Spanish football returns after the International Break and that means Savage gives us his thoughts on the pick of the matches in Spain’s Primera División as Madrid look to keep pace with….Girona
Deportivo Aláves v Granada
Fri 24 Nov 20:00
The home side have managed to get themselves some breathing space from the relegation positions for the time being. Having gone 0-1 up inside the first minute against Barcelona they were undone by a Lewandowski double last time out. The comfort of home is definitely a welcome relief as their away form has been dreadful (W0 D2 L5). The visitors already look to be in serious trouble in their fight against relegation. Only 1 win in 13 and none in the last 10 shows the scale of the task at hand. Having said that, they have been involved in some cracking contests including 2 with 7 or more goals. However, this fixture is unlikely to be as exciting as either of those and could well be a low scoring affair.
Cádiz v Real Madrid
Sun 26 Nov 17:30
Although Cádiz are not currently in the relegation places they are sailing dangerously close to those troublesome waters. The reason for this is simply lack of production. The home side are currently averaging less than one goal per game (0.84). Even bottom of the table Almería have an average of 1.13 per game and they are currently winless. The only saving grace for the hosts is the lengthy injury list that Real currently have to contend with. One of those who potentially might make a return having sat out the international break is Jude Bellingham. The newly crowned Golden Boy will be hoping to recover from a shoulder injury to start in this one. The Englishman’s value to Madrid is no longer in doubt. In fact he currently has the same number of goals as the entire Cádiz team put together. This should be straightforward for the visitors.
Girona v Athletic Bilbao
Mon 27 Nov 20:00
Girona fans surely can not believe that their team is currently two points clear at the top heading into round 14. The fixture list has been incredibly kind to them which has led in part to their rise to the summit. The only points dropped so far have come against top half sides (Real Madrid and Sociedad). This should provide some concern with the impending visit of Athletic who currently sit in 5th. However, to give Girona their credit, they are the highest scoring team (31) and will ask serious questions of the away side’s defence. The visitors held off a late Villarreal fightback to claim the win last time out and that keeps them well in the hunt for Europe. However, this has the potential to be yet another incredible part of Girona’s insane start to the season.
Smart Bets:
Deportivo Aláves v Granada – Deportivo Aláves and Under 2.5 Goals @ 11/4
Cádiz v Real Madrid – Real Madrid and Under 2.5 @ 3/1
Girona v Athletic Bilbao – Girona To Win @ 5/4
Treble @ 32/1
