Real Madrid were dumped out of the Spanish Cup by Athletic Bilbao on Thursday and will be looking to bounce back as they try to maintain their four point lead at the top of La Liga when they take on Granada.
Elsewhere, Sevilla will look to keep up the gallop when they face Osasuna and a crunch tie between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid could have major implications for the top four race.
Osasuna v Sevilla – Saturday 8pm
Recent draws with Barcelona, Valencia and Celta Vigo have seen Sevilla fail to properly capitalise on their tidal rivals Real Madrid’s slip ups at the top of the table but they should have no such issues against Osasuna.
The home side have lost five of their last seven games in all competitions, including a 1-0 defeat at the hands of second-bottom side Alaves last time out.
Sevilla were comfortable 2-0 winners in the reverse fixture between these two and should be able to keep up the pressure on Real with a win here at 5/4.
Valencia v Real Sociedad – Sunday 2pm
Real Sociedad suffered a 4-0 trouncing at the hands of Real Betis in the Spanish Cup just weeks after the same team beat them by the same scoreline in the league but that is one of only two of their last 12 to go over 2.5 goals.
Look out for a cagey, low-scoring affair when they take on Valencia here.
The pair played out a goalless draw when the two met in November and goals may be at a premium once more here.
Both of these teams have had mixed form recently, failing to put together a run of good results in the cups or La Liga.
With two teams who are seemingly out of whack, it may pay to side with the unders in this encounter at 5/7.
Barcelona v Atletico Madrid – Sunday 3.15pm
A game between these two teams being played so early on a Sunday is as clear a demonstration as any how little say the pair have had in the title race this season.
The two are 15 and 14 points respectively off the lead and a top four finish will be their ultimate aim for the rest of the campaign.
Despite Barcelona’s form picking up somewhat under Xavi and the new signings they have made in the January window, Atleti have the stronger recent form between the pair.
Barca have not won any of the last five encounters between the two and Diego Simeone’s side can pick up another result at the Nou Camp.
Atleti’s recent form leaves a bit to be desired but the 5/4 draw no bet about them to overturn a work in progress Barcelona side looks overpriced.
*Odds correct at time of writing.
