Pre-season relegation favourites Real Valladolid have been La Liga’s surprise package and open Round 10 on Friday with a real test against another form side, Espanyol.
Form sides meet at the Zorrilla
Los Blanquivioletas/Albivioletas came up through the play-offs and find themselves on a run of five without defeat, the last four of which have been victories.
Three straight clean sheets have even led to suggestions of a Europa League challenge for La Liga’s sixth-placed side, but they face a real test against second-place Espanyol.
Rubi seems to be getting a tune out of a squad which has underwhelmed in recent years, with only Alaves and Real Madrid having beaten them this season.
Striker Borja Iglesias has scored three in as many games and is 2.60 to net at anytime on Friday.
Five of the last seven meetings between the sides have finished in draws and with little to choose between the teams, a share of the spoils looks a sensible verdict at 3.25, with 1-1 available at 6.10.
Look out for Levante
There may well be more attractive fixtures on Saturday afternoon, but Levante’s game with Leganes could provide the value.
The Granotas have won their last three to move up to eighth and welcome a side 18th in the table but unbeaten in their last two. However, Mauricio Pellegrino’s side have a pretty miserable away record that pre-dates his summer arrival, failing to win any of their last 20 on the road in La Liga.
Home advantage should make the difference and the Levante win at 2.20 looks the obvious answer, although with at least two goals in five of their last six, that outcome with both teams to score may attract more ambitious punters at 4.05.
Atleti too good for Sociedad
Finally on Saturday, Atletico Madrid will expect to get the better of Real Sociedad.
It was a rare night of defensive turmoil for Atleti on Wednesday as they were dismissed 4-0 by Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League. Diego Simeone is likely to use the intervening period to preach the importance of basics to his players, most notably at the back.
There’s no European action this season for La Real but that has not helped them improve their consistency, drawing 0-0 at home to Girona on Monday.
Asier Garitano’s side currently sit ninth and despite losing only one of their last five, are the considerable outsiders for the win at 7.50.
Last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Villarreal was the first time Los Colchoneros have conceded in their last five in La Liga and despite their midweek embarrassment, a home win to zero appeals at 2.15.
