La Liga Matchday 26 preview, free betting picks & best odds

As we reach the final third of the 2023/24 La Liga season, the fight for positions is heating up across the table. Below are our free soccer betting picks for all 10 games in Matchday 26.

Real Sociedad vs Villarreal

Friday, February 23 – 9pm CET – Reale Arena

After a run of five straight matches without a win, Real Sociedad were finally able to break their drought last weekend in their comeback win over Mallorca. Back in the top six, the pressure is on to hold their spot as they welcome the struggling Villarreal. With just one win from their past seven matches, the 13th-placed Yellow Submarine look set to struggle again due to their poor defence.

Granada vs Valencia

Saturday, February 24 – 2pm CET – Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes

Sitting just four points outside the top six, Valencia desperately need a win this weekend to keep their European dream alive. They come in as favourites with La Liga betting sites against the relegation-bound Granada, who have just two wins all season. Although Valencia have just one win in their past four, they should be far too strong in this one and offer great value as the away team.

Barcelona vs Getafe

Saturday, February 24 – 4:15pm CET – Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys

Due to Girona’s recent slump, Barcelona now find themselves just two points behind second spot. After just scraping by over the past few weeks, they will be looking for a more polished effort as they welcome Getafe. Although Barca should be too good at home, their leaky defence has been a problem, and with Getafe scoring in 11 of their past 13 matches, back them to get on the board again.

Deportivo Alaves vs Mallorca

Saturday, February 24 – 6:30pm CET – Estadio de Mendizorroza

Suffering just one defeat in their past seven matches, Deportivo Alaves have now worked their way clear of a relegation scrap and into the mix for a top-half finish. Hosting the 16th-placed Mallorca, they will be hoping to keep their run going. These are two of the lowest-scoring sides in La Liga, so this match should have minimal opportunities, but on form, Alaves should be too strong.

Almeria vs Atletico Madrid

Saturday, February 24 – 9pm CET – Power Horse Stadium

Sitting in fourth spot on the table, Atletico Madrid delivered a 5-0 statement win over Las Palmas last weekend as their top-four position comes under threat. Heading to face the winless Almeria, they are set to be boosted by the return of star attackers Antoine Griezmann and Alvaro Morata. Against the worst defence in La Liga, Atletico should be far too strong as they look to gain vital goal difference.

Cadiz vs Celta Vigo

Sunday, February 25 – 2pm CET – Estadio Nuevo Mirandilla

In a critical clash in the relegation battle, the 18th-placed Cadiz search for an unlikely win as they host the 17th-placed Celta Vigo on Sunday. Winless in their past 21 matches and scoring just one goal in their past eight, nothing is going right offensively for Cadiz right now. On the other hand, Celta Vigo have scored six goals in their last three and, despite mixed results, look the stronger team in this clash.

Real Betis vs Athletic Bilbao

Sunday, February 25 – 4:15pm CET – Estadio Benito Villamarin

After their impressive 3-2 victory over Girona on Monday night, there is no doubt that Athletic Club have the quality to push the top four this season. With just one loss in their past 21 games in all competitions, they will be looking to continue their incredible run as they head to Seville. While Real Betis are in a top-six battle of their own, they have managed just one win in their last eight home games and lack the offensive firepower to trouble their Basque opponents.

Las Palmas vs Osasuna

Sunday, February 25 – 6:30pm CET – Estadio de Gran Canaria

Clearly exceeding all expectations this season, Las Palmas took a major hit last week as they went down 5-0 to Atletico Madrid. Looking to get back on track, they welcome Osasuna on Sunday night in an exciting mid-table clash. The visitors enter this match on a two-match winning streak and will be up for the fight in what should be a close contest.

Real Madrid vs Sevilla

Sunday, February 25 – 9pm CET – Estadio Santiago Bernabeu

After dropping points in their 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano last weekend, Real Madrid will be expecting a much-improved effort in a bid to keep their title hopes in their own hands. Welcoming the struggling Sevilla, Real should be far too good at home and will create plenty of opportunities. One player in particular to watch out for is Joselu, who has six goals in his past four starts and will be the primary option again on Sunday.

Girona vs Rayo Vallecano

Monday, February 26 – 9pm CET – Estadi Municipal de Montilivi

Following consecutive losses over the past two weekends, it appears the title dream is over for Girona, who now need to snap back into form to hold their top-four spot. Facing the dangerous Rayo Vallecano, expect Girona to return to their dynamic best at home. As a result, look to pair the home win with the over at Bovada for added value.

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