LALIGA
AS English LaLiga predictions: 2017/18 week 26
The AS Oracle is back in action for some midweek football and has picked out the 10 results that will almost certainly happen in LaLiga for gameweek 25.
Espanyol - Real Madrid (Tuesday 20:00) Prediction: away win
Real Madrid travel to the RCDE to play one of their favourite LaLiga victims in the midweek jornada’s opener. The last time Espanyol earned a point against Los Blancos was in 2013 (a 1-1 draw). Since then, Madrid have won nine games on the trot, scored 29 goals and only conceded two. In addition, Zidane’s side have been showing some of last season's form domestically with a run of four victories and a fiesta of goals.
Girona - Celta (Tuesday 21:30) Prediction: away win
Girona and Celta are face with one of the most important games of their respective seasons in Montilivi on Tuesday night. Both teams are looking to achieve a pass into Europa League so this is a six-pointer for both sides. Despite this being Girona’s first year in the top flight, Pablo Machín has fashioned a very solid team. However, Maxi Gómez and Iago Aspas are one of the best strike partnerships outside the current top three in LaLiga and they will provide a huge headache for Girona’s defence.
Athletic - Valencia (Wednesday 19:30) Prediction: home win
It has not been a good season for the San Mamés faithful. Under Cuco Ziganda’s orders, the Lions have failed to replicate the style and regularity that they displayed under Ernesto Valverde’s stewardship. However, La Catedral is always a difficult stadium to play at and Valencia aren't playing as well as they had been at the start of the season despite a few narrow victories.
Getafe - Deportivo (Wednesday 19:30) Prediction: away win
It’s now or never. Deportivo need to secure a victory if they want to retain their top-flight status. Since Clarence Seedorf arrived at Riazor, Depor have only managed a single draw against Espanyol and have yet to find the back of the net. However, Depor look considerably more solid under the former Netherlands international and against Los Pericos may pick up a deserved victory.
Málaga - Sevilla (Wednesday 19:30) Prediction: away win
After being thrashed 5-2 by Atlético Madrid, Sevilla have a very good opportunity to get back on track with a victory against rock bottom Málaga. Los Boquerones are all but condemned to Segunda and Sevilla need to claim all three points in La Rosaleda to keep their European dreams alive.
Atlético - Leganés (Wednesday 21:30) Prediction: home win
Atlético Madrid are playing their best football at the best possible moment of the season. Diego Simeone’s side still believe that they can challenge for the title and before facing Barcelona on Saturday it’s crucial to not let up against Leganés and chalk up another home victory. Atlético were at their attacking best against Sevilla with Antoine Griezmann and Diego Costa earning the plaudits so the home side can be optimistic of seeing off a Leganés outfit who have found the net only once in their last five Liga outings.
Eibar - Villarreal (Wednesday 21:30) Prediction: draw
Eibar fans are starting to fret about their team’s accuracy in front of goal. Despite playing well against Barcelona and Celta, The Gunners’ weren’t able to land a blow. Their European dream remains alive but they need to find a way to put the ball in the back of the net. On the other hand, Villarreal, who were knocked out of the Europa League by Lyon, will be eyeing this game as an opportunity to strengthen their grip on a place in next season’s consolation competition against a direct rival.
Betis - Real Sociedad (Thursday 19:30) Prediction: home win
Real Sociedad are going through a crisis of confidence. Marooned in the bottom half of the Liga table and knocked out of Europe, their pre-season objective of continental travel next campaign has fallen by the wayside. The Anoeta faithful are not particularly pleased with Eusebio under the circumstances and the Sociedad coach is looking nervously over his shoulder. Betis meanwhile are riding high, three points off a stuttering Sevilla in sixth and Quique Setién finally has the Villamarín back in love with its side.
Las Palmas - Barcelona (Thursday 21:00) Prediction: away win
Paco Jémez has galvanised Las Palmas into a competitive side with a solid defence that has only conceded two goals in their last four games. However, Barcelona have traditionally been a nightmare for the Canary Islanders and given the recent form of Leo Messi it’s difficult to see the visitors making any kind of point against the champions-elect.
Alavés - Levante (Thursday 21:30) Prediction: draw
Abelardo has revitalised Alavés and a very competitive side - with seven wins in 11 before a 4-0 reverse in the Bernabéu last weekend - have become difficult to beat despite that score-line, which flattered the home side after a gung-ho first half. The guidance of the former Sporting coach has dragged Alavés well clear of the relegation fight while Levante are firmly in it after 13 games without a win. That said, neither side score a hatful and a cagey draw can’t be ruled out in Mendizorrotza.
