La Liga Matchday 9 betting tips & goalscorer picks

Matchday 9 of La Liga is upon us this weekend, with 10 matches of top-quality football action scheduled. Below are our La Liga betting picks and match predictions for the weekend.

Athletic Club vs Almeria

The winless Almeria side travel to Bilbao this weekend to take on sixth-placed Athletic Club. Coming off a 3-0 in the Basque derby last weekend, Athletic Club will be looking to rebound against the relegation battlers this weekend. Undefeated at home since Matchday 1, Athletic Club have also shown immense quality in attack, averaging three goals a game in that period. They have also conceded nine goals this season so far so expect this game to have plenty of scoring.

Cadiz vs Girona

After starting the season on fire, Girona were given a reality check last weekend as they went down 3-0 to Real Madrid. This week they face the 12th-placed Cadiz side who impressed in a 3-2 loss to Atletico Madrid last week but are still winless in their last four matches. Despite their solid start, Girona have still been leaky in defence, conceding the same number of goals as Cadiz. With the recent head-to-head record favouring the home side, we are backing this match to be a close encounter.

Real Madrid vs Osasuna

Sitting in top spot at the moment, Real Madrid look set to keep their run going this weekend against the ninth-placed Osasuna. Despite a 2-0 against Deportivo Alaves halting their four-match winless streak, they should be no match for their powerhouse opposition. After a goal and an assist last weekend, look for Real Madrid striker Joselu to keep his good form going as the target man inside the box.

Mallorca vs Valencia

As a potential relegation battler this season, this shapes as a game that Mallorca need to win at home against a struggling Valencia side. Following their positive start to the season, which included a 3-0 win over Atletico Madrid, Valencia are now back to their regular inconsistencies. With an admirable 2-2 draw in their last match at home, Mallorca have shown they can hit the scoreboard, as both their strikers have four goals this season. Valencia have struggled to settle on their strongest line-up this season due to injuries, so we are backing Mallorca here.

Sevilla vs Rayo Vallecano

Despite being one of the biggest clubs in Spain through recent years, Sevilla have struggled so far this season, suffering four losses already. On the other hand, Rayo Vallecano have had a strong start to the season as they sit in eighth spot, undefeated through their last four. Excluding a 7-0 defeat earlier this season, Rayo have conceded jut four goals in their remaining seven matches, showing excellent structure at the back. With the Sevilla attack not performing well either, we are backing this match to be a low scoring affair.

Villarreal vs Las Palmas

Two sides sitting just clear of the relegation zone, both will be looking to get vital points for their season. Newly promoted Las Palmas have been impressive so far this season, winning two of their last three matches, whilst conceding the second fewest in the league. However, their attack is a major concern, scoring just four goals in their matches so far, they will need to hit the scoreboard to continue their good form. On the other hand, European regulars Villarreal have been disappointing so far this season and need to bounce back to keep their top-six hopes alive. With too much quality in attack, look for Alexander Sorloth to lead the way for Villarreal in the absence of star forward Gerard Moreno.

Atletico Madrid vs Real Sociedad

This shapes as the match of the weekend between two sides fighting for top-four positions. Both sides have won their last three league matches as well as their Champions League match during the week. A real six-point game, look for this match to be full of scoring opportunities with the amount of offensive quality on the pitch.

Celta Vigo vs Getafe

Two struggling sides, a win is essential in changing the form for both Celta and Getafe this weekend. Sitting inside the relegation zone, Celta have struggled at both ends of the field this season with just one win. Getafe have also struggled this season but having already faced five of the top six sides in La Liga, they will be looking to climb the table against lesser quality opposition. Celta has struggled against Getafe in recent times, and we expect that to continue this weekend.

Deportivo Alaves vs Real Betis

After a shaky start to the season, Real Betis will be looking to get their season back on track against a struggling Deportivo Alaves side this week. Bouncing back with a comfortable 3-0 win over Valencia last weekend, Betis look to have addressed their defensive concerns that hampered their early progress. On the other hand, Alaves have scored just twice in their last six matches, proving a major concern. Despite travelling away this week, Betis should be too strong.

Granada vs Barcelona

Second-placed Barcelona head to Granada this weekend as they continue their title push this season. Undefeated in La Liga, Barcelona possess the most potent attack, whilst also looking very solid in defence. By comparison, Granada have struggled this season, conceding more goals than anyone else whilst sitting in 19th spot on the table. With star striker Robert Lewandowski suffering an injury during the week, look for Ferran Torres to fill his position and have plenty of chances to score.

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