La Liga, also known as Campeonato Nacional de Primera Division resumes for its matchday 4 following the just-concluded international break. All eyes will be on one of Europe’s top leagues as Barcelona try to catch up with the likes of Atletico Madrid and Athletic Bilbao. The scenes at La Liga table are chaotic but yet in some way poetic. Traditionally, it would be expected that Barcelona and Real Madrid should be at the summit of the league charts. It was not to be after the turbulent times witnessed at Real Madrid and the injury crisis at Barcelona. Nothing should be taken away from Atletico Madrid though because they deserve to be where they are at the moment, and La Liga predictions will have to agree with this. The table leaders have developed a promising squad and have greatly improved in recent times.
Image: wikimedia.com
Source: Getty Images
Some form of normalcy is expected to return to the La Liga following the closure of the transfer window. Some of the teams have been unsettled after being frustrated by the rigorous demands of the transfer market. Barcelona had been hopeful of signing back Neymar, but it was never to be, and speculation went on until the last day of the window. Barcelona has to do with the players they have as they hope that their best players will be fit the entire season.
Real Madrid had a similar problem with transfers not going as much as they would have wanted. The club had made it clear they wanted to sell Gareth Bale, but they were unable to find a club for him due to his wage demands. They will be thankful that the deal did not go through because they have discovered that they still need him. A lot of fireworks are expected from the La Liga matchday 4 fixtures, and we will let the prediction, betting odds and picks to do the talking.
Spain La Liga predictions for matchday 4 2019/20
La Liga action returns on Friday night but the bulk of the games will be played on Saturday and Sunday. Saturday will be an exciting day for those interested in betting because all of last season’s top four teams will have their fixtures on this day. While making La Liga predictions this week include the fact that Barcelona has been performing poorly in their away games, Atletico Madrid may go all the way to the end of the season and the involvement of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in making critical decisions that may affect the Spain league football predictions.
1. Mallorca vs Athletic Bilbao
On Friday night La Liga fans will be treated to an early kickoff between Mallorca and Athletic Bilbao which will also be the first Spanish league prediction. The clash at Iberostar Estadi will have different repercussions for the two teams. The new boys’ ambitions at the moment are to secure their survival in the La Liga and not be relegated just one season after promotion.
The home side is yet to find their best form and continue to struggle into this fixture. Their last two games were losses to Real Sociedad and Valencia. Even when they played in a friendly Poblense which is a lower league team, they still failed to impress. Given all those poor results, it will be against all the odds for the home team to win because Athletic Bilbao will be a stronger opponent. Athletic Bilbao is confident having had a rather impressive start to their season.
The win against Barcelona is a booster and gave the players the right mentality to win games. Athletic Bilbao may be playing away from home, but Mallorca does not have what it takes to stop the visitors from going back with the three points. Their veteran player Aritz Aduriz has provided the much-needed leadership, and he will be the man to watch during this fixture. Athletic will use all their experience to dominate the game, and with all these factors working in favour, we believe they have an excellent chance to win. The betting odds for Athletic Bilbao win are 2.25 in Betway, 2.235 in 22Bet and 2.3 in 1xBet.
Match prediction: Athletic Bilbao wins
Score prediction: 0-2
READ ALSO: Where to watch Serie A and La Liga in Kenya?
2. Real Madrid vs Levante
Real Madrid has had their ups and downs, but Zidane’s men understand that it is time to pull up their socks in Liga BBVA. The Madrid based club has already dropped four points in back-to-back draws with Villarreal and Valladolid. Football fanatics know that instead of drawing twice, a team should lose one game and win the other. Having not won the La Liga and Champions League last season Real Madrid knows that their reputation is at stake and they cannot afford to let the current campaign slip out of their reach.
They will be looking to return to winning ways when Levante comes calling at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. A win here will be very vital in their title pursuit as they intend to close the gap between them and Atletico Madrid. Their summer signing Eden Hazard has been struggling with some injury issues, but he is expected to be fit for the weekend fixture, and this will be a big boost for the home team. If all things go as planned, Real Madrid will bag all the three points with a lot of ease.
The away team should not be underrated because they have performed above expectations so far. Levante has been playing some good football and has secured wins against the likes of Valladolid and Villarreal at their home ground. Unfortunately, they have not been able to replicate their home form while playing away matches. Seeing that they will be playing away this weekend, the poor record does not make a case for them a win ought to be considered for Zinedine Zidane’s men. The betting odds for a Real Madrid win are 1.25 in Betway, 1.21 in 22Bet and 1.25 in 1xBet.
Match prediction: Real Madrid wins
Score prediction: 3-1
3. Leganes vs Villarreal
This one will be a fight to the death, so it is expected that both teams will aim to hang on to their lives as long as it takes them. Villarreal will be travelling to the Estadio Municipal de Butarque where they will be hosted by Leganes. Both teams find themselves in the danger zone in the La Liga table standings, and a lot of effort will be needed to get either of them out of that zone. Leganes were quite impressive in the last season, but their form went along with the season. Now the home team are struggling to pull decent performances and have lost all their three matches so far.
Two or three losses may be tolerated but losing a fourth consecutive fixture will result in an uproar from the club’s fans and management. The players are expected to give more than 100% performance to try and get some points from Villarreal. Even though Villarreal is aware that Leganes have the worst form in La Liga, their performances are also wanting. In all the three matches played so far their best performance was a draw against Real Madrid.
The visitors’ desperation for a win might have to wait for another win because Leganes will fight tooth and nail to get a result on matchday 4. Both teams will have no choice but to end the game in a stalemate in which they share spoils to give their fans some hope that all is not lost. The teams will be more cautious in their approach, and as a result, there may not be many goals, but the game should be exciting to watch. The betting odds for a draw in this fixture are 3.09 in betway, 3.19 in 22Bet and 3.28 in 1xBet.
Match prediction: Draw
Score prediction: 1-1
Image: wikimedia.com
Source: UGC
4. Real Sociedad vs Atletico Madrid
It is one of the most anticipated fixtures in La Liga’s matchday 4. It is also one of the toughest of all the La Liga fixtures this weekend. The result of this match determines whether Atletico Madrid will retain their position at the top of the league table or they will be dethroned prematurely. Sociedad did just fine to beat Mallorca 1-0, but their next game was a disappointing 2-0 loss to Athletic Club.
They will be seeking to return to winning ways, but the opponent is a mountain which they will have to climb to get even one point. Real Sociedad are arguably the underdogs in this fixture, and they will be more than contented with a draw. Atletico Madrid has their 100% perfect record at stake when they face Real Sociedad. The club has coped well in the post-Antoine Griezmann era proving that they are also prudent off the field. It was good business for them, and so far they are not missing the former playmaker.
One key asset of Atletico Madrid is their fighting spirit that never fades until the last minute of a game. A good example is a previous match they had to come from behind to snatch all the three points from Eibar. It is now or never for Real Sociedad to change their story and what better way than to get points from the table leaders? Considering what is at stake for both teams, a draw should be considered as both teams settle for one point apiece. The betting odds for a draw in this fixture are 3.13 in Betway, 3.112 in 22Bet and 3.22 in 1xBet.
Match prediction: Draw
Score prediction: 1-1
5. Barcelona vs Valencia
If you are curious about the biggest of the Spanish league matches today, then this clash should give you food for thought. It is still a long way to the end of the season and Barcelona are expected to bounce back in time to challenge for the title and restore their pride once again. Their away performances have been wanting this season, but that is a story for another time because this weekend they will be playing at home. It is predicted that Valencia will be on the path of destruction as Barcelona seek to reestablish the pecking orders in La Liga.
Expect an entertaining and thrilling encounter keeping in mind that Messi will be making his return after a much-felt absence. The dropping of points against clubs such as Osasuna should be a thing of the past seeing that Suarez too is available for selection. Messi and Suarez’s deadly combination will keep knocking on Valencia’s door, and they should find the back of the net more than once. Valencia should have learned that the only way to beat Barcelona is by keeping the pressure in the middle of the park and forcing the home team to make mistakes.
That is easy said than done because one moment can change the game in Barcelona’s favour. Antoine Griezmann has settled into the team quite well, and he is believed to be one of Barcelona’s vocal players this campaign. As much as Barcelona’s form is not as ideal as they would want it to be, the Camp Nou is their fortress, and here they write their scripts. An emphatic home win should be considered by anyone willing to stake money on this fixture. The betting odds for a Barcelona win are 1.49 in Betway, 1.49 in 22Bet and 1.53 in 1xBet.
Match prediction: Barcelona wins
Score prediction: 4-1
Image: wikimedia.com
Source: UGC
6. Eibar vs Espanyol
These two teams remind us how competitive La Liga is. Both are big clubs, but they currently find themselves in the relegation zone. While it is still early to condemn a team to relegation, it does not help either by being in that zone even at the beginning of a season. Espanyol will be the underdogs here because they will have to travel to the Estadio Municipal de Ipurua where they will be hosted by Eibar.
If they can repeat the same performance this weekend, there is no reason as to why they should not win. It will be Eibar’s first home game this season, and thus the home environment will be vital to their success. Espanyol is a good team capable of beating any team on their day, but this weekend will be quite the challenge. The Catalan side should blame itself for the slow start to the season, and the lacking moment will be costly when they need it most.
Espanyol has not scored in any of their last three games and is called upon to do something with their striking department. As much as both teams are eager for a win, only one will carry the day, and the home team has the upper hand. There is significant value in staking money on the home team to win but with a narrow lead. The betting odds for an Eibar win are 1.96 in Betway, 1.91 in 22Bet and 1.97 in 1xBet.
Match prediction: Eibar wins
Score prediction: 1-0
READ ALSO: Barcelona steady on La Liga championship odds
7. Alaves vs Sevilla
This Sunday early kickoff fixture will see Deportivo Alaves host Sevilla at the Estadio de Mendizorroza. Alaves have had a half-decent start to the 2019/20 La Liga season having won 1-0 in their first fixture against Levante and then drew the other two fixtures with Getafe and Espanyol. The consolation of playing at home will turn sour if they fail to beat their rivals in front of the home fans.
Alaves tend to be solid in defence while at home and for this reason, we do not believe there will be many goals in this fixture. Both teams should find the back of the net, but the lead should be narrow at the end of the 90 minutes playtime. Sevilla was off to a flying start in the 2019/20 La Liga season with back-to-back wins over Granada and Espanyol. Those promising performances were followed by a dull display in which Sevilla was forced to draw with Celta Vigo in their last match before the international break.
The away team have had enough time to analyze what might have gone wrong in that last game and are expected to make amends when they meet Alaves. Even though it will be a close encounter, the away team will build on an excellent start of the season to take all the three points. The betting odds for a Sevilla win are 1.95 in Betway, 1.984 in 22Bet and 2.04 in 1xBet.
Match prediction: Sevilla wins
Score prediction: 1-2
8. Celta Vigo vs Granada
Celta Vigo’s busy summer transfer window has not been handy as they struggled in their last fixture of the Spain Primera Division. New players are usually given time before they can adjust to the new club, but the league does not stop for anyone. Celta Vigo almost lost their last match before the international break only to be rescued by Denis Suarez. He will be the man to watch in the home team as he is capable of causing ripples in the opposition’s half.
This notwithstanding, Celta Vigo have big ambitions this season, and a spot in the European competitions will be a welcome challenge. Granada has its ups and downs, but this weekend is all about getting positive results and trying to stay in the game. Celta Vigo will not be an easy opponent given they showed their resilience by hanging on to a 1-0 lead in their win against Valencia.
On their part, Granada tends to perform below average while on the road, but they did manage to beat Espanyol 3-0 in the last fixture. That win puts them in the game for the upcoming fixture, but a draw is the best they can manage while facing Celta Vigo at home. The betting odds for a draw in this fixture are 3.57 in Betway, 3.62 in 22Bet and 3.74 in 1xBet.
Match prediction: Draw
Score prediction: 1-1
9. Valladolid vs Osasuna
One of the last two fixtures of La Liga’s matchday 4 will bring together Real Valladolid and Osasuna at the Estadio Municipal Jose Zorilla. Both teams will be critical of the relegation battle, and getting points from this fixture will be vital for La Liga survival at the end of the season. La Pucelle started the season with a deserved 2-1 win against Real Betis.
The second match was not too bad given that they were able to draw with Real Madrid away from home. The last fixture was a surprise 2-0 loss to Levante, and now they are desperate to get back to winning ways. Osasuna has stood the test of time so far and is undefeated in their last three games.
The highlight of the 2019/20 season at the moment is the fact that they were able to pick a point from Barcelona and prevent the defending champions from having their way. That determination is what will help them choose more points from Real Valladolid on Sunday. The betting odds for an Osasuna win are 3.69 in Betway, 3.72 in 22Bet and 3.84 in 1xBet.
Match prediction: Osasuna wins
Score prediction: 0-1
10. Betis vs Getafe
La Liga 2019/20 season matchday 4 will come to a close when Betis clash with Getafe. The venue of the fixture will be at the Estadio Benito Villamarin, and Getafe will be the visitors. Betis have made a statement that they will be playing for something this season, but they have to win games to do that. Their last fixture was a 2-1 win against Leganes, and now they have the opportunity to give their fans more entertainment at home.
The home team invested heavily in the transfer window, and it is time for the likes of Nabir Fekir to pay back. The Betis attacker is expected to cause problems in the opposition’s half and will probably be on the scoresheet. Getafe is one of those teams that have hang far too long to last season’s results. The away team had a spectacular season, but it won’t matter a thing if they do not show up in the current campaign.
Getafe is yet to register a win three games into the 2019/20 season and pressure is mounting on the players to deliver something to their fans. They have found the back of the net only two times and are likely to find it difficult as they face Betis. The betting odds for a Betis win are 2.20 in Betway, 2.184 in 22Bet and 2.25 in 1xBet.
Match prediction: Betis wins
Score prediction: 2-0
La Liga’s matchday 4 comes after the international break that has given clubs time to rest their squads and train for the upcoming fixtures. We can expect exhilarating displays from the fresh players and knowing that La Liga prides itself with a beautiful rhythmic style of play we can only hope for the best. It remains to be seen whether Atletico Madrid will drop their first points, but Diego Simeone’s men have made a statement that they want the trophy, and because of that, they lead the potential winners in the La Liga predictions and picks of the weekend.
READ ALSO: Ronaldo claims Serie A is tougher than La Liga and Premier League
