La Liga Tips: League Leaders To Keep On Winning

Savage gives us his thoughts on the pick of the matches in Spain’s Primera División as Barcelona look to extend their winning run

Atlético Madrid v Getafe

Sat 04 Feb 17:30

Atlético did just enough to edge Osasuna last time out and managed to cling on to their fourth place spot in the process. Madrid are unbeaten in 3 (W2 D1) which represents an uptick in form after a number of recent losses. Their visitors couldn’t be in much more of a slump having registered just 3 points in the last 6 outings. Their only consolation being that there is still at least one team worse than them. However, another loss against their local rivals and they could find themselves completely cut adrift. The last time these sides met at the Wanda, Getafe were on the wrong end of a late 4-3 loss and prior to that they did score in their previous 5 visits (L5). Atleti have conceded in 7 of their home fixtures so it is possible that Los Azulones could sneak one here as well.

Mallorca v Real Madrid

Sun 05 Feb 13:00

Mallorca currently find themselves in an interesting sequence of results. In each of their last 11 games in all competitions there has only been one team score (W7 L4). Having maintained their La Liga status by a solitary point last season they now find themselves flirting with the top half of the league which is quite the turnaround. Their opponents are obviously significantly more accustomed to these surroundings. Despite exactly half of the season remaining the league already looks out of reach for the holders as they find themselves 5 points behind the current pacesetters. However, the midweek victory provided a much needed boost for Madrid. Goals will be hard to come by at the Estadi Mallorca San Moix stadium and Madrid could be without Benezma as his was subbed off in their 2-0 win over Valencia.

Barcelona v Sevilla

Sun 05 Feb 20:00

Barcelona do not look to be able to put a foot wrong at the moment. A late own goal by Jules Koundé did not detract from what was otherwise a comfortable midweek victory over Betis. That result ensured their lead at the top stands at 5 going into the second half of the season. Xavi’s side are now unbeaten in their last 10 in the league and look increasingly like the champions elect. The 3-1 loss away to Real is but a distant memory and the feeling around the Nou Camp has not been this positive in quiet some time. Ordinarily the meeting of these two sides would be a top 4 clash however Sevilla’s incredibly poor start sees them heading into this one in 13th. The visitors have managed 3 wins in their last 4 (W3 L1) which is one more than they managed in their previous 15 (W2 D6 L7). Unfortunately for Jorge Sampaoli these recents wins have all come against the bottom three sides. There looks to be little hope for them in this one.