LaLiga Predictions - Week 16
- Barcelona have averaged 2.9 goals per game on the road
- Both teams have scored in three of Girona's last four games
- Athletic Bilbao have won three straight LaLiga matches
After a three-game stumble, Barcelona returned to winning ways in midweek, hammering Mallorca 5-1 in Palma and they take a four-point lead into Week 16.
Hansi Flick's men, who have played one more game than second-placed Real Madrid, had previously claimed one point from three and they face a tough trip to Real Betis.
Madrid, meanwhile, lost 2-1 to Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday and will bid to bounce back at Girona.
Joe Champion has correct-score picks for all 10 LaLiga matches.
Celta Vigo vs Mallorca (Friday, 8pm)
Celta Vigo have claimed 14 points from eight home matches - despite facing LaLiga's big three - and they can see off Mallorca. The visitors are enjoying a decent season, but will still be reeling after their 5-1 midweek loss to Barca.
Score prediction: Celta Vigo 2-1 Mallorca
Las Palmas vs Valladolid (Saturday, 1pm)
Las Palmas are buzzing, having won four of six games under Diego Martinez including last week's 2-1 triumph at Barcelona. Valladolid sacked Paulo Pezzolano last weekend, but immediate improvement is far from guaranteed.
Score prediction: Las Palmas 2-1 Valladolid
Real Betis vs Barcelona (Saturday, 3.15pm)
While Barcelona stumbled prior to their win in Mallorca, this could be a good time to play Real Betis.
The Benito Villamarin is never an easy road trip, but the hosts have claimed just two points and conceded nine goals from their last four matches.
Score prediction: Real Betis 1-3 Barcelona
Valencia vs Rayo Vallecano (Saturday, 5.30pm)
This looks a decent chance for Valencia to gain a much-needed third win of the season. Los Che have claimed eight of their 10 points at Mestalla, while Vallecano have lost four of their last five games and have only scored five goals on the road.
Score prediction: Valencia 1-0 Rayo Vallecano
Girona vs Real Madrid (Saturday, 8pm)
This is no formality for Real Madrid, who have won just three of seven LaLiga away games. Opponents Girona are on a four-match unbeaten run and, while Los Blancos' class should tell, the hosts can make their mark at Montilivi.
Score prediction: Girona 1-2 Real Madrid
Leganes vs Real Sociedad (Sunday, 1pm)
Leganes' LaLiga home matches have averaged just 1.85 goals, while just one of Real Sociedad's last eight in all competitions featured more than two strikes. This might not be a classic, but La Real are good enough to edge it.
Score prediction: Leganes 0-1 Real Sociedad
Athletic Bilbao vs Villarreal (Sunday 3.15pm)
Athletic Bilbao extended their unbeaten run to seven with a midweek triumph over Real Madrid, but visitors Villarreal are a tough nut to track, only losing to Real and Barcelona this season. The points could be shared at San Mames.
Score prediction: Athletic Bilbao 1-1 Villarreal
Osasuna vs Alaves (Sunday, 5.30pm)
New Alaves manager Eduardo Coudet faces a tough task at Osasuna. The hosts have won five of their last seven home matches, while their visitors have lost six matches on the bounce on their travels.
Score prediction: Osasuna 2-0 Alaves
Atletico Madrid vs Sevilla (Sunday, 8pm)
Atletico Madrid have impressed over the last few weeks, winning five of their six most recent LaLiga matches to put themselves firmly in the title picture.
They can ease past a Sevilla team with just six road points to their name.
Score prediction: Atletico Madrid 2-0 Sevilla
Getafe vs Espanyol (Monday, 8pm)
Both of these teams are set for a relegation battle and, while Getafe have been solid at home, they have also struggled to earn victories. The Madrid men have played out five draws on their own patch, three by a 1-1 scoreline.
Score prediction: Getafe 1-1 Espanyol