Diego Costa’s return to Madrid could be the best thing for himself and Atletico as Diego Simeone’s team are the only one in Spain within touching distance of Barca in La Liga table.
Costa has a smile on his face again after a miserable last few months at Chelsea, even enjoying the snow blizzards in Madrid this week. But Simeone brought him back to do a serious job. Atletico are nine points behind Barca, with betting odds stacked against them nicking the title but Simeone hasn’t given up yet with 16 football games still to play.
WEEK 23 SATURDAY:
Athletic Bilbao vs Las Palmas
The weekend’s footy opens in Bilbao where Inigo Martinez has been brought in to replace the departed Aymeric Laporte, and he should have the measure of 19th placed Las Palmas. The visitors had a boost last week though, as Alen Halilovic hit a last-minute winner against fellow strugglers Malaga.
Villarreal vs Alaves
The Yellow Submarine missed the chance to climb into the top four, coming out on the wrong side of a 2-1 scoreline against Real Betis. Meanwhile, Alaves beat Celta Vigo by the same margin to continue its climb away from trouble. But I think the hosts, at odds of 1.92 with a -0.75 handicap, should have enough to win.
Malaga vs Atletico Madrid
Diego Costa’s return to Madrid has got the place buzzing, which is more than can be said for poor Malaga, stranded at the bottom following their latest setback. A win against third-placed Valencia took Atletico nine points behind Barca and nine ahead of third.
WEEK 23 SUNDAY:
Leganes vs Eibar
Copa semi-finalists Leganes follow up their tough tie against Sevilla in midweek with an equally difficult prospect at home to Eibar. The visitors are three unbeaten and five places ahead in seventh, but Leganes, unbeaten in five in all competitions, can leapfrog them with a win.
Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad
Los Blancos are in the top four courtesy of a defeat for Villarreal last week and need to hit a level of consistency to avoid embarrassment. The visitors ended a four-match losing run by thumping Depor 5-0 last week but, at 2.13 with a +1.75 goals start, this is a much tougher test. Real Madrid is at odds of 1.81 with the -1.75 goal handicap.
Sevilla vs Girona
The Copa has been a nice distraction for Sevilla, having slid down to sixth after a run of four defeats in six league games. In fact, are is only two points back in ninth and 12 goal striker Cristhian Stuani continues to impress.
Barcelona vs Getafe
If the two Diegos do the business, Barca’s lead could be down to six points by the time they host Getafe on Sunday. But that shouldn’t worry them, with Philippe Coutinho ready to impress after his big money move from Liverpool. Getafe can be stubborn though, with three draws and a win from the last four.
WEEK 23 MONDAY:
Celta Vigo vs RCD Espanyol
On the face of it you’d expect eighth-placed Celta to see off Espanyol; the hosts have won three from four while the visitors lost three, but last week’s results give Espanyol some hope. Celta lost to Alaves while Espanyol became only the fourth team to take a point off Barcelona.
Valencia vs Levante
You could say exactly the same for Valencia, who have also suffered four defeats in six in the league, having pushed Barca hard in the first half of the season. But, unlikely to overcome the leaders in their Copa semi-final, they’ll have to keep the Mestalla happy by beating Levante, down in 17th and without a win in six.
WEEK 23 TUESDAY:
Deportivo La Coruna vs Real Betis
Depor are in real trouble, without a win in seven, down in the relegation zone and thumped 5-0 last week, while Real Betis sit comfortably in 10th and, with two wins from the last three away, look to be decent value to heap more misery on the hosts at odds of 3.05.
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
