Savage gives us his thoughts on the pick of the matches in Spain’s Primera División as the Madrid sides look to make their dominance count
Las Palmas v Atlético Madrid
Fri 02 Nov 20:00
Atlético are currently on a 6 game winning streak and could briefly go top with a win against the hosts. Las Palmas do not score many goals having netted just 8 in total this season. However, they also do not let in many either, with just 10 conceded across 11 matches . That being said, Simeone’s side are the joint top scorers and are averaging 2.5 goals per game. It is hard to see the home side keeping them scoreless for the full 90. Antoine Griezmann has continued where he left off last season and has been superb in the opening rounds. 9 goals in 13 starts in all competitions shows just how vital he is to this Madrid side. Morata has also shown himself to be more than capable in front of goal. This combination upfront should worry the home fans.
Real Madrid v Rayo Vallecano
Sun 05 Nov 20:00
Despite leading the league, it was still seen as upset when Real pulled off the ultimate smash and grab last weekend. Jude Bellingham left the Barcelona faithful stunned on more than one occasion. The first being his thunderbolt equaliser and the second was his poacher’s finish in extra-time to claim the three points. Despite this, Madrid still can not shake off the chasing pack, in particular Girona who are refusing to roll over. Their local rivals could prove to be just as stubborn. The visitors have suffered just 2 defeats (W4 D5 L2) so far. Although the less said about the 0-7 drubbing by their other Madrid neighbours the better. Rayo did not have the luxury of sitting out the midweek Copa del Rey fixtures like their hosts so they may be a little sluggish heading into this one. Los Blancos should be just a bit too strong here.
Smart Bets:
Las Palmas v Atlético Madrid – Atlético Madrid and Under 3.5 goals @ 6/5
Real Madrid v Rayo Vallecano – Real Madrid and Under 2.5 goals @ 11/4
Double @ 7/1
