After a short winter break, the Spanish La Liga continues this weekend, so here on GetMoreSports you can check out our preview for the Round 18 games and get free betting picks and predictions.
This round brings us The Seville derby on Saturday, January 6th, 2018, when Sevilla hosts Betis at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, while on Sunday, January 7th, 2018, we’ll see a clash between Celta Vigo and Real Madrid at Balaidos. The closing game of the Spanish La Liga Round 18 is set for Monday, January 8th, 2018, when Malaga welcomes Espanyol at La Rosaleda.
ATLETICO MADRID vs. GETAFE
3-Way: 1: Atletico Madrid -250; X: +354 Draw; 2: Getafe +865 at BetDSI Sportsbook
Spread -1.5: Atletico Madrid +125; Getafe -144
Total +2.5: Over +112; Under -135
ATLETICO MADRID
Atleti suffered their first defeat of the season at the end of 2017, losing to Espanyol 1:0 at RCDE Stadium, and now they are nine points behind the leader Barcelona with 26 points and a 25:8 goal difference. Diego Costa has finally arrived from Chelsea, and he has already scored a goal against Lleida in the Spanish Copa del Rey last Wednesday.
Injuries and suspensions: Nico Gaitan (muscle), Filipe Luis (hamstring), Koke (muscle), Saul Niguez (yellow card suspension)
Head-to-head: Atletico Madrid won the previous six H2H duels, while Getafe hasn’t scored against Atleti in the last 11 matches.
GETAFE
The Deep Blues are currently sitting at the respected eight spot of the Spanish La Liga table with 23 points and a 22:16 goal difference, just four points behind Villarreal in the sixth spot which leads to the UEFA Europa League next season. They’ve conceded only one goal in the last four La Liga matches, recording two wins, one draw, and one defeat in the process.
Injuries and suspensions: Markel Bergara (meniscus)
Atletico Madrid vs. Getafe – Match Prediction
This should be a tough test for Atletico Madrid as Getafe is playing pretty well at the back recently, but they have to get three points if they want to keep the pace with Barcelona, so I’ll go with them in this one.
MY PICK: Atletico Madrid AH -1.5 (+125)
VALENCIA vs. GIRONA
3-Way: 1: Valencia -154; X: +312 Draw; 2: Girona +423 at BetDSI Sportsbook
Spread -1: Valencia +111; Girona -127
Total +3: Over +113; Under -133
VALENCIA
The Bats are in crisis as they were beaten three times in the last four La Liga matches, including a 1:0 defeat against Villarreal at home in the previous round. They are still in the third spot of the table with 34 points and a 36:17 goal difference, five points ahead of Sevilla in the fifth spot. The next game with Girona should be a perfect chance to get back on the right track and start a new year with a win in front of the home fans.
Injuries and suspensions: Carlos Soler (malleolar), Jose Gaya (flu, doubtful), Simone Zaza (red card suspension), Geoffrey Kondogbia (yellow card suspension), Martin Montoya (yellow card suspension)
Head-to-head: This will be their first H2H meeting.
GIRONA
The White and Reds are playing the first ever La Liga campaign, and after the first 17 rounds, they are laying at the 10th place of the table with 23 points and a 21:26 goal difference, eight points above the relegation zone. Girona has managed to score at least a goal in the last 11 La Liga matches, while they’ve recorded two wins and two losses in the last four rounds, including a 4:1 defeat against Eibar on the road in the previous round.
Injuries and suspensions: Pedro Alcala (ankle), Marc Muniesa (malleolar)
Valencia vs. Girona – Match Prediction
Even the Bats will play without their best striker Simone Zaza, I think they have to find the way to win this clash, and this could be a great chance for the forward Santi Mina to prove his worth to the team.
MY PICK: Valencia AH -1 (+111)
LAS PALMAS vs. EIBAR
3-Way: 1: Las Palmas +159; X: +240 Draw; 2: Eibar +177 at BetDSI Sportsbook
Spread 0: Las Palmas -112; Eibar +100
Total +2.5: Over -118; Under -101
LAS PALMAS
La UD is sitting at the bottom of the Spanish La Liga table with 11 points, a 13:38 goal difference and a form of LDLWD, four points behind Alaves in the safe 17th spot, so their fans probably have just one wish for the new year. Las Palmas’ defense is the worst in the La Liga, and they will have to improve a lot if they want to avoid the relegation.
Injuries and suspensions: Michel (muscle)
Head-to-head: Las Palmas won four out of the previous five H2H matches, but Eibar won their last meeting, 3:1.
EIBAR
The Gunsmiths are playing in a magnificent form as they’ve won five out of the last six La Liga matches, including a 4:1 victory over Girona at home in the previous round. They are currently in the seventh spot of the table with 24 points and a 22:29 goal difference, just three points behind Villarreal in the sixth spot. The Gunsmiths were pretty poor on the road thus far, recording two wins, one draw, and five losses with a 5:19 goal difference.
Injuries and suspensions: Fran Rico (knee), Pedro Leon (knee), David Junca (muscle), Ivan Ramis (muscle)
Las Palmas vs. Eibar – Match Prediction
This is one of the most interesting clashes of the Round 18, and I believe we’ll see an open game with some goals on both sides. The home side desperately needs three points, but the visitors are playing pretty well offensively in the last couple of rounds.
MY PICK: Over 2.5 Goals (-118)
SEVILLA vs. BETIS
3-Way: 1: Sevilla -192; X: +351 Draw; 2: Betis +525 at BetDSI Sportsbook
Spread -1: Sevilla -119; Betis +106
Total +3: Over -117; Under +101
SEVILLA
The Great of Andalusia is without a win in the last three matches, recording two defeats on the road against Real Sociedad (3:1), and Real Madrid (5:0), and a goalless draw at home with Levante. The new manager Vincenzo Montella will try to shake things a bit, as Sevilla has recorded a 20:22 goal difference so far, and a current fifth spot at the table certainly cannot satisfy their desires.
Injuries and suspensions: Daniel Carrico (muscle), Nicolas Pareja (osteitis pubis), Guido Pizarro (yellow card suspension), Steven N’Zonzi (special leave)
Head-to-head: Sevilla won the previous five meetings with their city rival, while Betis’ last victory was back in the 2013/2014 season when these two clubs played against each other in the UEFA Europa League.
BETIS
The Big Greens have recorded one win and three losses in the previous four La Liga matches, and all these four games were ended in the under. They are currently in the 14th spot of the table with 21 points and a 25:31 goal difference, six points above the relegation zone, while on the road they have a 2-1-5 record with an 8:16 goal difference.
Injuries and suspensions: Joel Campbell (ankle), Antonio Sanabria (knee, doubtful), Andres Guardado (muscle, doubtful), Jordi Amat (red card suspension)
Sevilla vs. Betis – Match Prediction
The Seville derby is always a great match to watch with a lot of tension, and I expect to see some entertaining football with some goals on both sides.
MY PICK: Over 3 Goals (-117)
LEGANES vs. REAL SOCIEDAD
3-Way: 1: Leganes +194; X: +225 Draw; 2: Real Sociedad +152 at BetDSI Sportsbook
Spread 0: Leganes +112; Real Sociedad -125
Total +2.5: Over +114; Under -139
LEGANES
Leganes has failed to score in four out of the last five La Liga matches, recording one win, one draw, and three losses in the process, so they’ve dropped to the 13th spot of the table with 21 points and a 12:14 goal difference. Their defensive work is still solid, but if they want to avoid the battle against the relegation, they need to start scoring goals on regular basis.
Injuries and suspensions: Omar (hamstring), Darko Brasanac (muscle), Dimitrios Siovas (muscle), Martin Mantovani (wound, doubtful), Nordin Amrabat (red card suspension)
Head-to-head: In their last season’s clash at Municipal de Butarque Real Sociedad won 2:0, while the match at Anoeta was finished in the 1:1 stalemate.
REAL SOCIEDAD
Real Sociedad ended last year with a brilliant 3:1 victory over Sevilla at home, so now they are sitting at the ninth place of the La Liga table with 23 points and a 31:29 goal difference, four points behind Villarreal in the sixth spot. On the road, Real Sociedad is winless for four games in a row, recording two draws and two losses in the process.
Injuries and suspensions: Kevin Rodrigues (muscle), Adnan Januzaj (hamstring, doubtful)
Leganes vs. Real Sociedad – Match Prediction
Sociedad’s fragile defense is the great chance for Leganes to finally score some goals, while the visitors’ attacking approach guarantees some exciting football this Sunday.
MY PICK: Both Teams to Score YES (-118)
BARCELONA vs. LEVANTE
3-Way: 1: Barcelona -1667; X: +1607 Draw; 2: Levante +3139 at BetDSI Sportsbook
Spread -3.5: Barcelona +110; Levante -129
Total +4.5: Over +100; Under -123
BARCELONA
After hammering their arch-rival Real Madrid (3:0) at Santiago Bernabeu in the previous round of the Spanish La Liga, Barca proved they are currently the best team in Spain. Now they are topping the table with nine points ahead of Atletico Madrid in the second spot, while Lionel Messi is torturing rivals’ defenders, adding 15 goals and seven dishes to his name in 17 La Liga appearances thus far.
Injuries and suspensions: Samuel Umtiti (muscle), Paco Alcacer (muscle, doubtful), Sergio Busquets (yellow card suspension)
Head-to-head: In the previous ten H2H meetings Barcelona won nine times, while only one game was finished in a 1:1 draw. Barca won 4:1 their last duel at Camp Nou.
LEVANTE
The Frogs are without a win for five La Liga matches in a row, recording three draws and two defeats in the process, while they drew without goals in the previous two games against Leganes and Sevilla. After the first 17 rounds, the Frogs are sitting at the 16th spot of the La Liga table with 18 points and a 15:22 goal difference. They are unbeaten in the previous five matches away from home, recording four draws and one win on those five occasions.
Injuries and suspensions: Ivan Lopez (cruciate ligament rupture), Alex Alegria (cruciate ligament rupture), Cheick Doukoure (hamstring, doubtful), Chema (muscle, doubtful), Jose Campana (red card suspension), Enis Bardhi (yellow card suspension)
Barcelona vs. Levante – Match Prediction
Levante will miss some important players due to suspensions and injuries, so I think they cannot get a positive result here. On the other side, Barca will look for another convincing victory, and I hope they will entertain their fans at Camp Nou.
MY PICK: Over 4.5 Goals (+100)
ATHLETIC BILBAO vs. ALAVES
3-Way: 1: Athletic Bilbao -147; X: +274 Draw; 2: Alaves +465 at BetDSI Sportsbook
Spread -1: Athletic Bilbao +126; Alaves -145
Total +2.5: Over +108; Under -133
ATHLETIC BILBAO
The Lions are undefeated for six consecutive La Liga matches, recording three draws and three wins in the process, including a convincing 2:0 victory over Betis on the road in the previous round. They are finally playing in a solid form after a quite poor start of the season, and now they are sitting at the 12th spot of the La Liga table with 21 points and an 18:19 goal difference, while at home, they’ve recorded three consecutive draws against Real Sociedad (0:0), Real Madrid (0:0), and Villarreal (1:1). Just two times this season we saw more than 2 goals at San Mames, including a 3:2 win against Hertha Berlin in the UEFA Europa League.
Injuries and suspensions: Iker Muniain (cruciate ligament rupture), Mikel Balenziaga (muscle), Ander Iturraspe (hamstring), Kepa Arrizabalaga (metatarsal bone), Unai Nunez (yellow card suspension)
Head-to-head: Last season Alaves won 1:0 at home, while the match at San Mames was ended in a nil-nil draw.
ALAVES
Since Abelardo Fernandez took the helm, Alaves recorded three wins and one defeat in the Spanish La Liga, so the Glorious One is currently just above the danger zone with 15 points, a 13:25 goal difference, and a 5-0-12 record, with same number of points as Deportivo La Coruna in the 18th spot which leads to the La Liga 2 next season.
Injuries and suspensions: Victor Laguardia (knee), Hector Hernandez (malleolar), Carlos Vigaray (knee, doubtful)
Athletic Bilbao vs. Alaves – Match Prediction
Both teams are playing very well recently, so I expect to see an interesting match. The visitors will certainly apply the defensive strategy, so this one could easily go in the under.
MY PICK: Under 2.5 Goals (-133)
VILLARREAL vs. DEPORTIVO LA CORUNA
3-Way: 1: Villarreal -169; X: +317 Draw; 2: Deportivo La Coruna +482 at BetDSI Sportsbook
Spread -1: Villarreal +101; Deportivo La Coruna -112
Total +2.5: Over -135; Under +111
VILLARREAL
The Yellow Submarine is playing in an on-off form throughout the season, and after three losses in a row, they recorded two consecutive victories over Valencia (1:0), and Celta Vigo (1:0), both times on the road. Villarreal is currently in the sixth spot of the La Liga table with 27 points and a 24:20 goal difference, while at home, they’ve conceded just six goals in seven matches, recording four wins, one draw, and two losses.
Injuries and suspensions: Ruben Semedo (muscle), Nicola Sansone (calf), Andres Fernadez (cruciate ligament rupture), Manu Trigueros (red card suspension)
Head-to-head: Last year both H2H duels were finished in a nil-nil draw, while two seasons ago, the visitors earned three points in both meetings.
DEPORTIVO LA CORUNA
After two consecutive defeats against Celta Vigo at home (3:1), and Barcelona on the road (4:0), Depor has dropped into the relegation zone with 15 points and a 19:34 goal difference, while they were beaten for three times in the row away from home, scoring two goals in the process, and conceding nine in a return.
Injuries and suspensions: Federico Cartabia (muscular problems, doubtful), Costel Pantilimon (back, doubtful), Fabian Schar (yellow card suspension)
Villarreal vs. Deportivo La Coruna – Match Prediction
The home team is a favorite in this clash, and bookies expect a convincing victory, but I believe the visitors could make an upset, as they desperately need a positive result.
MY PICK: Both Teams to Score YES (-128)
CELTA VIGO vs. REAL MADRID
3-Way: 1: Celta Vigo +503; X: +380 Draw; 2: Real Madrid -200 at BetDSI Sportsbook
Spread +1: Celta Vigo +112; Real Madrid -128
Total +3.5: Over -113; Under -107
CELTA VIGO
The Sky Blues started the new year with a 1:1 stalemate against mighty Barcelona at home in the first leg of the Spanish Copa del Rey round of 16, while they are currently in the 11th spot of the La Liga table with 21 points, a 30:25 goal difference, and a form of WLLDW. In the last five matches on the home soil, Celta Vigo has recorded two wins, one draw, and two losses, while three of those five games were finished in the under.
Injuries and suspensions: All players are ready to go.
Head-to-head: Los Blancos hammered Celta Vigo 4:1 in their last season’s meeting at Balaidos, while the previous eight H2H duels were finished with at least three goals in a total.
REAL MADRID
After a disappointing 3:0 defeat against Barcelona in front of the home fans, Los Blancos are trailing 14 points after their arch rival, and it seems like an impossible mission to defend the La Liga trophy. Real Madrid is currently in the fourth spot of the table with 31 points and a 30:14 goal difference, while on the road, they are winless for three matches in a row, recording two goalless draws and one defeat in the process.
Injuries and suspensions: Karim Benzema (hamstring), Daniel Carvajal (red card suspension)
Celta Vigo vs. Real Madrid – Match Prediction
Los Blancos will miss the striker Karim Benzema, but after two goalless draws in a row away from home, I think it is time for some goals. The visitors will have to try to win here, and it will leave some space for dangerous counter-attacks.
MY PICK: Over 3.5 Goals (-113)
MALAGA vs. ESPANYOL
3-Way: 1: Malaga +156; X: +206 Draw; 2: Espanyol +206 at BetDSI Sportsbook
Spread 0: Malaga -127; Espanyol +113
Total +2: Over -115; Under +100
MALAGA
The Anchovies were beaten two times in a row without scoring a goal against Alaves and Betis, so now they are in the 19th spot of the table with 11 points, a 13:31 goal difference, and a 3-2-12 record. Michel is still the manager, but the next clash with Espanyol at home could be crucial for his future at the club, as Malaga has earned just eight points on the home soil in eight La Liga matches this season.
Injuries and suspensions: Juankar (cruciate ligament rupture), Adrian Gonzalez (red card suspension), Luis Hernandez (yellow card suspension)
Head-to-head: Espanyol won three out of the last six H2H meetings, while three duels were ended in a draw. Malaga hasn’t beaten Espanyol since the 2011/2012 season.
ESPANYOL
Espanyol is struggling throughout the season, but they’ve managed to get a surprising 1:0 victory over Atletico Madrid at home in the previous round, so now they are sitting at the 15th spot of the La Liga table with 20 points and a 14:21 goal difference, just five points above the danger zone. Espanyol is still winless on the road, recording four draws and four losses with a miserable 5:15 goal difference.
Injuries and suspensions: Sergio Sanchez (wound)
Malaga vs. Espanyol – Match Prediction
Both teams are fighting against the relegation, so I expect to see a tight match, probably with no more than two goals in a total. Malaga will certainly try to get three points in front of the home fans and to beat Espanyol after a long time, but this one definitely looks like a possible draw.
MY PICK: Draw (+256)
