La Liga: Weekend best bets and previews

La Liga tips, best bets, predictions and previews: Matchday 18 picks


Liam Kelly searches for more value in the next round of La Liga fixtures, which sees Barcelona and Real Madrid return to league action.


Football betting tips: La Liga

2.5pts Barcelona to win to nil v Getafe at 4/6 (General)

0.5pts Gabri Veiga to score anytime in Mallorca v Celta Vigo at 13/2 (Unibet, BetUK)

Sky Bet odds | Paddy Power | Betfair Sportsbook

Barcelona v Getafe

Robert Lewandowski's continued absence through suspension is unlikely to hinder Barcelona too much in this one.

Barca are comfortably the best team in La Liga, and although they'll be without their star striker, they face a Getafe side that find it difficult to trouble any side at present.

Across their last 10 league fixtures, Getafe have averaged just 0.65 expected goals for (xGF) per game.

They've also only managed a total of 5.49 xGF in eight away matches this term.

With that in mind, BARCELONA TO WIN TO NIL is an easy selection for me to make despite the short price available.

Barca possess the best defensive unit in La Liga, conceding only one time at the Camp Nou this season. Xavi's side should dispatch of Getafe without reply.

Score prediction: Barcelona 2-0 Getafe (Sky Bet odds: 4/1)

Odds correct 2230 GMT (19/01/23)

Mallorca v Celta Vigo

It's no coincidence that Celta Vigo have appeared far more threatening in attack with the increased amount minutes Gabri Veiga has been handed, a 20-year-old star in the making on recent displays.

Already striking up a very productive relationship with outstanding club talisman Iago Aspas, Veiga has scored four goals (2.02 xG) and registered two assists in just 871 minutes of Celta Vigo's La Liga play this season.

Veiga's influence on games has improved further since the pause in play, too, recording a total of 1.51 xG in the three post-World Cup league games.

As a result, it's surprising to see GABRI VEIGA available at 13/2 in places TO SCORE ANYTIME in Mallorca.

Admittedly, a trip to the Balearic Islands on a Friday night is not a party for football teams that visit, often a tough place to create chances, but the price is just too big to ignore when considering Veiga's — and Celta's — current form.

Score prediction: Mallorca 1-2 Celta Vigo (Sky Bet odds: 10/1)

Odds correct 1800 GMT (19/01/23)

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