Savage gives us his thoughts on the pick of the matches in Spain’s Primera División as El Clásico takes centre stage once more
Girona v Celta Vigo
Fri 27 Oct 20:00
As the weeks go by Girona continue to pull out astounding results. Last weekend’s 5-2 thumping of bottom side Almería sees them level on points with leaders Madrid. Many would have thought the Catalonian side would have faded by now but Celta’s visit will give them another week to confound the experts. The away side are desperately struggling to find any kind of form. Just 1 win in 10 (W1 D3 L6) shows exactly why they are currently nestled in the relegation places. What is even more concerning for Benitez’s men is that they have failed to keep a clean sheet so far. The side with the most goals scored will be relishing the prospect of testing this porous defence.
Barcelona v Real Madrid
Sun 28 Oct 15:15
This first meeting of the two best teams is harder to predict than most in recent years. Both teams are in scintillating form both domestically and in Europe. The combined record across 26 matches reads W11 D4 L1. Los Blancos did drop 2 points against Sevilla last weekend. As a result, Xavi’s side were able to close the gap at the top to the minimum. Barcelona have been positively miserly at home so far. Only 2 goals conceded in 5 league outings points to few weaknesses in their rearguard. However, if there is one player in Europe right now who can pick apart that defence then it is Jude Bellingham. The Englishman has already bagged 11 goals in 12 starts and he shows little sign of slowing down. Despite his best efforts though it may not be enough against this Barca side.
Atlético Madrid v Aláves
Sun 29 Oct 20:20
Atlético are on the back of 5 straight wins in the league since beating their neighbours 3-0 in September. Despite having played a game less than the rest of the top 4 they are still just 3 points off the summit. Their visitors are not currently in the relegation places but if there form continues it will not be long before they are. No wins in 6 (D3 L3) would indicate a side that is low on confidence. They are also low on goals too. Only Las Palmas (6), who surprisingly are 3 places above them, have scored fewer goals than the Basque side (8). Their hosts find themselves in the opposite position with only Girona (24) having netted more than Los Colchoneros (23). This should be a relatively straightforward outing for Madrid who theoretically could go top of the league with a win.
Smart Bets:
Girona v Celta Vigo – Girona and Over 2.5 goals @ 6/4
Barcelona v Real Madrid – Barcelona to Win @ 6/4
Atlético Madrid v Aláves – Atlético Madrid and Over 2.5 goals @ 11/10
Treble @ 12/1
