Savage gives us his thoughts on the pick of the matches in Spain’s Primera División as the big 2 look to extend their winning runs
Sevilla v Atlético Madrid
Sat 01st Oct 17:30
Sevilla have endured a torturous start to their season with just one win to show from 8 competitive fixtures (W1 D3 L4). Their only respite came in a 2-3 victory against fellow strugglers Espanyol when they blitzed the home team in the first half only to invite a comeback in the second. The visitors have also experienced a torrid opening to their campaign by their own high standards. Simeone’s side come into this one off back to back losses before the international break including a derby defeat to their bitterest rivals.
Despite having won just once in their last 6 visits to Seville, Atleti should just about have enough to take the W against a home side that must be extremely low on confidence right now.
Mallorca v Barcelona
Sat 01st Oct 20:00
The home side could not have a much worse record against Blaugrana who have won every fixture between the two sides for the last 12 years. The fact that Barcelona have scored the most (18) and conceded the least (1) of any team this term will give the Islanders little chance in this one. With one of the most prolific strikers in Europe leading the line for the visitors, the providers out wide, Dembélé and Raphinha, should enjoy their night’s work funnelling balls in to Lewandowski.
The Frenchman in particular has enjoyed a sustained run in the starting lineup and has definitely shown flashes of the talent for which his employer sought him. He already has 4 assists in all competitions and he could easily add another next time out.
Real Madrid v Osasuna
Sun 02nd Oct 20:00
The most surprising thing about Madrid’s season so far is not that they are currently the only team with a 100% record in the Top 5 leagues but that they have yet to maintain a clean sheet in that time. That being said no opposition team has managed to net more than once against the European Champions so there is no need for Los Blancos’ fans to worry just yet. Their visitors have quietly gone about their business and find themselves in the rarefied air of 5th place after round 6. A record of 4 wins and 2 losses is a decent return for a team that spent the majority of last season in the comfort and safety of mid-table. Los Rojillos have only failed to score 2 in their 6 outings and given Real’s generosity towards their opponents they should have a chance to sneak one here.
Smart Bets
Sevilla v Atlético Madrid: Atletico Madrid To Win @ 6/4
Mallorca v Barcelona: Dembélé Anytime Assist @ 13/5
Real Madrid v Osasuna: Real Madrid To Win & BTTS @ 15/8
The above in a treble at 25/1
