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.
Getafe to win
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.
Draw
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.
Real Madrid to win
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.
Over 2.5 total 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.
Draw
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.
Antoine Greizmann anytime goalscorer
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.
Athletic Bilbao to win
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.
Osasuna to win
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.
Over 2.5 total goals
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.
