Now I don’t want to upset Real Madrid fans, but as La Liga’s top goal scorers with 52 they do have a case.
It’s not just about entertaining football of course; Luis Enrique’s team is desperate to chase down Los Blancos. At four points behind Barca are at 3.50 to lift the title, while the leaders are at tight betting odds of 1.30; and Sevilla, on the same points as Barca and with eighteen league football games to play, quite big at 26.00.
WEEK 21 SATURDAY:
Deportivo la Coruna vs Real Betis
On Saturday, Deportivo entertain Real Betis, three places and four points ahead of their hosts in 13th. With five draws in the last six, Deportivo are hard to beat; and with Betis drawing their last two, a tight game is on the cards.
Barcelona vs Athletic Club
Last week’s draw at Real Betis wasn’t ideal for Barca after five consecutive wins in all competitions. They need to go on a big run now to keep the heat on Los Blancos and will aim to repeat their recent 3-1 Copa win against the Bilbao club. Barca is at odds of 2.12 with a -2.00 handicap.
Malaga vs Espanyol
Malaga are on a dreadful run, picking up a draw against lowly Osasuna after five consecutive defeats. Espanyol are in better shape in ninth place, and Gerard Moreno will hope to add to his eight goals.
WEEK 21 SUNDAY:
Atletico Madrid vs Leganes
Diego Simeone will be pleased to have negotiated the transfer window without losing Antoine Griezmann so he can concentrate on nailing down a Champions League spot for the next four months. It’s another big derby for new boys Leganes, and they’ll be delighted if they can somehow preserve their five-point cushion in 17th place.
Valencia vs Eibar
Valencia has pulled away from danger, for now anyway, having won two on the bounce before losing a bad-tempered match at Las Palmas on Monday. Eibar had a good win over Deportivo last week and are sitting pretty in 10th.
Sporting Gijon vs Alaves
Relegation-threatened Sporting Gijon are marginally favourites to win at home against 12th-placed Alaves. With 17th-placed Leganes at Atletico, a home win could lift Sporting to within two points of their target. But then, they are without a win in seven.
Sevilla vs Villarreal
If Jorge Sampaoli’s men are really good value at 26.00 to win the title, then they must beat the sixth-placed Yellow Submarine on home turf and shake off last week’s defeat to Espanyol. Villarreal has stuttered, winning for the first time in seven against Granada.
WEEK 21 MONDAY:
Real Sociedad vs Osasuna
Real Sociedad has already overtaken Villarreal and, in fifth place, are on Atletico’s trail having taken 12 points from the last five games. This is a big chance to stay in the hunt against 19th-placed Osasuna, without a win in six.
Celta Vigo vs Real Madrid
This is a good test for the leaders at eighth-placed Celta Vigo, the hosts having won four and drawn one of their last five home games and with striker Iago Aspas in fine form on 11 goals. And, of course, Celta have just put Los Blancos out of the Copa del Rey.
WEEK 21 TUESDAY:
Granada vs Las Palmas
Tuesday morning’s action comes in Granada where the hosts are in desperate trouble, rock bottom and with just 10 points from 20 games. Las Palmas’ last trip out was a 5-0 drubbing in Barcelona, but they should have more joy here.
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
