Barcelona are seeking a seventh win in eight league outings
Second-placed Real Madrid host third-placed Villarreal
Elche’s unbeaten start to the LaLiga season stands at seven
Barcelona and Real Madrid are already stamping early authority on LaLiga and the title rivals will be hoping to maintain their strong starts when they face tricky fixtures against Sevilla and Villarreal respectively.
Aaron Ashley has correct-score picks for all 10 LaLiga matches.
Osasuna vs Getafe (Friday, 8pm)
Osasuna were tough to thwart at El Sadar last season, losing only three times, and they have made another promising start at home with seven points collected in their three outings on their own patch. They can get the better of Getafe, who have endured back-to-back defeats on the road.
Score prediction: Osasuna 2-1 Getafe
Real Oviedo vs Levante (Saturday, 1pm)
Three of the last four meetings between this pair have gone under 2.5 goals and, with both teams desperate for points, this could be cagey. Real Oviedo have scored only four times in seven LaLiga games and keeping things tight will be key, which lends itself to a draw.
Score prediction: Real Oviedo 1-1 Levante
Girona vs Valencia (Saturday, 3.15pm)
Girona are winless after seven games in LaLiga but they have drawn three of their last four and can hold Valencia to a point. The visitors drew 2-2 at Espanyol on their last away trip and would have been disappointed to lose 2-1 at home to Real Oviedo on Tuesday.
Score prediction: Girona 1-1 Valencia
Athletic Bilbao vs Mallorca (Saturday, 5.30pm)
Athletic Bilbao’s form has tailed off following a strong start but they can snap their six-game winless run at home to a misfiring Mallorca, who have lost all three away league games which includes a 1-0 reverse at Real Sociedad last time out.
Score prediction: Athletic Bilbao 1-0 Mallorca
Real Madrid vs Villarreal (Saturday, 8pm)
Real Madrid have won six of their seven LaLiga outings and, although Villarreal are only one place behind the hosts in third following 16 points from their seven games, this represents a hike in class. The Yellow Submarine have already lost to nil on away trips to Atletico Madrid and Tottenham this season.
Score prediction: Real Madrid 2-0 Villarreal
Alaves vs Elche (Sunday, 1pm)
Elche continue to excel on their return to LaLiga and their unbeaten record now stands at seven after last weekend’s 2-1 win at home to Celta Vigo. However, they have played out four draws and may have to settle for a point at Alaves, who held Atletico Madrid to a 1-1 draw on their own patch.
Score prediction: Alaves 1-1 Elche
Sevilla vs Barcelona (Sunday, 3.15pm)
Sevilla have taken only one point from three home games in LaLiga, suffering 2-1 defeats to Getafe and Villarreal, and their fortunes are unlikely to change when leaders Barcelona come calling. The Catalan giants have won six of their seven matches but have conceded in their last four away games.
Score prediction: Sevilla 1-2 Barcelona
Espanyol vs Real Betis (Sunday, 5.30pm)
Espanyol have taken 10 points from four home league games, which includes a 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid, and they may be able to get the better of Real Betis. The visitors have been held to three straight draws on the road, but netted on each occasion.
Score prediction: Espanyol 2-1 Real Betis
Real Sociedad vs Rayo Vallecano (Sunday, 5.30pm)
Four defeats in five is hardly inspiring form for Real Sociedad but they did edge to a 1-0 victory in their last home fixture against Mallorca. This looks a good opportunity against Rayo Vallecano, who have lost their last three road trips and failed to score on two occasions.
Score prediction: Real Sociedad 1-0 Rayo Vallecano
Celta Vigo vs Atletico Madrid (Sunday, 8pm)
Atletico Madrid have found form with three straight wins, which includes a 5-2 victory against fierce rivals Real and a 5-1 thrashing of Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League on Tuesday. Celta Vigo are winless in eight and look set to struggle.
Score prediction: Celta Vigo 1-3 Atletico Madrid
