La Liga Matchday 17 Odds, Picks & Predictions (2023)
The halfway point of the 2022-23 La Liga season is now quickly approaching, as teams jockey for position both at the bottom and top of the table. With 29 points, Barcelona sits alone atop, as Real Madrid is now three full games (9 points) behind their rival.
Odds from FanDuel Sportsbook
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La Liga Matchday 17 Preview & Best Bets (2023)
Let’s take a closer look at a couple of spots I’m dialed in on for this week.
Valladolid (+170) vs. Vallecano (+160)
Rayo Vallecano will play Real Valladolid in the opening matchup on Saturday as La Liga’s 17th matchday gets underway.
Pacheta’s Valladolid team has lost three straight games and is currently sitting in 15th place in the standings, in desperate need of a win before slipping into relegation.
In contrast, Rayo lost 2-1 to Real Betis at home last time out, marking their first loss in eight games. The Vallecas team will aim to quickly recover and secure their first victory of the new year, but I think run into a tougher challenge than expected against a Valladolid team now in a must-win scenario.
It’s not as if Valladolid has been getting blown out, either, as all three matches have been back-and-forth affairs that they just couldn’t find the back of the net in; following a season-long theme. At over +160 each, oddsmakers also agree this one should be close.
I think there is value in the draw, as both teams have done little to impress and likely grind this one to a halt.
Pick: Draw (+210)
Getafe (+150) vs. Espanyol (+205)
When Getafe hosts Espanyol on Sunday at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez, they will be looking to end their two-game losing run. On Sunday, Quique Sanchez Flores’ team lost 3-2 at Levante to lose the Copa del Rey, just after losing 2-1 away at Sevilla in La Liga.
However, the Madrid-based team did triumph in their most recent home match, defeating Mallorca 2-0 behind a brace from Borja Mayoral.
In contrast, Espanyol has a reputation for securing draws, having done so in five of their last six matches. Currently #19 on the table and facing relegation, Espanyol needs to pick up wins in a bad way, which they haven’t done since October 16th of last year.
With the fresher legs, I have this game more at a coin flip and like the value Espanyol currently provides.
Pick: Espanyol (+205)
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