La Liga Matchday 17 betting preview, top tips & predictions

Matchday 17 of the 2023-24 Spanish Primera Division campaign brings an interesting slate of 10 games, including a cracking matchup in Bilbao between Athletic Club and Atletico Madrid. Below are our free La Liga soccer betting picks for the weekend ahead.

Osasuna vs Rayo Vallecano

Saturday, December 16 – 7am AEDT – Estadio El Sadar

Following their promising start to the season, Osasuna are now winless in their last six matches. This weekend they welcome a Rayo Vallecano outfit that is also struggling at the moment. Both sides have been poor in front of goal this season, so expect a close match with limited opportunities.

Celta Vigo vs Granada

Sunday, December 17 – 12am AEDT – Abanca-Balaidos

A critical match for two sides in the relegation zone, Granada head to Vigo in search of crucial points. Both sides have just one win this season, but having drawn their last three matches, Celta enter this match in better form. Undefeated in their last five meetings with Granada, Celta should record their second win of the season.

Athletic Club vs Atletico Madrid

Sunday, December 17 – 2:15pm AEDT – San Mames Barria

Atletico Madrid face off against Athletic Bilbao in the marquee matchup of the weekend. Having just held off the 20th-placed Almeria last week, Atletico will need a much-improved effort as they come up against an Athletic side that has lost only once at home this season. The Basque side are undefeated in their last eight matches, and that form should continue.

Sevilla vs Getafe

Sunday, December 17 – 4:30pm AEDT – Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan

Getafe have lost just one of their last 10 matches heading into their matchup with Sevilla this weekend. Winless since September and eliminated from the Champions League during the week, Sevilla are under massive pressure to perform. However, Getafe should be too strong on the road as they push towards the top six.

Valencia vs Barcelona

Sunday, December 17 – 7am AEDT – Estadio de Mestalla

Barcelona will be keen to make amends for their disappointing loss to Girona last weekend. Facing a Valencia side that is winless in its last four games, Barca should have too much quality across the board as they continue their title challenge. Look for Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski to break through Valencia’s defence at some stage.

Almeria vs Mallorca

Monday, December 18 – 12am AEDT – Power Horse Stadium

Sitting last on the table, Almeria are still searching for their first win of the season as they welcome Mallorca this weekend. Another side out of form, Mallorca earned a much-needed win last weekend against Sevilla and will be keen to get on a winning run. Having conceded half as many goals as Almeria this season, Mallorca should be too strong.

Real Sociedad vs Real Betis

Monday, December 18 – 2:15am AEDT – Reale Arena

Boosted by their well-earned 1-1 draw with Real Madrid last weekend, Betis have found their way up to seventh spot and are undefeated in their last 11 matches. Real Sociedad will also be full of confidence after securing top spot in their Champions League group during the week. However, they have not beaten Real Betis since 2020, so expect a tight contest.

Las Palmas vs Cadiz

Monday, December 18 – 4:30am AEDT – Estadio de Gran Canaria

One of the surprises of the season so far, Las Palmas have found their way up to eighth on the table with the second-best defence in La Liga. This weekend they welcome the struggling Cadiz, the only side in the league to have scored less this season. As such, expect this to be a low-scoring contest, likely decided by a moment of brilliance.

Real Madrid vs Villarreal

Monday, December 18 – 7am AEDT – Estadio Santiago Bernabeu

After dropping critical points in the title race last weekend, Real Madrid will be keen to return to winning ways when they welcome Villarreal. Sitting 13th on the table, Villarreal have been incredibly disappointing this season, highlighted by their poor defence. Expect Real Madrid to be the better side, with Joselu the man to watch after scoring two goals during the week.

Girona vs Deportivo Alaves

Tuesday, December 19 – 7am AEDT – Estadi Municipal de Montilivi

Sitting top of the Liga table after 16 matches, Girona put together their most impressive performance of the season last weekend as they beat Barcelona 4-2 away from home. Boasting the most dangerous attack in the league, the Catalan upstarts will be full of confidence as they come up against 12th-placed Deportivo Alaves. Expect plenty more goals in what should be an exciting match.

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