Spanish Football Picks Oct 4

Villarreal v Real Betis

Although I think Betis are better than there current position suggests, third from bottom, I can’t see them getting much joy this weekend at Villarreal. Whilst it’s true Betis have had to play Real Madrid, Barcelona and Seville already this season they’ve found it hard to score goals, 4 in 5 games with there 2 points both coming from 0-0 draws. Furthermore there are rumblings of discontent and disharmony with growing pressure on the coach Paco Chaparro’s. Villarreal in stark contrast are flying, sitting joint top with Valencia and with one foot already in the next round of the Champions league after drawing away at Old Trafford and then beating Celtic at home. Villarreal haven’t conceded a goal at home this season and have only let in 2 in the last 7 matches in all competitions. Coach Manuel Pellegrini has practically a full squad to pick from.

Prediction:  Villarreal to win.

Real Madrid v Espanyol

Whilst Madrid’s Athletico travel to Barcelona, Espanyol travel the other way to face Real Madrid, not really what you’d want after a painful defeat in the last minute against there Catalan ‘brothers’  last Sunday, courtesy of a dodgy penalty in the 14th minute of injury time, (crowd trouble). It wasn’t a pretty game to watch but Espanyol really struggled in the second half as Barcelona upped the tempo and hit there stride. That said Espanyol are always a tough nut to crack and I don’t expect them to roll over, they will defend doggedly and look to catch Madrid on the break but I can’t help thinking Madrid’s quality and home advantage will see them through in the end. Real are in great form too, winning there last 6 games and Raul, who was rested in the week, will be hoping to prove a point with a return to the starting 11.

Prediction: Real Madrid to win.

Mallorca v Sporting Gijon

Clearly Sporting Gijon have found life in La Liga hard going and the fixtures list couldn’t of been much crueler, but the team, made up of mostly young inexperienced players, can take some comfort from a spirited display last weekend versus Villarreal where they lost by a single goal. Surely they will eventually pick up some points somewhere won’t they? but probably not this week. Mallorca are unbeaten in 4 and having won the last 2 they will be confident of 3 points this weekend. It’s not particularly clever to keep picking on Sporting Gijon to lose but so far pretty profitable!

Prediction: Mallorca to win.