The Spanish La Liga is back after two weeks of international football, and the eight round brings us some exciting games. In this article we will focus on two matches set for Sunday, October 15th, 2017, when Leganes travels to Malaga, while Betis hosts Valencia at Estadio Benito Villamarin in a clash of two teams with a great form recently.
Down below you’ll find some interesting tips and the latest information about these two games, along with our betting predictions, like we always do here on GetMoreSports.
MALAGA vs. LEGANES
3-Way: 1: Malaga +143; X: +229 Draw; 2: Leganes +269
Spread -0.5: Malaga +135; Leganes -145
Total +2: Over -114; Under +110
MALAGA
Malaga is the only team in the Spanish La Liga without a win after the first seven rounds. They’ve recorded one draw and six defeats so far, found themselves at the bottom of the league with one point, and a miserable 4:16 goal difference. The only point came in the sixth round when Malaga played a 3:3 draw with Athletic Bilbao at home.
In the previous round, Malaga was beaten by Sevilla at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, 2:0, with two goals in the second half for just two minutes. Sevilla was a better team throughout the game and deservedly won three points. Nevertheless, Malaga showed some positives in this clash, creating a couple of dangerous scoring chances, but still failing to find the net. However, an awful tackle led to a penalty in the 68th minute, and just two minutes later Sevilla doubled the lead, so Malaga’s defense has to improve if they want to end this terrible string of bad results.
The striker Diego Rolan, who joined the team from Girondins Bordeaux on loan this summer, could be the main force in the final third, as the Uruguayan bagged two goals in four appearances. The central midfielder Recio created 10 scoring chances so far, and he has one assist to his name. The fans expect more from Adrian Gonzales, who arrived from Eibar, while another loaned player, Borja Baston, is still goalless after five apps.
Malaga’s manager Michel doesn’t have serious injury worries, besides Borja Baston (knee problems) and Luis Hernandez (muscle injury) who are doubtful for the next game against Leganes.
LEGANES
The Legionaries are surely the positive surprise of the Spanish La Liga so far, as they are at the seventh place of the table after seven rounds with 11 points and a 5:3 goal difference. They didn’t concede a goal in the previous three matches, and they upset the odds in their last game earning a draw against Atletico Madrid in front of the home fans. Pretty encouraging start of the season, although there’s a lot of games to be played, so they need to stay focused knowing that every point could be crucial in the battle against relegation.
Leganes has some serious problems with attacking, as they’ve created only 49 scoring opportunities, getting five goals from them. Only two teams created fewer chances in the Spanish La Liga. On the other side, Leganes’ defense is one of the best in the league with just three goals conceded, and they surely can be proud of their defensive work. With 40% of tackles won, and 55% of aerial duels they are on the right path, as the priority is to stay in the La Liga.
Asier Garitano’s patient approach is paying off, and it’s going to be interesting to see how far he can go with this team. For the next game against Malaga, he cannot count on keeper Jon Ander Serantes (shoulder injury), while the centre-back Ezequiel Munoz is still doubtful due to a back injury.
MALAGA vs. LEGANES – Match Prediction
As we all know, every string has an end, and I expect to see Malaga winning this clash at home for the first victory of the season. Leganes is performing very well recently, especially at the defensive end, but their inefficient attack could be a problem. This could be the perfect chance for Malaga to upheave their La Liga season, so I’ll go with them on Sunday evening.
MY PICK: Malaga to Win (+143)
BETIS vs. VALENCIA
3-Way: 1: Betis +170; X: +267 Draw; 2: Valencia +185
Spread 0: Betis -111; Valencia +108
Total +3: Over +110; Under -116
BETIS
After three wins in a row (one of them against Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu), The Big Greens played a tremendous 4:4 draw with Real Sociedad at Anoeta in the seventh round of the Spanish La Liga, proving they are in a great form recently. They are sitting at the sixth place of the La Liga table with 13 points and a 14:11 goal difference.
Betis have a nice flow in their game, and they’ve created 60 scoring chances with some lethal finishing. Their average pass accuracy of 85% is simply brilliant. Just three teams have the better passing accuracy in the league. Forwards Antonio Sanabria and Sergio Leon are leading the team with four goals each, while the Mexican midfielder Andres Guardado was magnificent with six dishes in seven appearances. He also added 11 key passes to his name. Javi Garcia is another key player in the midfield, recording 306 successful passes with a 95% of pass accuracy.
The manager Quique Setien is doing a great job so far, and he’ll probably continue with attacking approach. For the next game against Valencia, he’ll have some troubles to field the best eleven, as Javi Garcia is suffering from a muscle injury, while Victor Camarasa and Ryad Boudebouz are both injured, too.
VALENCIA
Finally, there is a smile on fans’ faces, as Valencia is playing their best football in the last couple of seasons. After seven rounds Los Murcielagos are laying at the third spot of the La Liga table with 15 points, a 15:7 goal difference and a form of WWWDD. In the last two rounds, they managed to overcome Athletic Bilbao at home, and Real Sociedad on the road with the same result, 3:2.
The striker Simone Zaza is leading his team with six goals so far, and the Italian is looking powerful on the pitch once again. His partner Rodrigo added four goals, along with two assists to his name. The 20-year old midfielder Carlos Soler put on some great displays, as the youngster has one goal and four assists in seven appearances. The winger Goncalo Guedes, who’s playing on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, has three assists on his account.
Valencia is playing an entertaining and attacking football, creating 70 scoring chances with 81% of average pass accuracy. They’ve managed to score 15 times, just once outside of the box. Their defense is winning 38% of tackles and 53% of aerial duels, recording 40 defensive actions per game.
The manager Marcelino can count on all players for the next match against Betis, besides Ruben Vezo who’s still unavailable due to a fractured toe, so the Spanish tactician will surely look for another good display and positive result.
BETIS vs. VALENCIA – Match Prediction
This is one of the derby clashes of the La Liga eight round, so I expect to see entertaining performances from both teams. The final outcome is pretty unpredictable, and maybe a draw is the most likely result. However, I’m looking for some goals in this game, so I’ll go with the over.
MY PICK: Over 3 goals (+110)
