With the first round of European matches done and dusted, we return to the Spanish La Liga action to see our favorite teams fight for valuable points. This weekend, Girona will play host to Sevilla hoping to recover from their last league defeat, while Las Palmas welcome Bilbao, who are in a good run of form of late. We at GetMoreSports have it all covered for you!
GIRONA vs. SEVILLA
Three-way: 1: Girona +229; X: +258 Draw; 2: Sevilla +143
Spread 0: Girona +141; Sevilla -141
Total +2.5: Over -106; Under +104
GIRONA
Girona has had a fairly decent start to their campaign in La Liga so far. After three matches, it is clear to see that they are determined to make an impression in the league, as they have already won over some neutrals due to their hard-working style of play, which was already on show against Atletico Madrid in their first match of the season, where the put up a fantastic fight against Simeone’s men and did enough to come away with a point. Although they will need more than just sheer determination to survive in this league, the fans will be satisfied with the start the team has made, hoping that they can keep the good results coming and have a happy ending at the end of the season.
With three matches played in the La Liga so far, Girona sits in the 11th position, which doesn’t really matter as the criteria for the position in the table, is just a few points. However, they have shown strong home form, as they managed to grab four points from their two home fixtures. They have scored three goals in three matches, with all of them coming in home matches while conceding four, out of which, two had been in their last match, which was an away fixture. These early signs give an indication of the fact that Girona appears to be more at ease in home matches, as one would expect from a team just qualified to the top division.
Their last match was a disappointing performance, as they fell to a 2:0 defeat against Bilbao, away. Unlike their previous two matches in the La Liga, they failed to show any composure in keeping the ball, as they fell victim to the veteran Artiz Aduriz aerial prowess when they failed to deal with a cross from the wing. Prior to this defeat against Bilbao, they put in a sturdy performance against Malaga as they defeated them 1:0 at home.
Summer signing Christian Stuani has proved to be a really effective signing, as he has already netted twice in the three league appearances. After him, the centre back Pedro Alcala has also chipped in a goal. Midfielder Alex Granell has been dictating play that has rewarded him with an assist. He will be missing his compatriot David Timor in midfield, as he recovers from a muscle injury suffered in August, and is still not fully fit for the weekend’s match.
SEVILLA
Sevilla has started the La Liga season in a very positive manner, as they have dealt with their opponents with their usual attacking play and a sound structural organization throughout the starting 11. The fact that they can still improve, is only bad news to their top four contenders. Last year they gave a tough fight to Atletico for the third place, only to eventually lose out and finish 4th by 6 points. The fans will have every reason to be positive, as they have brought in some very capable players who are proven at the highest level across Europe, who will be hopeful of maintaining the quality in Sevilla’s style of play.
They are in a good run of form, as they are unbeaten since the start of the competitive season. Over their last six games in all competitions, their form has been really impressive. Their current record is 3-3-0. They have scored 11 goals in these matches while conceding six goals. Moreover, they have kept two clean sheets, with both of them coming in the La Liga. They still have room for improvement when it comes to shutting out opponents, as they have let in their opponents score one or two goals in most of the last few matches.
Their last match was a draw in the Champion’s League group stage opener against Liverpool. Sevilla showed good awareness as they took full advantage of Liverpool’s defensive frailties to score twice. One negative from this match was that Sevilla didn’t approach their best in terms of defensive efficiency, as they conceded twice, although to an attack that is considered one of the fiercest in Europe, as the match finished 2:2. Prior to this match, they easily thrashed Eibar by 3:0 at home, as they now sit pretty in third in the league with 7 points from the first three games.
Attacking midfielder Ganso is doing his bit in ensuring the attack functions smoothly for the team, as he has chipped in with two goals so far in three matches. New signing Nolito has continued from where he left off in Spain, as he has contributed with a goal and an assist. Forward Wissam Ben Yedder and winger Sanabria have also chipped in with a goal and an assist respectively.
GIRONA vs. SEVILLA – Match Prediction
Girona has had their fair share of admirers since they got promoted, and all of them have been earned with their solid, hardworking displays. However, they were defeated in their last match, which showed that it is not really a tough job to defeat the newly promoted side. Sevilla is in a very good form, and are more than able of putting the ball in the net when chances come towards the players. Looking at the squads and form of both teams, I feel that an away win is the most likely result, as Sevilla should be able to handle the few questions that Girona will pose.
MY PICK: Sevilla to win (+143)
LAS PALMAS vs. ATHLETIC BILBAO
Three-way: 1: Las Palmas +195; X: +250 Draw; 2: Athletic Bilbao +179
Spread 0: Las Palmas +102; Athletic Bilbao -103
Total +2.5: Over +100; Under -105
LAS PALMAS
Las Palmas just about managed to find good form at the right time last year, to survive in the La Liga with a 15th place finish. They started the season off in a very good manner, with some spectacular attacking play, but got careless towards the end of it. The fans will be hoping that the new recruits in the team help them to maintain the level of consistency that would be required to stay in the La Liga with a considerable margin, at the very least. They have already made a topsy-turvy start to the league season; something that has not helped in allaying the fans’ greatest fears regarding the team’s consistency.
Their defensive issues have continued to plague them as they still haven’t managed to keep a clean sheet in the league, after three matches. So far, they have conceded a massive seven goals in these games, which shows the level of improvement that the backline needs to go through. Their attack hasn’t really covered itself in glory, either, as they have scored only 4 goals, with all three of them coming in the last match. The manager will be hoping that he is able to motivate his players in time to avoid another relegation scrap towards the end of the season.
Their last match was a positive result. Away from home, they defeated Malaga 1:3. However, it must be noted that even though the attackers put on a good display, the one goal conceded will surely disappoint the defense. Prior to this match, they suffered a drubbing at home at the hands of Atletico, who smashed them 1:5. The Malaga result seems even impressive as it indicated to a strong willpower in the team to lift themselves up after such a thrashing to put in a good display.
Forward Jonathon Calleri is already proving to be a good signing, as the Argentine forward has put the ball in the net twice in three matches already, while new signing Loic Remy netted on his debut. Youngster Halilovic has started the season well, showing good passing range as he has created a goal in two matches.
They will be missing defensive midfielders Vicente Gomez and Sergi Samper due to muscular injuries, while loan signing Vitolo will remain on the sidelines with a knee injury.
ATHLETIC BILBAO
After just about scraping their way into the top seven, Bilbao will be looking to regain a bit more sharpness this season. Judging by their performances and the results they have obtained so far in this season, it seems that they are on the right track. They have not lost a game in their last 8 games, which include the La Liga matches and the Europa League qualifiers and group stage matches. They have a squad that is mixed with young, exciting talent, along with experienced players to provide a backbone, which can only be beneficial for the team.
Their current record has been very good, as they have started the league on a solid note. Over the last six matches, their record has been 4-2-0, which shows how solid their team has been in matches. During this run of games, they have scored 7 goals, while conceding just 2, keeping a clean sheet in an impressive five games. Although much sterner tests will arise as the season progresses, Bilbao looks well prepared to tackle them.
Their last match was scrappy 0:0 draw at Hertha in the Europa League. Although the clean sheet was positive, the failure of the players in terms of finding the net against European opponents will be something that should be taken care of. Before this match, the won against newcomers Girona in the league by 2:0, as Aduriz showing them how lethal he can be in the air.
As one would expect, veteran poacher Aritz Aduriz is the leading goalscorer for the team in the three La Liga matches played. He has scored two goals so far, while the club’s talented winger Inaki Williams has been taking apart defenders with his vision, as is shown by his three assists already. Talented defender Yeray Alvarez is still out with his recovery from testicular cancer, while right-back Oscar De Marcos is suffering from a sprained ankle, which makes him a major doubt for the match this weekend.
LAS PALMAS vs. ATHLETIC BILBAO – Match prediction:
Las Palmas has shown a few improvements in their last match, but are still culpable of lapses in concentration and defensive frailties. Bilbao, on the other hand, does not score many goals but is more than efficient in scoring one or two goals and then keeping their opponents at bay. Even though this will be an away match for Bilbao, I think they will be the one coming away with three points this weekend. Therefore, my prediction will be an away win.
MY PICK: Athletic Bilbao to win (+179)
