LaLiga preview and betting tips


In his latest LaLiga betting preview, Tim Clement expects Real Madrid to endure further struggles as the travel to Deportivo in a full midweek programme.

Recommended bets: LaLiga

2pts Real Madrid to win and both teams to score at 17/10 - Real have the resiliance to bounce back from El Clasico but only have one fully-fit centre-back

1pt Real Madrid to win from behind at 7/1 - Zinedine Zidane's leaky backline has seen them trail in each of the their last four games before battling back to win three times

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There's little time to reflect on a remarkable El Clasico as a full LaLiga midweek programme continues of Wednesday night.

Real Madrid face a tricky test in bouncing back back from their defeat to Barcelona defeat they travel to the Riazor.

Fifteenth-placed Deportivo have fallen some way since their turn-of-the-century title triumph but still pose a threat, as shown when they beat Barca last month, while they have won more than they have lost at home this season.

They also almost left the Bernabeu with three points earlier this season, having led after 84 minutes before the European champions produced a textbook smash-and-grab win.

Sergio Ramos was typically the last-gasp hero that day but will be missing after being sent off in El Clasico.

While the 10-goal centre-back has salvaged some crucial points in Real's campaign, plenty will debate the influence of his absence, having helped the capital club keep just three clean sheets in his 36 appearances in all competitions this season.

That has seen them keep just one clean sheet in 14 and the return to fitness of Rafael Varane could be crucial in improving that record. Either way, backers of Real must look to the win and both teams to score market at 17/10 with Paddy Power.  

While their defensive options are worryingly short, the potential to change the forward line gives Zidane interesting options.

Isco and Alvaro Morata will be itching to prove their worth after being left on the bench against Barca and, with Cristiano Ronaldo rested, Gareth Bale injured again and Karim Benzema failing to score again, should get their chances to do so.

Averaging just over a goal every 90 minutes, Morata has the best goals-per-minute record at the club and is the pick of the first goalscorers at 4/1 with Bwin.

Ronaldo has been left out of the travelling squad for a third successive league trip but Real have proved capable of coping without him, winning both games in his absence with Morata netting four times.

In the 1830 kick-off, all the cliches will be coming out for the ultimate mismatch as new league leaders host rock-bottom Osasuna, with the longest of odds stacked against the visitors.

For those looking to get value for losing their money, Paddy Power offer 60/1 on them to upset a side which have just overcome the ultimate test in leaving the Bernabeu with three points.

Osasuna were thumped 7-0 in their last trip to the Nou Camp back in 2014 but did put up some resistance when Barca visited back in December despite enjoying just 20 per of possession, holding out until the hour mark when Luis Suarez broke the floodgates for a 3-0 win.

Neymar remains suspended but that should be of little consequence for a Barca side boasting nine successive home wins against a team with just two victories in 23, so I'll be no bet on this one.

Tuesday

Recommended bets:

2pts Espanyol to win and Atletico to win to nil at 7.88/1 - Espanyol should not be outsiders against sinking Sporting while Atletico are back to their stringent best

A goal fest looks unlikely as LaLiga's two best defences clash in the late kick-off between Atletico Madrid and Villareal at the Vicente Calderon.

Diego Simeone's men have resumed their usual place at the head of the clean sheet charts after not conceding in six of their last eight league matches.

They have also won seven of those games to climb up to third, whereas their visitors have lost two of their last three away games to lesser sides, netting just twice in those trips.

Cedric Bakambu's form has been a boost, with the pacey striker netting four goals in his last three run outs, but expect his chances to be at a premium against this miserly backline.

In the 1830 BST kick-off, Sporting Gijon desperately need a win on Tuesday night to keep their survival fight alive as they sit four points adrift of safety with games quickly running out.

Four of their five victories this season have come at El Molinon but, since winning their first two home games, only the two teams below them in the league, Granada and Osasuna, have left the north coast empty-handed.

They are also facing a difficult task in the shape of eighth-placed Espanyol, who boast more points on the road than their hosts have picked up at home, while they also won the reverse fixture 2-1.

Sporting's desperation has seen them concede eight goals in their last three games, although they did almost shock Real Madrid 10 days ago when they fell to a last-minute 3-2 loss.

With the visitors almost twice the price at 11/4 with Betfair Sportsbook, it would take a brave backer to get involved with sinking Sporting. 

Where to watch on TV: Sky Sports will show all the midweek LaLiga game.

Posted at 1800 BST on 25/04/17.