La Liga Betting Preview
There are 10 La Liga fixtures taking place this week, running from Friday, 16 January through to Monday, 19 January.
La Liga tipster
Ben Smith has outlined his latest bets and selections for the round, with each pick paired with the best available
La Liga betting odds
for every match.
Espanyol vs Girona
Three wins from four have steered Girona away from relegation concern. Two of those successes came on the road, which should give them confidence ahead of a difficult visit to Espanyol on Friday night.
That confidence is tempered by Espanyol’s record against teams outside the top six, where they have taken 16 points from a possible 18. With both sides offering a genuine threat going forward, this looks a fixture where goals can arrive at both ends. Over 2.5 goals stands out at the prices.
Betting Tip: Over 2.5 Goals - 11/10
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Mallorca vs Athletic Club
Mallorca’s 2-1 defeat to Girona in their opening game of 2026 was their first home loss in eight matches. A further 2-1 defeat away at Rayo Vallecano last weekend has left them just one point above the relegation zone.
If Mallorca are to avoid being dragged deeper into trouble, their home form needs to do most of the work. Athletic Club have won only twice on the road all season, so siding with the hosts to respond appeals.
Betting Tip: Mallorca +0.25 Asian Handicap - 19/20
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Real Betis vs Villarreal
Real Betis and Villarreal are both pushing for European qualification, with the away side currently well placed in the race for a Champions League berth.
Villarreal’s only defeats this season have come against teams in the top four, while they boast a perfect record against sides ranked eighth or lower. That consistency has kept them firmly in contention at the top end of the table.
Betis sit between those two groups in sixth place, which makes this a tricky matchup to call. With the reverse fixture ending in a draw, and little separating the sides on current form, a similar outcome looks a realistic possibility again here.
Betting Tip: Draw - 13/5
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Atletico Madrid vs Alaves
It has been over a month since Atletico Madrid last played at home in the league, and they will be keen to return to action given their eight-match winning run at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Deportivo Alavés are likely far less enthusiastic about the trip, having lost their last six away matches in the league. Those struggles on the road point towards a difficult afternoon for the visitors.
There is little doubt about the likely result, but Atletico can still be supported on the -1.5 handicap. Given their home record and Alaves away form, I expected this to be odds-on.
Betting Tip: Atletico Madrid -1.5 Handicap - Evens BetMGM
Real Sociedad vs Barcelona
Barcelona reaffirmed their status as the best team in Spain at present with a Super Cup triumph, sealing a convincing win over Real Madrid on Sunday.
They now return to league action looking to protect their lead at the top of La Liga, with their next assignment coming against Real Sociedad, who have struggled to hit expected levels this season.
The Catalan side continue to score freely and are creating chances at a consistent rate. With that in mind, backing Barcelona on the Asian handicap looks a reasonable angle to take here.
Betting Tip: Barcelona -0.75 Asian Handicap - 3/4 10bet
Real Madrid vs Levante
Real Madrid keep finding themselves in open, high-scoring games, regardless of the competition.
They followed a Super Cup defeat to Barcelona with another 3-2 loss away to Albacete in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday.
Goals are expected again here, but at home Real Madrid should still have enough to get the win.
Betting Tip: Real Madrid to Win & Over 3.5 Goals - 77/100
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Osasuna vs Oviedo
Osasuna have been one of the easier sides to read this season - difficult to beat at home and largely ineffective on the road.
Real Oviedo are similar in that respect, with their struggles coming mainly away from home. Backing Osasuna to win makes sense, but the price is not especially appealing on its own.
A win to nil offers better value, especially given that all of Oviedo’s away defeats this season have seen them fail to score.
Betting Tip: Osasuna to Win to Nil - 13/8 10bet
Getafe vs Valencia
Valencia have been unfortunate not to collect more points away from home than they currently have.
The 4-1 defeat at Celta Vigo in their last away outing was particularly harsh, as Valencia created plenty of chances, not reflected by the final scoreline.
If they are more clinical here, they look capable of taking at least a point from this match.
Betting Tip: Valencia Draw No Bet - 11/10
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Celta Vigo vs Rayo Vallecano
Celta Vigo have managed just one clean sheet at home this season, and even that came in a game where they rode their luck to keep Athletic Club out.
That should offer some encouragement to Rayo Vallecano, who have failed to score in four consecutive away matches and look due for some regression in front of goal.
Betting Tip: Both Teams to Score - 19/20 Coral
Elche vs Sevilla
Elche have played four home matches against bottom-half sides this season, with only one producing more than two goals. That exception was a 3-0 home win against Girona.
Sevilla should be capable of keeping things controlled here, making under 2.5 goals look a sensible angle.
Betting Tip: Under 2.5 Goals - 3/4 BetMGM
