Real Madrid might not have been overly impressive in the league this season and were thumped 4-0 by Barcelona two rounds ago, yet they’re still holding a 12 point advantage at the top of the table (Barcelona have 1 game in hand).
Let’s check out what La Liga Matchday 31 soccer picks we have in store for this week.
RCD Mallorca vs. Atletico Madrid
Saturday, April 09, 2022 – 10:15 AM EDT at Visit Mallorca Estadi
Big contrast between these two teams as Mallorca have now lost 7 games in a row and are currently sitting in 17th position inside the relegation zone. It was a big blow for them losing to fellow strugglers Getafe last time out.
Mallorca will be hoping to find the back of the net in this one as they have now failed to score on home soil in each of their previous three home games, despite being a team that is renowned for having made Mallorca a difficult place to come and win. Prior to their three home defeats in a row, they had previously lost just 2 of the past 12.
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Atletico Madrid were accused by Pep Guardiola of playing a 5-5-0 formation in the Champions League during their 1-0 midweek loss in which they didn’t even manage a single shot on target. Prior to that defeat, they had won six games in a row in all competitions.
We expect Mallorca to give Madrid a really difficult game here having lost so many in a row but, ultimately, Madrid should come away with all three points and they will be looking to bounce back from their midweek defeat. Cards are to be expected here as both teams have been averaging 2.8 cards per game.
Score Prediction: Mallorca 0-2 Atletico Madrid
La Liga Pick: Over 1.5 Cards Each + Over 1.5 Match Goals (+100) at BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
Villarreal CF vs. Athletic Bilbao
Saturday, April 09, 2022 - 12:30 PM EDT at Estadio de la Ceramica
The “Yellow Submarine” had an amazing result midweek in the Champions League when they beat the mighty Bayern Munich 1-0 on home soil. Although they actually came away from the game disappointed as they could have easily scored 3/4 goals.
Atletico Bilbao will be looking to improve on their road form following three losses in a row in which they conceded 8 goals and have only scored 4 goals in their previous five road games. Bilbao won 2-1 on home soil when these two teams met earlier in the season.
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Both these teams are right beside each other in the league with Villarreal sitting in 7th on 45 points and Bilbao in 8th on 44 points.
Although both will be very eager to win here, we believe the best value to be the draw at +240. Bilbao will be happy to end their losing streak on the road and Villarreal must be fatigued from that 1-0 victory over Munich.
Score Prediction: Villarreal 1-1 Atletico Bilbao
La Liga Pick: Draw (+240) at BetOnline
Rayo Vallecano vs. Valencia CF
Monday, April 11, 2022 - 03:00 PM EDT at Estadio de Vallecas
Our final selection in the Spanish La Liga this week sees us head to Madrid on Monday, where Rayo Vallecano play host to Valencia.
Rayo's season has had a dramatic downturn, following a promising start in which qualifying for European competition next season was well within their reach. They have since gone on to go 11 league games without a win.
Valencia have had a standard season thus far as they are sitting in 9th place. Their 4th worst defensive record is much to blame as the reason for not challenging for Europe. The visitors are on a six-game unbeaten run and we expect that to continue here with another win over Vallecano.
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We believe the best value here lies with both teams to see over 2.5 match cards at +160. Valencia have allowed 3.47 cards on the road this season and have picked up 3.37 cards on their travels. Both these teams previous two league gamers witnessed a red card. With the top sportsbooks, one red card is equal to two yellows.
The last time these teams met it ended 1-1 with Valencia picking up 6 cards and Vallecano 5 so I like the La Liga odds for this one.
Score Prediction: Vallecano 1-2 Valencia
La Liga Pick: Over 2.5 Cards Each (+160) at BetOnline
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
