La Liga Matchday 16 betting picks, top odds & predictions

La Liga’s Matchday 16 is here with 10 matches of Spanish top-tier football action. Here is our free La Liga soccer betting preview and top picks for this weekend’s slate.

Getafe vs Valencia

Friday, December 8 – 9pm CET – Estadio Coliseum

After going undefeated since September, Getafe’s golden run ended last weekend to bring them back to 10th place on the table. Valencia also went down last weekend as they conceded two late goals in a 2-1 loss to Girona. Sitting with the same points and goal difference, this match should be close. The home side has won four of the last five matches between these sides, and we are backing that trend to continue.

Deportivo Alaves vs Las Palmas

Saturday, December 9 – 2pm CET – Estadio de la Mendizorroza

One of the biggest surprises of the season so far, newly promoted Las Palmas sit in eighth spot and boast the second-best defence in La Liga. They face another promoted side this weekend, with Alaves coming into this match on a three-match unbeaten run. Expect a close, low-scoring affair.

Real Betis vs Real Madrid

Saturday, December 9 – 4:15pm CET – Estadio Benito Villamarin

First-placed Real Madrid travel to Seville to take on a Betis side that hasn’t lost since September. With pressure coming from the chasing pack, Madrid now hold top spot solely on goal difference. Betis have been a bit of a danger side for Real, who have dropped points in three of their past five meetings. However, the visitors should be too strong on this occasion.

Villarreal vs Real Sociedad

Saturday, December 9 – 6:30pm CET – Estadio de la Ceramica

Keeping their top-four aspirations alive, Real Sociedad have only lost to teams above them this season. This weekend they will be looking to continue their good form as they travel to face the dangerous Villarreal. Each week is a different story for the Yellow Submarine, who sit in a disappointing 12th position. These are two high-scoring sides, so expect this match to have a few goals.

Mallorca vs Sevilla

Saturday, December 9 – 9pm CET – Estadi Mallorca Son Moix

With just three wins between these two sides this season, this match is critical in terms of the relegation battle. Sevilla have not lost to Mallorca since their promotion in 2019, but their form away from home has been terrible this season. Expect a tight contest with minimal chances at either end.

Atletico Madrid vs Almeria

Sunday, December 10 – 2pm CET – Estadio Civitas Metropolitano

Following their loss to Barcelona last weekend, Atletico will be keen to bounce back against last-placed Almeria. Despite picking up a rare point last weekend, Almeria remain winless this season. Atletico should have too much quality across the pitch, with Frenchman Antoine Griezmann the dangerous target up forward.

Granada vs Athletic Bilbao

Sunday, December 10 – 4:15pm CET – Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes

One of the form teams in La Liga right now, Athletic Club will be looking to continue their chase for a top-four position with a win against 19th-placed Granada. Contrasting one of the best attacks in La Liga with one of the worst defences, this match could get ugly for the struggling Granada side.

Cadiz vs Osasuna

Sunday, December 10 – 6:30pm CET – Estadio Nuevo Mirandilla

This match is a real six-pointer as Osasuna head down to Cadiz. Without a win since the first of September, Cadiz need to turn their fortunes around. Osasuna are winless in their last five matches but will be confident after their impressive draw with Real Sociedad last weekend. Osasuna have won eight of the last nine matches between these sides and will look to continue that trend.

Barcelona vs Girona

Sunday, December 10 – 9pm CET – Estadi Olimpic Lluis Comapnys

Second-placed Girona head down the highway to face third-placed Barcelona in a critical Catalan derby. This will be a major test for Girona, who have overachieved so far this season. Expect a high-scoring matchup, as Barcelona will be without goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen against the highest-scoring attack in La Liga.

Rayo Vallecano vs Celta Vigo

Monday, December 11 – 9pm CET – Estadio de Vallecas

Wrapping up the weekend, Rayo Vallecano will be looking to bounce back into the top half of the table when they face the underwhelming Celta Vigo. Rayo have just one win since September, as they have struggled to hit the scoreboard. Celta have also struggled to score this season, and with just one win so far, they may struggle on Monday night.

More sports betting picks