barria

After their disappointing loss to Real Madrid last week, the pressure is on Girona to respond. Facing the fifth-placed Athletic Club in Bilbao, it should be thrilling contest between two of the best attacking sides in the competition. Putting last week aside, it has been a stellar season for Girona, who have only lost to Real Madrid. As such, look for value in the visitors as underdogs.

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