Tip: Sevilla to Win
Sevilla finally managed to get back on track with a 2:0 win over Girona and will now look to build on that result when they host newly-promoted Elche at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán. Coach Matías Almeyda will demand that his team continues their upward trajectory and starts climbing towards the safer positions in the table. It is worth noting that Los Nervionenses finished as low as seventeenth last season, their worst campaign in more than twenty years, and the club tried to freshen up the squad in the summer – players like César Azpilicueta and Alexis Sánchez arrived, but key men Loïc Badé and Dodi Lukebakio departed. Sevilla will be relying on forwards Alfon González and Isaac Romero, who scored the goals in their most recent victory, while Azpilicueta could bring valuable experience to the back line. Elche, under coach Éder Sarabia, are enjoying a dream return to the top flight, drawing their first two games before defeating Levante 2:0 with Rafa Mir leading the attack. The visitors brought in as many as 13 signings over the summer and have shown a very disciplined style of play, using a three-man defensive line. Sevilla hold a strong historical record against Elche, but their most recent meeting ended in a 1:1 draw, and the visitors could be dangerous on counterattacks. A quick opening goal and controlling the tempo will be key for the hosts if they are to avoid a tense finish. The atmosphere at the stadium promises a fiery night, and Sevilla have a great chance to kick-start a better season.
Tip: Getafe to Win
Getafe have made a solid start to the season with six points and currently sit in the top half of the table. After wins over Celta and Sevilla, they suffered a reality check with a 3:0 defeat at Mestalla, but José Bordalás’s side has the quality to quickly get back on track. The key man has been 20-year-old striker Adrián Liso, who has scored in each of the first three matches, forming a dangerous duo with Borja Mayoral. Real Oviedo have returned to La Liga after 24 years away, with their main goal being survival. After two defeats, they finally got off the mark with a crucial 1:0 win over Real Sociedad, giving them confidence ahead of this clash. Coach Veljko Paunović will once again rely on experienced midfielder Leander Dendoncker, who is the team’s only scorer so far. Oviedo are likely to sit deep and look for counterattacking opportunities, but Getafe’s defense is physically strong and traditionally very intense at home. This could be a tight contest, especially if the visitors keep it goalless in the first half. However, Getafe have more attacking options and should be favorites to take all three points if they convert their pressure into goals.
Tip: Real Madrid to Win
Real Sociedad have made a slow start to the new season, collecting just two points from their first three games. Their defeat away to Real Oviedo before the international break was a major disappointment, and they now face one of the toughest opponents possible – league leaders Real Madrid. The Basques did manage to keep star attackers Takefusa Kubo and Mikel Oyarzabal despite losing Martín Zubimendi to Arsenal, but the loss of their midfield anchor is still being felt. La Real will look to stay compact and rely on the passionate support at the Reale Arena, a venue where they have often troubled the big clubs. Real Madrid under Xabi Alonso continue to pick up wins despite not yet hitting top gear, with a perfect record after victories over Osasuna, Oviedo and Mallorca. Injuries to Bellingham, Camavinga and Endrick limit rotation, but the strike duo of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior remains lethal and capable of deciding the match in a moment. Young Franco Mastantuono could also feature on the right wing, adding a fresh dimension to Madrid’s attack. Real Sociedad will need to be well organized and take full advantage of set pieces to have a chance. If Real Madrid stay patient and maintain their composure, they are favorites to extend their perfect start with a fourth straight win.
Tip: Athletic Bilbao to Win
San Mamés will once again become a fortress where Athletic Bilbao have yet to drop a point this season. Ernesto Valverde’s side has started perfectly with nine points from three games and aims to replicate or even improve on last year’s fourth-place finish. The absence of Nico Williams through injury is a blow, but Iñaki Williams, Oihan Sancet and Gorka Guruzeta have enough quality to keep the attack dangerous. Valverde might rotate slightly with the upcoming Champions League clash against Arsenal in mind, but the home advantage should help Athletic maintain their high standard. Alavés have taken four points from their opening three matches, including a valuable draw against Atlético Madrid. The main threats for the visitors will be striker Toni Martínez, who has already scored once, and lively winger Carlos Vicente. Coach Eduardo Coudet will likely focus on a compact block and counterattacks, but the historical head-to-head strongly favors Athletic. If the home side scores early, they should be able to control the game, but missing several defenders could give Alavés a chance. This should be a physical, intense Basque derby, with San Mamés providing a passionate atmosphere as always.
Tip: Draw
Atlético Madrid have made a sluggish start to the season and sit all the way down in seventeenth place with just two points. Diego Simeone knows that his team badly need their first win, otherwise the pressure on the squad and the management will only grow. The main strike partnership of Julián Álvarez and Alexander Sørloth has yet to fully click, and fans are hoping this will be the match where they find the net. Villarreal, led by Marcelino, have started brilliantly and currently sit third after victories over Oviedo and Girona and a draw with Celta. There is some uncertainty over the fitness of Gerard Moreno and Ayoze Pérez, but new signing Georges Mikautadze could add fresh energy to the front line. Atlético traditionally rely on defensive solidity, but they have been error-prone so far, conceding in every match. They will face a Yellow Submarine attack capable of scoring multiple goals even away from home. Simeone is likely to employ aggressive pressing and a high-energy midfield to disrupt Villarreal’s rhythm. This is shaping up to be a tactical battle between two experienced managers and could remain open right until the final whistle.
Tip: Celta Vigo to win
Celta Vigo are still searching for their first win of the new La Liga season, but three consecutive draws show that their performances have been competitive. The home side will once again rely on the evergreen Iago Aspas, who at 38 years old remains a talisman for the club, and with new signings Borja Iglesias and Bryan Zaragoza they have more firepower in attack. Claudio Giráldez has built a team capable of controlling possession and creating chances, and this match against Girona looks like the ideal opportunity to finally get three points. Girona have endured a nightmare start to the campaign – three straight defeats, ten goals conceded, and bottom of the table suggest that this could be a very long season for Michel’s men. The arrival of Vladyslav Vanat offers hope for more goals, but defensively Girona have looked very vulnerable. Balaídos is traditionally a tough place for visiting teams and Celta tend to be more aggressive at home. If the hosts can find an early goal, they should be able to dictate the game and control the tempo. Given Girona’s current struggles, Celta are clear favourites and should finally pick up their first win.
Tip: Real Betis to win
Levante’s return to La Liga has been a difficult one, as they have lost all three matches so far and sit 19th in the table. The defense has looked shaky and under pressure even against mid-table opponents. The debut of Karl Etta Eyong is highly anticipated and could inject some energy into the attack, but facing a team of Betis’ experience will be a huge challenge. Real Betis have had a mixed start to the season, but their squad is far stronger on paper and they have much more attacking quality. The late signing of Antony – who impressed during his loan spell – should provide more creativity and pace in the final third. Giovani Lo Celso is expected to dictate the tempo from the number 10 position and help Betis dominate possession. Betis also have a strong recent record against Levante, winning the last three head-to-head encounters, which should give them confidence. If they take their chances, the visitors are well-placed to claim an important away win.
Tip: Both teams to score
Osasuna sit 13th after three matches, showing solid but sometimes wasteful football in front of goal. Ante Budimir, who scored 24 goals last season, remains their main attacking weapon and will once again lead the line. Sheraldo Becker could also feature and bring additional pace down the flanks. Rayo Vallecano arrive in good spirits after defeating Girona and earning an impressive draw against Barcelona before the international break. Isi Palazon and Alvaro Garcia provide some of the most dangerous wing play in La Liga and can hurt Osasuna on the counter. Historically, this fixture has been close, with Rayo winning four of the last five meetings. Osasuna like to push forward at home, which often leaves space in behind for opponents to exploit. This combination of attacking intent on both sides makes both teams to score a very likely outcome.
Tip: Barcelona to win
Barcelona are eager to bounce back after dropping points in a 1-1 draw with Rayo Vallecano and will see this fixture as the perfect opportunity to get back on track. Hansi Flick still has several absentees, including Gavi, De Jong and Ter Stegen, but with Pedri, Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres available, the Catalans still have plenty of attacking talent. Ferran Torres is set to lead the line again, while Robert Lewandowski will likely be managed carefully due to his recent injury. The Johan Cruyff Stadium, with its 6,000 capacity, will create an intense and intimate atmosphere that should favour Barcelona’s high-pressing game. Valencia arrive confident after a 3-0 win over Getafe and will look to frustrate the champions, with young Javi Guerra once again dictating play in midfield. Discipline at the back will be crucial if Los Che want to stay in the game. Barcelona have an excellent record against Valencia, having won the last four meetings and scoring freely in the process. If they strike early, Flick’s men should be able to take all three points in convincing fashion.