Best Soccer Picks and Predictions: La Liga Week 37

La Liga has been looking good for bettors ever since it started the season. This week will see some big-wigs like Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid playing penultimate round fixtures, where there lies some great value.

Getafe v. Atletico Madrid

This fixture is placed for Thursday this week. Madrid has had an unbeaten streak from the time the season restarted. They’re in a comfortable third place after their last match against Real Betis ended 1-0 in their favor. They are, however, at equal points with Sevilla, so, they need to keep their winning streak going to ensure that they hold on to their third place. They will not have center-back Mario Hermosoin this game but their roster is deep enough to make up for his absence.

Getafe’s fate is completely different. The shortened period has not worked in their favor since their squad comprises some of the oldest players. They also have a limited roster, which means players can’t be rotated, and they don’t get the rest they require. The Spanish summer heat only seems to add to their issues. In eight games since the season resumed, they’ve only won one out of their eight games. They are on a free fall in the standings, with no hope of rising higher. This is why my prediction is that Atletico should be able to win this with some ease, given that players like Diego Costa and Alvaro Morata are in top form.

Real Madrid v. Villarreal

Another big game on Thursday will see Real Madrid coming from their eight-game winning streak. They’ve kept up their streak since the season resumed, and they now inch closer to get the title. This game could decide their victory, so the team will be out to play their best game. Their effort will not be dialed back at all. Zidane’s men have been winning games with such ease that they shouldn’t have an issue continuing it. Their back plays a tight game to keep the team going.

But it is worth noting that Villarreal could be their toughest competitors yet. Villarreal has been killing it on the field, as they have won the past six out of eight games they played, and they are in the fifth position in the standings because of it. They have the ability and creativity to ace it on the field with players like Gerard Moreno, Paco Alcacer, and Santi Cazorla. But they did lose against Barcelona badly at 4-1 only a few days ago, so the elite teams might still be way above their league.

Valencia v. Espanyol

This match isn’t one for neutral fans, especially given the other big fixtures that are up for Thursday. Espanyol has been on a losing streak - they have lost all of their past seven games. There is no way they can expect not to finish at the very bottom of the table. This is despite the fact that they were doing well last season and qualifying for the Europa League. The main reason for their downfall was selling their two best players Hermoso and Borja Iglesias, and not finding suitable replacements. They did bring in a good manager, but even Raul de Tomas needs a decent squad to work with. The resumption of the season only sealed their fate.

Valencia isn’t faring any better. They fired two managers during this season alone, and are currently in ninth place after losing 1-0 to Leganes. But none of this is as bad as Espanyol, so, they are sure to win this match, even if by a narrow margin. 

Real Sociedad v. Sevilla

Sevilla’s form has been commendable since the restart, as they are currently on an unbeaten streak. They should be in top form to play Sociedad. Their last three games were wins, and they’re inching closer than ever for third place, where Atletico is now perched. Their players are great to go against Real Sociedad, which is having a very inconsistent season presently. Their gameplay has been disappointing because they looked like they could finish in the top four. 

Instead, they ended up in eighth place after doing terribly after the resumption. They’ve won only one out of the eight matches played. They were defeated at home by Granada most recently at 3-2, and their upcoming match before Sevilla is against Villarreal, which is in great form. This also means they won’t have enough time to recuperate before playing against Sevilla. Lucas Ocampos can do wonders for Sevilla and should be able to fly past Sociedad’s defense, so place your bets on Sevilla.