La Liga: Are Sweeping Changes on the Horizon for Atleti?

While La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona have already made their moves this offseason, the same can’t be said for Atletico Madrid, who are in a state of uncertainty with the pre-season just around the corner.

There are decisions to be made for Atletico Madrid, as rival clubs are not only circling around their star players but also their coach, Diego Simeone, who has been with the team for as long as we can remember.

Los Rojiblancos haven’t won anything since lifting the La Liga trophy in 2020-21. The pre-season La Liga 2023 odds have them as the third favourite behind Barcelona and Real Madrid to win it this upcoming season, so they must get their act right if they are going to break the duopoly anew.

Without further ado, read more below as SBOTOP presents the latest set of La Liga 2023 updates, with a particular focus on Atletico Madrid.

Felix the odd man out?

Atleti are currently holding their training camp in San Rafael, Segovia, before they go on tour in South Korea and North America next week.

Joao Felix was recently observed working out with the youth team alongside Renan Lodi on the first day of Atletico Madrid’s preseason training camp, as reportedly requested by Diego Simeone.

The Portuguese forward is returning from his loan spell at Chelsea, where he scored four goals in 16 Premier League appearances.

It was widely believed that he would stay at Stamford Bridge following his half-season stint, but the Blues didn’t even consider buying him because new boss Mauricio Pochettino has already bolstered their attacking depth with the acquisitions of Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson.

Speculation continues to mount on Felix’s future given his rocky relationship with Simeone, and PSG are reportedly ready to swoop in for the former Benfica man. PSG’s new manager, Luis Enrique, is said to be a huge fan of Felix, although there’s no imminent deal between the two teams just yet.

Felix, who arrived at the club in 2019, has a deal with Atletico Madrid that expires in 2027. Atletico Madrid have reportedly put a hefty price tag on the 23-year-old, in the region of £85 million.

Felix’s addition would benefit PSG since it would help fill the void left by Lionel Messi’s recent transfer to Inter Miami.

Morata, Llorente linked with a move overseas

Joao Felix may not be the only Atletico Madrid player who’s on the move, as Alvaro Morata and Marcos Llorente are being linked with moves away from the Civitas Metropolitano.

Morata has attracted interest from a host of clubs in both Italy and Saudi Arabia, such as AC Milan, Juventus, AS Roma, Al-Hilal, and Al-Ettifaq.

Despite having only signed a new extension, Atletico Madrid are reportedly open to selling the 30-year-old striker for at least €20 million, although his annual salary of €9 million might be too high for his bidders.

Local reports claim that Marcos Llorente is being eyed by two Premier League clubs: Manchester United and Liverpool. Atletico Madrid are looking to get around €60 million for the midfielder’s signature.

Like Morata, Llorente recently signed a new contract with Atletico Madrid that will last until June 2026, but the club is willing to sell him because of his slumping form in recent months.

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Panama

1X2 USA @ 1.59

Under 2.25 @ 1.99

Total Goals 2-3 @ 1.83

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Manchester United are keen on adding another midfielder, even if they recently acquired Mason Mount from Chelsea. Liverpool are also planning to further strengthen their midfield after adding Alexis Mac Allister earlier this summer.

With Los Rojiblancos working on a tight transfer budget, selling Morata and Llorente would help alleviate their financial problems, especially after they just brought in the likes of Caglar Soyuncu, Javi Galan, and Cesar Azpilicueta.

Simeone being offered to Saudi Arabia

Given how much Saudi Arabian clubs have splashed the cash this summer, Simeone was reportedly given a mouthwatering offer to leave his La Liga job, but he rejected an offer to manage Al-Ahli as he has no plans to abandon Atletico Madrid.

The 53-year-old boss signed an extension two years ago that will run until the summer of 2024. Simeone has been manager at Atleti since 2011, and he said that he would like to stay longer with the club.

However, in order to make it happen, Simeone will have to lower his salary given the club’s economic constraints. Right now, he’s earning €20 million annually, and that may be reduced to €16.5 million.Last season, Simeone guided Atletico Madrid to third place in La Liga, ensuring their qualification for the Champions League for the 11^th straight season.

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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 26-Jul-2023 at 1:59 PM

La Liga: Valencia and Vigo at the Crossroads

For every team planning an assault on the La Liga 2023/24 title, there is a handful of clubs aiming for survival with varying levels of comfort.

Two such clubs are pretty big names with cause for some concern, as Valencia and Celta Vigo have work to do in the remainder of the window, or they could be in for a serious struggle. Vigo finished just below halfway last term, while Valencia avoided the drop, but not by much.

Los Ches are managed by Ruben Baraja. The six-time La Liga winners, most recently in 2004, were in serious trouble in 18^th place when he arrived in late February after the departure of Gennaro Gattuso.

Former player Baraja came in to lift the team to 16^th place and safety. He’s a hero at the Mestalla, having scored 41 goals in 263 appearances for the club between 2000 and 2010, and Baraja has made a good start in the dugout.

But now the real hard work begins.

La Liga

Sevilla FC

Valencia

1X2 Draw @ 3.10

Over 2.25 @ 2.03

Total Goals 2-3 @ 1.91

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Los Ches have already lost two loan players who made a big impact at the Mestalla last season. 23-year-old Brazilian winger Samuel Lino has gone back to his parent club Atletico Madrid, while Dutch forward Justin Kluivert has been snapped up by Premier League side Bournemouth.

Lino’s pace and trickery and Kluivert’s limitless energy gave Valencia a much-needed boost up front and they jointly top-scored with six goals each.

There is also a risk that Los Ches may lose their 6’6” goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who is widely admired and who saved Valencia on numerous occasions last season.

In terms of signings, Turkish defender Cenk Ozkacar has made his loan move from Lyon permanent, while Spanish midfielder Pepelu has been signed from Levante, where he had an impressive campaign last season.

But up front there has been no movement as yet and Valencia may have to start the campaign with 36-year-old Edinson Cavani leading the line. The Uruguayan has been a brilliant striker in his day for club and country, but he struggled to stay fit last term and managed just five goals.

One name linked with Valencia is Sevilla striker Rafa Mir. The 26-year-old Spaniard was a flop at Wolverhampton Wanderers but has fared a little better since his €16 million move to Sevilla where he has scored 16 goals in 60 appearances.

That isn’t a spectacular goal to games ratio and Los Sevillistas will probably accept a bid in the region of €5 million for their player, though Los Ches would probably prefer a loan.    

Mir is a big, strong striker and would be a fair replacement for Cavani, but it would not be a signing to set the pulses racing at the Mestalla Stadium.

Valencia need to start the new campaign with a decent set of La Liga 2023 results or it could be a long, hard winter for Los Ches fans.

And what about Celta Vigo’s 2023 stars?

The biggest teams in La Liga, including the El Clasico duo, are looking to strengthen their squads with some big money signings, but for the likes of Valencia and indeed Celta Vigo, the concern is around how they retain the status quo and their Primera Division survival.

Celta have enjoyed 11 seasons in the La Liga top-flight since promotion in 2012 even though they have flirted with relegation from time to time with a couple of 17^th placed finishes.

The La Liga 2023 betting odds reckon Celta should survive again, but they have been on a gentle downward slope in recent seasons, finishing eighth, 10^th, and then 11^th, and they may struggle to get the same performances from two of their biggest stars for very different reasons.

Spain U21 player Gabri Veiga had a superb second half of the season in central midfield and the 21-year-old has attracted the attention of a host of Premier League clubs. At 6’1”, he is a strong figure with a superb passing range and a willingness to get forward, scoring 11 goals in 49 appearances with many of them from the bench.

And Veiga is currently being tracked by Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, and Arsenal. If any of these big guns trigger his €45 million release clause, then Veiga will be off.

One player sure to stay at the club is star striker Iago Aspas, who has been a huge favourite at the Balaidos Stadium and here at SBOTOP thanks to his superhuman scoring exploits.

He is the club’s all-time top scorer with 179 goals and he has the most in La Liga with 145. But Aspas is now 35 years of age, and he can’t hit those incredible heights forever. So Celta, like Valencia, need numbers in up front.

The one thing in Celta Vigo’s favour is that they are managed by the wily and tactically brilliant Rafael Benitez. The former Liverpool boss knows how to eke out results and that could be crucial for Vigo.

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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 26-Jul-2023 at 2:03 PM

La Liga: Bayern Set to Bid for Tchouameni

Real Madrid have completed the biggest transfer in La Liga so far this summer, bringing in midfield superstar Jude Bellingham in a €103 million switch from Borussia Dortmund.

Los Blancos are still hoping to sign Kylian Mbappe during the close season and, if that deal comes off, it would trigger another huge outlay.

And the big La Liga 2023 news story this weekend concerns another major move at the Santiago Bernabeu, but this time it is a potential outgoing.

Bayern Munich are reported to be preparing at €100 million bid to take defencive midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni from Madrid to Bavaria, though it will not be an easy decision for Madrid to make as and when the offer comes in.

LA LIGA

Getafe

Barcelona

1X2 Barcelona 1.59

Barcelona Asia Handicap -0.75 @ 1.81

Over 2.50 @ 2.14

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The 23-year-old France star has only been at the club for one year, bought last season from AS Monaco as a replacement for the outgoing Casemiro, and he has made a big impression, turning out 50 times in all competitions.

The player is very highly rated and would take some replacing, but Los Blancos head coach Carlo Ancelotti has some wheeling a dealing to do and it might be hard to turn down €100 million.

With Karim Benzema and Marco Asensio already departed and Mbappe still pondering his future, Los Blancos are left with the young Brazilian duo of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo up front. And while they are both brilliant players, that is not a situation Ancelotti wants to start the next campaign in.

One solution could be for Bayern to offer Senegalese striker Sadio Mane as a sweetener in any deal to take Tchouameni to Munich.

The former Liverpool man had a nightmare of a first campaign with the Germans, struggling with form and injury and then burning his bridges in spectacular fashion when he had a fight with teammate Leroy Sane in the aftermath of Bayern’s Champions League loss to Manchester City.

Bayern want to recoup €20 million of the €32 million they paid to Liverpool last summer, and it could make good sense for Real Madrid to take a closer look, as Sane’s lighting pace and inventive skills will still give any defence a fright.

Barcelona’s balancing act continues

The pre-season La Liga 2023 betting odds predict another El Clasico shootout. And here at SBOTOP, we’ve also been watching the goings on in Catalonia.

Ilkay Gundogan has already made the move from Champions League winners Manchester City and the central midfielder is sure to play a big part in the Blaugrana’s title defence.

Experienced center-back Inigo Martinez has also moved from Athletic Bilbao to the Camp Nou, and head coach Xavi is still looking for more reinforcements in preparation for the 2023/24 campaign.

He is searching for a replacement for the retired Sergio Busquets and Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat has been heavily linked with Barca. The Moroccan midfielder had a brilliant World Cup as the Atlas Lions reached the semi-finals in Qatar and, as an enforcer just in front of the defencive unit, there are few better in world football.

But La Viola are demanding a hefty fee for the player who has just one year left on his contract, and Barca need to be clever with their dealings.

So the Catalans’ attention has turned to Girona midfielder Oriol Romeu this week. The former Southampton midfielder headed for Girona last summer, and he enjoyed a strong season for the Gironistes and he may be ready to make the short move to the Camp Nou.

Recent reports in the Spanish press suggest Barca are in advanced talks with their Catalonian neighbours and they are closing in on a deal. He made 36 appearances for Girona last season and, a strong defencive midfielder, Romeu would bring much needed steel to the Barcelona line-up.

But the financial situation at the Camp Nou means that Barcelona president Joan Laporta must work with Xavi to offload some players, preferably those with chunky salaries.

Striker Ferran Torres and midfielder Franck Kessie struggled for game time last season, and they could be sent on their way, while French center-back Clement Lenglet will likely make way for Martinez as he gets closer to making his move to Tottenham Hotspur permanent.

As ever, it is a balancing act for the financial managers and the coaching staff at the Camp Nou and a fine balance at that.

This is a gradual evolution at the club and one that made good progress last term as the Blaugrana won a first league title in four years. Xavi’s biggest priority must be to keep Ousmane Dembele at the club as his synergy with Robert Lewandowski was hugely apparent last term.

Then it’s all about tweaking and improving the stock behind the front two.

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La Liga: Dealings are Not Always Straightforward for Spain’s Big Duo

Here we go again. This time last year, we all read the headlines that made alarming reading for anyone associated with FC Barcelona.

On the eve of the campaign. La Liga rejected an attempt by the club to use its own funds to inflate the value of two of the asset sales it had resorted to balance the books and strengthen its squad.

The wage bill was out of control, and key players had to be left out of the team for the opening league match against Rayo Vallecano.

With various financial levers and much to-ing and throwing, Barca managed to get round their issues, spend big and secure a first Spanish league title in four years.

Yet fast forward 12 months, and there remains question marks over whether the club from Catalonia has managed to get its financial house in order.

The knock-on effect of last summer certainly appears clear after it was claimed the Blaugrana must clear €60 million of its salary limit to be able to register new signings Inigo Martinez and Ilkay Gundogan.

The club says it is the result of a delayed payment from one of their economic levers pulled last summer.

After selling 49-per cent of Barca Media for €200 million, both Orpheus Media and Socios.com paid €10 million up front with a further €60 million due this June.

However, they are yet to pay, and Orpheus Media have publicly said they are up-to-date with their payments. Without that €60 million now, Barcelona need to recoup that money in sales to register players before the end of August.

For this SBOTOP observer, there remains a distinct feeling of Deja vu.

On saying that, the La Liga 2023 betting odds tipped Barca as second favourites last season too and the team proved otherwise.

It doesn’t appear to be stopping manager Xavi Hernandez in the transfer market either with Oriol Romeu poised to be the third arrival of the summer. A deal has reportedly been completed and the player has stopped training with Girona to undergo a medical with the Spanish champions.

While Barca’s finances continue to demand attention, arch rivals Real Madrid are focusing on what could develop into a financial stand-off further afield.

LA LIGA

Athletic Bilbao

Real Madrid

1X2 Real Madrid @ 2.15

Under 2.50 @ 1.96

Total Goals 2-3 @ 1.90

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Yes, it’s the Kylian Mbappe situation, as PSG are in a hurry to renew his contract but the player is not.

It is known the Frenchman doesn’t want to continue beyond 2024, yet the Qatari leadership of PSG are furious and pressuring the player that he either leaves now for a fee or signs a new deal.

The one club which appear favourites for his signature were not expecting this development this summer so are quite relaxed, although no one doubts that when the time comes, those in charge at Real Madrid will look for the how, but that moment is not in sight at the moment.

A recent report has suggested that PSG may be able to persuade Mbappe to sign a new contract this summer, on the stipulation that he is allowed to leave in 2024, but for a transfer fee, rather than as a free agent.

In the meantime, they can look forward to seeing their new arrivals in action.

Arda Guler has already made an impressive impact in training, and he showcased his skills in training earlier this week, effortlessly leaving some of his new teammates on the floor before executing a superb goal with remarkable agility and lightning-fast footwork.

Jude Bellingham is also settling in and, after becoming the club’s second-most expensive signing in history, is eagerly anticipating his debut, displaying unwavering enthusiasm and preparedness, ready to make an instant impression and deliver La Liga 2023 highlights.

Away from the big duo, perhaps one of best signings of the summer so far has seen Celta Vigo acquire Ivory Coast international Jonathan Bamba on a three-year contract.

It’s a further addition to strengthen their forward line following the arrival of Carles Perez.

Bamba, 27, has arrived on a free transfer following five seasons with Lille. During that time, he scored 29 goals, assisted 35, and played 200 matches, memorably helping them to the Ligue 1 title two seasons ago. He netted six times and contributed seven assists last term.

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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 26-Jul-2023 at 2:08 PM

La Liga: Are Barca Really in the Mbappe Hunt?

We all expected Paris Saint-Germain megastar Kylian Mbappe to rock up in La Liga at Real Madrid this summer. Well this SBOTOP writer did, following the Frenchman’s announcement that he would not extend his stay at the Parc des Princes beyond 2024.   

That news rather forced the Parisiens’ hands and it seems increasingly likely that Mbappe will be on his way, but the Santiago Bernabeu isn’t the only possible destination, according to reports in Spain. Barcelona have now been linked to the France star, despite the financial constraints head coach Xavi finds himself under.

The obvious way for Barcelona to enter the race to sign Mbappe would be to offer a player, or players, in return. It is not always easy for Ligue 1 clubs to attract the very best talent though PSG have the financial muscle to sweeten many a deal. And Barcelona have some very marketable players; it’s just a case of who Xavi would be happy to lose.

Given his French connections, one obvious candidate for a move to Paris would be wide man Ousmane Dembele, though his relationship with Robert Lewandowski pretty much fired Barca to the title last season. PSG are always keen to bring in French players so they would love to get their hands on Dembele… but that might be difficult one. Frenkie de Jong would have been a great prospect this time last year, but he played a key role in the Blaugrana’s 2023 success and so his value might have increased. And PSG boss Luis Enrique, formerly of Barcelona, would love to bring either of these two and possibly even young midfield star Gavi to Paris.

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USA

Netherlands

1X2 Draw @ 3.75

First Half Under 0.75 @ 2.11

Total Goals 0-1 @ 2.61

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These are very early days in Barca’s involvement in this saga and it will be well worth watching the La Liga 2023 updates over the next few days.

Real Madrid will still be keen to get their man and Mbappe has also attracted an offer from the Saudi Pro League, Al Hilal offering £259m for his services. That particular club has already tired to lure Lionel Messi but he headed off to Inter Miami. Apparently PSG have accepted the offer from Al Hilal but whether Mbappe, still only 24, is willing to take the money and run remains to be seen.

It still seems a little unlikely to me; but it depends where the player’s priorities lie.

If he follows Messi’s example and turns down the Saudi cash then it’s back to Spain…and Barcelona or Real Madrid. And reports in France suggest that PSG are fed up with Real Madrid and would prefer to deal with the Catalans.

Real Madrid have an option to take the player in 2024 if he is not sold this summer but head coach Carlos Ancelotti may be reluctant to risk losing his man; though he has made one huge signing this year, with England midfielder Jude Bellingham already through the doors at the Santiago Bernabeu. Bellingham made his Los Blancos debut in a 3-2 win over AC Milan in Los Angeles on Sunday.

The La Liga 2023 betting odds currently make Los Blancos and Barca neck and neck for the title, but the destination of Mbappe might cause a huge shift…either way.        

Betis say farewell to Canales

Andalusia is saying goodbye to one of its biggest stars with the news that Spain international Sergio Canales is leaving Real Betis to join Mexican league big guns Rayados de Monterray. He has signed on a three year deal and leaves Betis after five successful years during which he scored 30 goals and made 39 assists in 164 games. It’s the first time Canales has left Spain to play his football, starring for Real Sociedad and Valencia and, briefly, Real Madrid.

Canales has played a big role in Real Betis’ consistency over the past few years as serial qualifiers for Europe and the 32 year old will be sadly missed by Los Verdiblancos.

But there are two incomings to the Estadio Benito Villamarin as defenders Marc Bartra and Chadi Riad were both signed by head coach Manuel Pellegrini at the weekend. Experienced centre back Bartra returns to Betis after a season with Trabzonspor and he has already represented Los Verdiblancos 121 times and has 14 caps with Spain. He has signed a two year contract and told reporters at the airport he was glad to ‘return home’.   At the other end of his career 20 year old Moroccan centre back Chadi Riad has joined Betis on loan after coming through Barcelona’s youth academy. Betis have an option to buy at 5m Euros and, as a cultured ball playing defender, this could be a breakout season for Riad.

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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 26-Jul-2023 at 2:10 PM

La Liga: No Sign Of A New Benzema In Madrid

With the new La Liga season just five days away the El Clasico giants are ready to do battle again for the 2023/24 title.

Yes, Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid will have plenty to say about it but the La Liga 2023 betting odds are fairly and squarely behind Real Madrid and Barcelona who have trips away to Athletic Bilbao and Getafe on the opening weekend; and both teams have plenty of work to do off the field before the summer transfer window closes.

The long running saga of who can replace the departed Karim Benzema continues to dominate the La Liga 2023 news on the white side of Madrid, and fans at the Santiago Bernabeu, as well as manager Carlo Ancelotti may be getting a little frustrated. Los Blancos have been at the front of the queue to sign PSG’s ambitious star Kylian Mbappe (again).

After failing to bring the 24-year old France star to Madrid last season, Real Madrid were alerted again when Mbappe refused to extend his contract at the Parc des Princes beyond 2024, effectively putting himself on the transfer list. He has also resisted advances from Saudi Arabia and so looks destined to join one of Europe’s other top clubs.

The Real Madrid players seemingly want him to come. Vinicius Junior and Eder Militao recently implored the club to sign him on a TikTok video which went viral; but manager Carlo Ancelotti is less jovial about the whole situation. He has become frustrated by the lack of movement and actually mooted the idea of bringing Spurs talisman Harry Kane to the Santiago Bernabeu. It seems more likely that the England man will head to the Bundesliga to join champions FC Bayern, that’s if he leaves Tottenham.

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England

Nigeria

1X2 Nigeria @ 7.60

Over 2.75 @ 2.23

Total Goals 0-1 @ 2.88

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Los Blancos have signed Joselu on loan from Segunda Division side Espanyol; he’s a fine player but is he a Galactico?

Real Madrid fans want more.

Another name has recently come into the frame. Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic could be an option as the Old Lady of Turin continues to wrestle with financial difficulties. The Serbian striker is valued at around 70m Euros and he would be the sort of marquee signing Madrid fans would accept. Vlahovic bagged 17 goals in 42 games for I Bianconeri since his move from Fiorentina where he scored 44 in 98 and he also has a one in two ratio for his country with 13 strikes in 21 international appearances.

Los Blancos need to make a move one way or another but keeper Thibaut Courtois remains calm about the situation, saying: “Other must take a step forward after Karim’s departure. We have great forwards like Vinicius, Rodrygo and now Joselu, who also brings something different. It’s a team and we need to solve it together.”

Unsettled Gavi gets his manager’s reassurance

Over in Catalonia manager Xavi has work to do to keep his squad happy and the circus up in Paris has affected some of his players’ state of mind. Reports in the Spanish press suggest that young midfield ace Gavi has become uneasy around the speculation linking him with a move to the Parc des Princes, as part of a deal to bring Mbappe to the Camp Nou, after the Blaugrana recently joined the race to sign the Frenchman.

Barcelona's Gavi has been reassured that he will continue to play in La Liga despite links with a move away

Barcelona’s Gavi celebrates after scoring a goal during La Liga match against Mallorca

Xavi took the youngster to one side to assure him that rumours printed in the Parisien were untrue and he remains a big part of the plans at Barcelona. 19-year old Gavi has struggled with injury in pre-season but he is hopeful of making the Blaugrana’s last warm up fixture against Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday. He is contracted to Barca until 2026 and has a whopping 1bn Euros release clause attached to his contract.

Flying winger Ousmane Dembele has also been caught up in the PSG chaos and it looked like he was set to join the Ligue 1 champions last week, in a 50m Euros switch from the Catalans. But the French club is awaiting some documentation and the deal is in the balance until matters are resolved.

Dembele is a Barca player and there is a slight chance the deal could collapse at the 11th hour; an outcome which would certainly suit the Barca fans.

So that’s where we are at the moment folks.

While the El Clasico rivals jostle for an advantage over the final few days until hostilities begin, keep it here at SBOTOP for all the latest La Liga news and updates. It’s going to be another rollercoaster campaign.

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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 08-Aug-2023 at 3:31 PM

La Liga: Los Blancos Challenge Starts in the Basque

Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid

Carlo Ancelotti takes his Real Madrid team to Bilbao on Saturday as they start their campaign to wrestle the La Liga title back from Barcelona.

It couldn’t be a much more difficult opener for Los Blancos who missed out last term and will still be smarting. Ernesto Valverde’s Athletic Club finished eighth in the 2022/23 campaign and he has a talented squad to choose from, and the San Mames Stadium will be bouncing again as the Basque region comes alive to the prospect of a new season.

The latest La Liga 2023 betting odds pitch Los Blancos as the favourites to win the title by the slimmest of margins at SBOTOP odds of 2.00, with Xavi’s Barcelona at 2.20 and Atletico Madrid at 6.00.

Bilbao, meanwhile, will be pushing for European places once again, and they will prepare a hostile welcome for the Madrid giants.

LA LIGA

SevillaValencia

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Bellingham set to make his La Liga debut

Ancelotti’s side finished a full 10 points behind Barcelona last season, and the expectant fans at the Santiago Bernabeu will hope for, and expect, a swift response.

And their team needs a quick start with a strong set of La Liga 2023 results to keep in touch with the Catalans. Many of Madrid’s hopes rest on the shoulders of young England midfielder Jude Bellingham, who arrived in a big money deal from Borussia Dortmund at the start of the transfer window.

He is a brilliant box-to-box player and, still only 20 years of age, Bellingham has a stellar career ahead of him. He has a mature approach to the game and physicality beyond his years and is sure to become a fans favourite at the Bernabeu.

The former BVB man could be joined by left-back Fran Garcia, who has joined from Rayo Vallecano. But another new recruit, Turkish star Arda Guler is sidelined along with the injured Dani Ceballos and Ferland Mendy.

The loss of striker Karim Benzema, despite his 35 years, is a big loss to Los Blancos. The Ballon d’Or winner scored 238 goals in 439 appearances for Real Madrid, but now he is in Saudi Arabia as an Al-Ittihad player and Ancelotti is on the search for a striker.

The saga of Kylian Mbappe’s future could ultimately see the PSG star arrive in Madrid, but that is by no means certain, and we may see Brahim Diaz lead the line following his return from loan at AC Milan.

Bilbao are fit and ready to go

In their final warm-up game before the new La Liga season, Nico Williams scored for Athletic Bilbao versus Man United

Nico Williams celebrates with Athletic Bilbao teammates after scoring during their pre-season friendly against Man United

Nico Williams scored as Bilbao drew 1-1 with Manchester United in their final warm up game at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, and the 21-year-old Spain star is raring for the season to start.

He could be one of the standout players in La Liga this year and, if he continues to progress, there is no reason why Bilbao can’t make a move on the top six.

Captained by talisman Iker Munain, the Basque side is an impressive blend of youth and experience and has some serious quality.

Goalkeeper Unai Simon has replaced David de Gea as Spain’s No. 1, while Nico’s older brother, Inaki Williams, has been a fixture in attack alongside Munain for almost a decade. Attacking midfielder Oihan Sancet has made 104 appearances for the club and he is still only 23.

This is a nicely established side with room to improve and bursting with Basque pride. Manager Valverde has his team oven ready. He said he prepared for the Manchester United game as if it were the first La Liga outing and Bilbao were more than good for their 1-1 draw.

“All the teams are fine-tuning and finalising our preparation for the start of the championship,” he said. “It is good for us to measure ourselves against a rival of that calibre, more than anything because of the start of the League that we have.”

History

Bilbao have won the league eight times (last in 1984) and the Copa del Rey 23 times, and that is some achievement. They have a rich history, and their fans are desperate for a return of silverware arriving at the Saint Mames.

Real Madrid have barely closed their trophy cabinet in recent years. They have accumulated 35 league titles, 20 Copa del Reys, and 14 Champions League wins for good measure.

Los Blancos have had much the better of the head-to-head meetings over the last three decades, winning 41 of the 65 encounters, drawing 11, and losing 13, though the two teams met on the final day of last season as Benzema scored his last goal as a Real Madrid player in a 1-1 draw.

Betting Tip

⭐⭐

Athletic Bilbao VS Real Madrid

August 13, 03:30 (GMT+8)

1X2 Draw

@ 3.30

With Los Blancos at 2.12 to win and Bilbao at 2.90, this mouthwatering opener is wide open, and I think we’re in for a sizzling fixture at Saint Mames on Saturday night.

Barcelona are determined to defend their title and Los Blancos cannot afford to lose much ground in the early stages, but this is a very tough assignment to kick off their campaign.

The Saint Mames fans will be at fever pitch, and if Ancelotti’s side escapes with a point and a strong performance, I think the boss will be satisfied.

A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:

⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)

⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT)

⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)

Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.

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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 10-Aug-2023 at 5:59 PM

La Liga: It’s a Madrid Start for the Champions

Getafe vs Barcelona

Barcelona begintheir La Liga title defence on Sunday with a trip away to Getafe where manager Xavi will be hoping for a winning start.

The pre-season La Liga 2023 betting odds are predicting another El Clasico shootout, and while Los Blancos have a tough trip away to Athletic Bilbao, the Blaugrana have a tricky assignment in Madrid.

Getafe boss Jose Bordalas steered his side to safety last term with a 15th-placed finish, and he’s added to his squad with some shrewd signings.

Meanwhile, at the elite end of the market, Barcelona are working furiously behind the scenes to get their group ready for another successful campaign.

Talking Points

Barcelona in race to register players

At the last count, Barcelona had just 13 players registered for the start of the 2023/24 campaign, but there should be a few more bodies ready to go by Sunday. The Catalans are currently trying to register six players, including key men like Ronald Araujo and new recruit Ilkay Gundogan.

There is a danger that the ex-Manchester City man could leave on a free transfer if he isn’t registered before long, so Xavi will be imploring his money men to get the necessary work done. The potential departures of Ousmane Dembele to PSG and Franck Kessie to Saudi Arabia could smooth the process, but Dembele’s move to Paris isn’t going smoothly at the moment.

Ronald Araujo along with other players are yet to be registered ahead of Barca's La Liga season opener

Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo fights for the ball against Tottenham Hotspur

The good news for Xavi is that Araujo and fellow centre-back Andreas Christensen are ready for registration, and they should be in line to face Getafe. But another new signing, defender Inigo Martinez, may have to wait.

The Blaugrana have got involved in the Kylian Mbappe saga as the France star prepares to move away from PSG. Whether there will be another U-turn from the player remains to be seen, though I am sure Xavi would prefer he didn’t rock up at the Santiago Bernabeu.

But now the Barca boss needs to get his players that are available ready for the challenge.

Getafe’s centre-backs set for centre stage

While the Catalans shuffle their finances in order to put together a title-winning team, Getafe’s business is all the more straightforward, as the Madrid minnows spend modestly to give themselves the best chance of survival.

Their two centre-backs, on loan last season, have made their moves permanent. Omar Alderete has signed from Hertha Berlin for a fee of €4 million, and he’s been joined by Gaston Alvarez from Boston River at a cost of €3.5 million.

Paraguay international Alderete became a fan-favourite with his dominant displays and he struck up a strong partnership with Uruguayan Alvarez, and they will form the foundation of a solid formation once again.

Experienced centre-forward Jaime Mata will lead the line again, and he will hope to get more service from winger Portu, another player who has made a loan move permanent, signing for around of €3.5 million from Real Sociedad.

This is a team which should have enough to survive.

LA LIGA

VillarrealReal Betis

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TO SEE UPDATED ODDS

History

These two teams have met 40 times over the past two decades, and Barcelona have enjoyed much the better of the head-to-head results, winning 28, drawing eight, and losing just four of their encounters with Los Azulones.

But the Coliseum Alfonso Perez is a tight ground holding 17,000 fans, and there will be an intimidating atmosphere on Sunday. Barcelona have not won there in their last three visits, playing out a 0-0 draw last April on the run in to the title.

In terms of preparations for this game, both teams have had good pre-seasons, winning four and losing two. Barcelona come into the game on the back of a 4-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, while Getafe beat Vitesse Arnhem 4-1.

Betting Tip

⭐⭐

Getafe VS Barcelona

August 14, 03:30 (GMT+8)

Barcelona Asian Handicap -1.00

@ 2.02

We’ll be back with the first weekend of La Liga 2023 updates on Sunday, but in the meantime, let’s make a choice on this cracking opener for the Champions.

Getafe are at SBOTOP odds of 4.84 to provide a big upset, while the Blaugrana are at a short price of 1.52 with the draw at 3.83. This hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for Barca in recent seasons but, this time around, they arrive as reigning champions and that gives them a new aura.

Xavi is clearly a talented coach, and he will have enough players registered to win this game, remembering, of course, that the great Robert Lewandowski will lead the Catalans’ attack. I expect the lethal Pole to write the headlines, and a correct scoreline of 2-0 to Barca at a price of 5.99 won’t be far off.

A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:

⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)

⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT)

⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)

Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.

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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 18-Aug-2023 at 12:27 PM

La Liga: Atletico Madrid Out to Defuse Granada on the First Day

Atletico Madrid vs Granada

Atletico Madrid will open their 2023-24 La Liga campaign against Granada at the Civitas Metropolitano.

Los Rojiblancos finished third in the standings last season, and their main objective is to try and break the Barcelona-Real Madrid duopoly once again, which they last did in 2020-21, while visitors Granada are happy to be back in the top division with the hope of having a longer stay.

Both teams were busy this offseason, as they played a handful of club friendlies here in Spain or abroad. Atletico Madrid and Granada also made several moves in an attempt to improve their respective squads.

Which team will get a head start in the new La Liga season? Read more below for today’s match preview.

Talking Points

Atletico Madrid still have questions marks about their roster

Los Rojiblancos’ pre-season tour had just concluded, but they are still far from being a settled squad.

Against Granada on Monday, Atletico Madrid might miss several key players, particularly on the backline, as summer addition Caglar Soyuncu is still unregistered for the 2023-24 season, while Jose Gimenez, Nahuel Molina, and Reinildo Mandava are all dealing with injuries.

LA LIGA

Athletic BilbaoReal Madrid

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TO SEE UPDATED ODDS

Should none of them be available, then Diego Simeone will stick with Stefan Savic, Mario Hermoso, Yannick Carrasco, and Cesar Azpilicueta to marshal their defence.

Meanwhile, up front, Antoine Griezmann is a surefire starter after a sensational 2022-23 campaign. The Frenchman led Atleti in scoring with 16 goals, and he has also provided 17 assists.

But his strike partner remains a mystery. While Alvaro Morata was productive last term with 13 goals, his future at the club has been in doubt all summer, and there’s still a huge possibility that he might leave.

Joao Felix is frozen out of Simeone’s rotation, so that leaves Memphis Depay as a viable candidate to partner with Griezmann.

Depay’s up-and-down week was documented here at SBOTOP, but he has shown enough flashes to convince Simeone that he is worth a start. With just four goals last season, the Dutchman should be much better if he stays healthy throughout the campaign.

Their midfield is perhaps their strongest area on the pitch. Koke, Rodrigo De Paul, and Marcos Llorente will likely start on Monday, with Saul Niguez and Thomas Lemar as their backups.

Will Granada’s improved attack translate in La Liga?

Granada are one of the teams to look out for this season because of their revamped attack, and team boss Paco Lopez is the main reason why.

Lopez replaced Aitor Karanka after a poor run of results in November, and he has transformed them into the best attacking side in the Segunda Division, shipping in a league-best 55 goals while only conceding 30 goals for a positive goal difference of +25.

Memphis Depay will be keen to score in the opening game of Atletico in La Liga

Atletico Madrid’s Memphis Depay celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates

Under Lopez, Granada never suffered a single defeat on home soil, where they won 17 of their 21 games. In those 17 games, Myrto Uzuni netted at least once, and the Albanian international finished the 2022-23 campaign as their top scorer with 22 goals.

Another key player for the Nazaries is centre-back Jesus Vallejo, who’s on loan from Real Madrid. His winning pedigree would surely come in handy at Granada.

History

Atletico Madrid are undefeated in their last 19 home La Liga matches against Granada (W17, D2), which is their second-longest current unbeaten home streak against the same opponent in the Spanish top-flight.

However, Granada are undefeated in their last two games against Atletico Madrid (W1, D1), and they have a chance to go three consecutive games undefeated against them in the Spanish top-flight for the first time since January 1945 (W1, D2).

Granada have also avoided defeat in nine of their last 10 La Liga seasons when starting on the road (W3, D6), with their last opening away defeat being a 1-0 loss to Rayo Vallecano in 2012.

But should Atletico Madrid win on Monday, it’ll be the first time since 1983 that they’ve won five consecutive season openers.

Betting Tip

⭐⭐⭐

Atlético Madrid VS Granada

August 15, 03:30 (GMT+8)

Atletico Madrid Asian Handicap -1.50

@ 1.95

The La Liga 2023 odds have the hosts as the firm favourites to win on Monday, as Atletico Madrid are priced at 1.29, Granada are at 7.80, and a draw is at 5.00 in the 1X2 market.

Granada may have been a bogey team of sorts for Atletico Madrid following their most recent encounters, but we don’t expect them to pull off an upset this time, especially on the road.

With Atleti’s tendency to turn games into slugfests, we don’t expect much La Liga 2023 highlights from this fixture, so going for Under 3.00 at 1.71 is a great betting alternative.

A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:

⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)

⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT)

⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)

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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 18-Aug-2023 at 12:29 PM

La Liga Returns with New Boys and Misfortune

So how was the opening weekend of La Liga for you?

Did the SBOTOP La Liga betting odds ensure it was a fruitful return and did the results go the way you expected?

We asked the question in late June whether any of the newly promoted trio of clubs could survive.

Well, we have to wait until Monday evening to find out how Granada and Alaves started off but Las Palmas made a steady return to the top flight.

Against a Mallorca team which finished in ninth place last term, they were able to take a first half lead through a Jonathan Viera penalty against the run of play.

Mallorca were gifted an immediate chance to reply before the break but striker Vedat Muriqi’s spot kick came back off the crossbar.

The visitors continued to pose a major threat in the second period with two goals disallowed for marginal VAR calls.

Las Palmas dug in but, despite showing qualities of determination and combativeness which they will need in the months ahead, they were unable to hold on for a scrappy win as Sergi Darder’s corner was powered home by Antonio for a deserved equaliser.

The home crowd grew tense in the closing stages and they will need to vociferously back their boys on home turf to ensure their big return isn’t a short-lived one.

Home form certainly seems key for the Canary Islanders who hope they have strengthened after announcing a deal to sign Mika Marmol from Andorra who has penned a three-year deal with the club. Julian Araujo has also joined on loan from Barcelona.

LA LIGA

Valencia

Las Palmas

1X2 Valencia @ 1.78

Under 2.00 @ 2.13

Total Goals 2-3 @ 1.92

Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.

CLICK HERE

Almeria stayed up by the skin of their teeth last time but there were no opening day La Liga highlights for them as they were defeated at home by Rayo Vallecano.

Two penalties in eight first half minutes did the damage for a team which narrowly missed out on a surprise European place last term but who have since lost coach Andoni Iraola to the English Premier League and Bournemouth.

Isi Palazon scored the first goal of the new season as he calmly slotted home from the spot before the visitors opted to swap penalty takers as Randy Nteka fired home to make it 2-0.

The only small positive for the home side was they rallied after the break and forced goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski into a string of fine saves.

That was one of two games to kick start the campaign on Friday night as the former team of the latter third of last season – Europa League winners Sevilla – went down to 10 men late on and were pipped at home by Valencia.

Sevilla's Loic Bade received a red card in their recent La Liga opener against Valencia

Sevilla’s Loic Bade vies with Valencia’s Diego Lopez during their La Liga opening match

In a battle between two clubs who were expected to fare much better in the league, Mouctar Diakhaby steered the visitors in front before Youssef En-Nesyri headed the home side level with 10 minutes remaining.

Yet there was to be another twist as Loic Bade was sent off for the hosts and Javi Guerra came off the bench to emphatically power home a late winner for Los Che.

The main drama of the weekend came in the battle between the sides who finished fifth and sixth last term as William Jose scored a 95th minute winner for Real Betis at Villarreal.

The biggest body blow of the week came for Real Madrid.

Sure, they made a fine start with a 2-0 win in San Mames against Athletic Bilbao.

That was achieved courtesy of Rodrygo’s near-post finish and a league debut goal for Jude Bellingham, the English midfielder who volleyed in from close range following his move from Borussia Dortmund this summer and, in the process, became the first English player to score in a competitive game for Real since David Beckham in 2007.

Victory was soured though by the loss of defender Eder Militao who sustained the dreaded anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Incredibly, the Brazilian is the second Real player to sustain the same injury in little over 48 hours following goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

Militao was forced off early in the game after hyperextending his left knee and will undergo surgery in the coming days.

The injury to Militao has left manager Carlo Ancelotti with just three fit centre-backs – David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger and Nacho.

It’s been reported the club is not lining up a replacement but that is surely a risk ahead of a nine month campaign and with almost three weeks of the transfer window remaining.

It caps a few days of genuine misfortune for Madrid as they aim to reclaim the La Liga title.

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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 18-Aug-2023 at 12:30 PM

La Liga: Deadline Day Drama Unfolds

Finally, the European transfer day deadline has arrived, and the winners and losers are emerging from the summer financial frenzy in La Liga.

The El Clasico duo have dominated the La Liga 2023 news headlines, and they are both still working on deadline day signings. But they have already had a better summer than most of the other big clubs in the Spanish top-flight.

We may see another transfer blockbuster or two before midnight. But already some teams will be happy with their business done, while for others it has been a disappointing window.

Winners

Real Madrid

Carlo Ancelotti’s team has made a perfect start to the 2023/24 campaign with three wins from three, and the latest La Liga 2023 betting odds here at SBOTOP make them the early season favourites to win the title.

And one of the reasons for that has been the electric start of €103 million signing Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund. The young England star has already scored some key goals, including the late winner against Celta Vigo last weekend, and he has settled into the Los Blancos team as if he’s been in Madrid for years.

Bellingham was teed up for his winner against Celta by another summer recruit, Joselu, who looks to be a shrewd signing.

The only matter to resolve is Ancelotti’s search for a replacement for Karim Benzema who went to Al Ittihad, and there may be more drama to come over the next 12 hours.

Kylian Mbappe is poised to leave Paris Saint-Germain for Real Madrid before the end of the summer transfer window

Paris St Germain’s Kylian Mbappe celebrates scoring their third goal against RC Lens in Ligue 1

Yes, the potential move of Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain is apparently still on. There have been rumours of a last minute move, and FIFA agent Marco Kirdemir has entered the discussion this morning, saying: “Kylian Mbappe will sign for Real Madrid today, at the last minute. It will be to bomb on the summer.”

Watch this space!

Barcelona

The Blaugrana can be pleased with their business this summer, and they too have made a decent start to the campaign, sitting fourth with seven points and on the shoulders of Los Blancos.

The Catalans have spent the summer balancing their finances, but they have still managed to bring in some world-class quality in centre-back Inigo Martinez and midfielder Ilkay Gundogan.

They have also picked up a cool €60 million from PSG for the sale of Ousmane Dembele and, like Real Madrid, they could still be active on deadline day having agreed terms to bring Joao Felix on loan from Atletico Madrid.

The young Portuguese forward is keen to leave Los Rojiblancos, and his move to Chelsea last year didn’t work out. He has been vocal in his desire to move to Barcelona, and now it looks like Felix is getting his wish.

Barca can’t afford to buy the player, so Atletico have agreed to let him go to Catalonia on loan with his full salary to be paid by the Blaugrana as well as a loan fee €8 million.

As always, Xavi needs to make room in his squad as well as freeing up funds, and it looks like Ansu Fati is heading to the Premier League to join either Brighton or Tottenham.

Real Sociedad

Even though talisman David Silva has retired, the Basque club will be content with their transfer dealings this summer.

Sociedad have brought in wing-back Kieran Tierney on loan from Arsenal and Andre Silva on loan from RB Leipzig, and there is €40 million worth of players right there.

Sociedad have started the campaign with three draws, but I expect them to start picking up wins and climbing the table.

LA LIGA

Osasuna

Barcelona

1X2 Barcelona 1.65

Barcelona Asia Handicap -1.00 @ 2.19

Over 2.75 @ 1.82

Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.

CLICK HERE

Losers

Sevilla

They had a torrid season last term, and Sevilla have endured a poor start this time around with three defeats leaving them rock bottom.

They have brought some reinforcements in, signing centre-back Loic Bade from Stade Rennes for €12 million, right winger Dodi Lukebakio from Hertha Berlin for €10 million, and midfielder Djibril Sow for €10 million from Eintracht Frankfurt.

These could be good signings in time, but that is not a commodity head coach Jose Luis Mendilibar has in abundance, and the loss of Moroccan keeper Bono to Al-Hilal is a serious blow.

Villarreal

The Yellow Submarine has lost a lot of talent this summer with the sale of striker Nicolas Jackson to Chelsea for €37 million, Pau Torres to Aston Villa for €33 million, and Samuel Chukwueze to AC Milan €25 million.

That is a serious set of losses, and time will tell whether the recruitment of striker Alexander Sorloth from RB Leipzig and Ben Brereton Diaz from Blackburn on a free can soften the blow.

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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 06-Sep-2023 at 4:50 PM

La Liga: Pedri Out For Six Weeks

Just four weeks into the new La Liga campaign, defending champions Barcelona have resigned themselves to being without midfield ace Pedri until late October, as the club has decided to be careful with their prize asset.

The young Spain star played a pivotal role in the Catalans’ 2023 La Liga success, and he will be a vital player in the club’s defence of the hard won crown when he returns, but the latest La Liga 2023 betting odds reckon Barcelona have a real battle on to keep Real Madrid’s hands off the trophy.

Having suffered a pre-season injury, Pedri felt a re-occurrence in his quad in training and missed the last two games against Osasuna and Villarreal.

The club hopes the international break will enable him to rest and recuperate while the physios work on a return, which could be when Barca meet Athletic Bilbao on October 22nd. But Pedri will miss the opening Champions League games as well as up to five matches in the Spanish top-flight.

The Blaugrana’s loan signing of Joao Felix, recently reported here at SBOTOP, has strengthened Xavi’s hand in the creative midfield department so he will be in no rush to bring any injured player back too early. When he returns, Pedri will strengthen the team hugely, and the manager wants him to see out the remainder of the campaign.

In other Catalonian news, it has been decided that Barcelona’s match against Sevilla has been set for the 29th September at 9pm, and that is not to the Blaugrana’s liking.

The champions rarely play on a Friday night, and the match will clash with a concert by singer Joaquin Sabina, and Barca chiefs are worried that the busy night will make access for Barca fans more difficult.

It’s a hectic weekend in Barcelona with another concert on Saturday night, so Barca have asked for the game to be played at 2pm on the 30th.

Real Madrid became the most valuable club in the world

Barca’s El Clasico rivals seem to be having a better time of it at the moment. They have started the league season with a perfect set of La Liga 2023 results, which means that after four games, Real Madrid are leading the pack. Girona, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid are in hot pursuit but, as we enter the international break, Carlo Ancelotti’s boys are the top dogs.

Jude Bellingham’s 95th minute winner against Getafe preserved Los Blancos’ 100-percent record, and the young England star has made a scintillating start to his career at the Santiago Bernabeu.

And there is good news for the Madrid giants off the field too, as they have just discovered they top the list of the most valuable clubs on the planet.

While six Premier League sides made the top 10, the Forbes list of the most valuable clubs gave Los Blancos the highest price at $6.07 billion while the club posted a healthy turnover of over $800 million. Manchester United came in second with Barcelona third and Liverpool in fourth.

That’s nice for the owners to know, but it won’t be of any concern to boss Ancelotti who is hoping to wrestle the La Liga title back from Catalonia in what could be his last season in his second stint as boss at the Santiago Bernabeu. His contract runs out next summer, and Ancelotti is rumoured to have been lined up as the next Brazil national team coach.

Luka Modric has only started one game for La Liga club Real Madrid in this season

Real Madrid’s Luka Modric in action during their La Liga match against Celta Vigo

Meanwhile, Luka Modric has insisted he is still happy to play at Real Madrid despite having a reduced role this season. The 37-year-old midfield maestro is no longer a shoo-in for a starting spot with youngsters Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga both ahead of him in the pecking order.

The Croatian legend has started just one of Los Blancos opening four games, coming off the bench in the other three, and he says he is as content as he has been in his 12-year stay at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Raul to Villarreal?

After a poor start to the 2023/24 campaign, Villarreal have sacked boss Quique Setien, and it looks like Real Madrid legend Raul could be in line for the job.

Setien guided the Yellow Submarine to a fifth-placed finish last season, but the club’s owners have been quick to act after a run of three defeats in their opening four games.

A recent match with Barcelona saw the Yellow Sub surrender a 3-2 lead to lose 4-3, and the loss of key players including Pau Torres, Nicolas Jackson, and Samuel Chukwueze has left a serious rebuilding job to be done.

Raul is currently manager of Castillas, but he has been given the green light to speak to Villarreal and is said to be attracted by the opportunity.

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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 14-Sep-2023 at 1:30 PM

La Liga: Barca vs Betis is Box Office Stuff

Barcelona vs Real Betis

Third plays seventh at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis in Barcelona as Real Betis visit the Blaugrana for the re-opening of the 2023/24 La Liga campaign.

Xavi’s Barca have made a decent start at their new temporary home and sit with 10 points from four games, just two points behind league leaders Real Madrid, while Manuel Pellegrini’s Betis are four places back with seven points.

Los Verdiblancos finished sixth last term, and they are capable of matching or bettering that position, but they have not had an easy start with matches against Atletico Madrid and Athletic Club already played.

A match against Barca is another huge test for Betis, and their hosts will be in no mood to give them an inch as they aim to topple their El Clasico rivals from the top of the table.

Talking Points

Gundogan fit for Barca

After drawing their opener with Getafe, Barcelona have won all three of their following games, and they went into the international break with a 2-1 victory away to Osasuna as Jules Kounde and Robert Lewandowski were on target.

So, with a good set of La Liga 2023 betting results to open up their campaign, the Blaugrana are in a strong position to launch a defence of their 2022/23 title.

Xavi is without midfield ace Pedri for up to six weeks, and so the news that Ilkay Gundogan is likely to be fit to face Real Madrid is a relief to the manager.

Ilkay Gundogan is eyeing to get on the scoresheet in Barcelona’s La Liga match against Real Betis

Osasuna’s Juan Cruz in action with Barcelona’s Ilkay Gundogan during the La Liga match

The 32-year-old German international has fit into the Barca team seamlessly since his summer arrival from treble winners Manchester City, and he has shown in his four games for the Catalans so far what a class act he is. Gundogan is an intelligent player, able to dictate the pace of play and make space for his teammates with his strong running or clever passing.

Alongside Frenkie de Jong, Oriol Romelu, and Pedri, when fit, he is the focal point of a nicely balanced midfield four.

Gavi has stepped in while Pedri is sidelined, and he looks set to continue along with Gundogan, who initially looked doubtful when he left the field during Germany’s match with France, seemingly distressed. But the Barca medics have taken a look at the player and he has suffered a minor, if painful, knock, and will be injury free to face Betis.

The latest La Liga 2023 betting odds currently give Los Blancos an edge at a price of 1.75 to win the title, while the Blaugrana are priced at 2.60 and Gundogan’s presence, along with Pedri’s eventual return, will be key factors.

Jose’s hot start for Betis

Pellegrini’s men picked up their second win of the season at home to Rayo Vallecano as Willian Jose scored the only goal of the game to make it three for the season so far.

The Brazilian striker was a big player at Real Sociedad for six seasons, scoring 52 goals in 143 appearances, and he impressed on loan at Betis in 2021/22, making the move permanent last season.

Alongside Spain star Borja Iglesias, Willian Jose is a handful for defenders, and with support coming from the attacking midfielder Isco, this can be a potent attack.

After a stop start loan spell at Sevilla, Isco looks settled with Betis and is looking to rediscover the form which earned him 246 appearances for Real Madrid and 38 for Spain.

Betis’ last away game against Athletic Bilbao turned out to be a miserable afternoon in many ways for Los Verdiblancos as they lost 4-2, but goals from Jose and Isco gave some cause for optimism, and they responded with a win over Rayo Vallecano.

LA LIGA

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History

Barcelona have won 36 of the 55 meetings between these two sides over the past 30 years. Betis have won 10 and there have been nine draws.

Last season, Barca spanked Betis at the Camp Nou 4-0 as the Blaugrana went 11 points clear, and they gave a debut to 15-year-old winger Lamine Yamal who became Barcelona’s youngest-ever player. The Catalans recent form is much better too with five wins and a draw from their last six compared to Betis’ two wins, one draw, and three defeats.

Betting Tip

⭐⭐

Barcelona VS Real Betis

September 17, 03:00 (GMT+8)

Barcelona Asian Handicap -1.50

@2.11

Betis are at SBOTOP odds of 1.79 with the 1.50 goals advantage, and they do have the incentive that they can draw alongside Barcelona with a win on Saturday. But I think it will be a step too far, and Pellegrini’s team’s tough start to the campaign will take its toll.

While the Camp Nou is in renovation, Barcelona aim to make the Estadi Olimpic their fortress, and an alterative bet is Barca to win 2-0 at 6.76, the shortest price for a correct scoreline, or 2-3 goals at 2.05. I’m backing the Blaugrana to win this fixture in some comfort again.

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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 15-Sep-2023 at 4:54 PM

La Liga: Bellingham’s on Fire at the Bernabeu – Can Sociedad Dampen the Flame?

Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad

There’s only five sides who remain unbeaten after the first few weeks of the new La Liga campaign and this is a meeting between two of them.

Yet that’s where the parallels end because while Real Sociedad have won one and drawn their other three games so far, the giants of Real Madrid have started the campaign on fire.

Carlo Ancelotti’s charges are the only team with a 100 per cent record with four wins from their opening four games and one man appears to be thriving in his new surroundings.

Talking Points

English hotshot Jude Bellingham had already made an electric start in his first two matches against Athletic Bilbao and Almeria.

To carry that on, though, with match-winning goals against Celta Vigo and Getafe is bordering on instant cult status for the 20 year-old who has netted five times and assisted another.

LA LIGA

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Bellingham, who signed from Borussia Dortmund during the summer transfer window, has not only made an instant impression in the Spanish capital but, for the moment at least, his new club has not had time to miss the impressive Karim Benzema since he bowed out a club legend or the injured Vincius Jr.

Surely even the most optimistic Real Madrid fans didn’t expect Bellingham to start his career at the club quite so spectacularly either.

In scoring in each of his first four league appearances, he has joined midfielder Cesc Fabregas as the only non-forward to achieve this in the 21st century and secure Bellingham the division’s Player of the Month award for August.

Now to welcome Sociedad to the Bernabeu, themselves a side who have made their own mark in the opening weeks of the season.

Certainly in Takefusa Kubo they have a player continuing to improve.

The Japan international turned 22 during the summer and seems to be taking his game to the next level.

By netting three already this season, he is now the highest-scoring Japanese footballer in La Liga history, with 18.

Beyond his goals, Kubo is getting his teammates involved too and displaying positional versatility, always moving to the part of the pitch where Sociedad need him.

The club has also recruited smartly with the loan arrival from Arsenal of full-back Kieran Tierney.

For a player expected to figure in their first-team this season, there is some surprise he has been allowed to head to La Liga for the next nine months but the Basque club is very happy.

Kieran Tierney buzzed to have played his first La Liga game for Real Sociedad

Real Sociedad’s Kieran Tierney in action against Granada in La Liga

He made a promising debut against Granada when Kubo’s first half brace set the tone in San Sebastian, before Martin Zubimendi and Ander Barrenetxea put the match beyond doubt late on in a 5-3 win.

Sociedad have been further strengthened in defence with Alvaro Odriozola re-signing for his boyhood club from this weekend’s opponents Madrid.

The Spanish right-back left for the capital in 2018 but things never clicked for him and, following sub-par loan spells away at Bayern Munich and Fiorentina, Odriozola has been barely used by Real over the last 12 months.

With it evident for a long time that the defender was not part of the club’s plans, the 27 year-old ended up securing a return to his former club which could well prove a smart move as Sociedad prepare for the tough task of juggling league and European commitments.

First though, La Liga highlights as the Reals of Madrid and Sociedad clash on Sunday night.

History

Last time out Sociedad secured their first win over Real in seven.

It came at the tail end of last season as second half goals from Kubo and Barrenetxea sealed a 2-0 home win which helped Sociedad seal a top four spot against the eventual runners-up.

The corresponding fixture last term ended goalless.

Sociedad have caused an upset on more than one occasion in recent seasons.

That included a Copa del Rey success at the Bernabeu in 2020 when Merino grabbed the winner and was joined on the scoresheet by Alexander Isak (two) and Martin Ødegaard in a thrilling 4-3 win.

Betting Tip

⭐⭐⭐

Real Madrid VS Real Sociedad

September 18, 03:00 (GMT+8)

Real Madrid First Half Asian Handicap -0.50

@ 2.33

Asian Handicap SBOTOP La Liga betting odds are attractive for both teams.

The hosts are on offer -1.00 @ 2.16 with Sociedad priced +0.75 @ 2.11.

The 1X2 odds are @ 1.60 and 4.70 respectively with a draw priced @ 3.80.

A repeat of last season’s goalless encounter will pay out @ 10.00 with Correct Score.

I do not think there will be too many goals in this one but I think there will be more than the offer of Total Goal 0-1 @ 3.35.

Therefore, I am plumping for Real to edge it from the outset with First Half Asian Handicap -0.50 @ 2.38 as my *** tip.

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La Liga: Girona Out to Prove That Their Early-Season Wave is No Fluke

Granada vs Girona

Girona aren’t supposed to be in the Top 3 of the La Liga table, but here we are. Yes, you read that right: La Gironistes are second behind Real Madrid and one spot ahead of defending champions Barcelona (due to goal difference) after going undefeated in the first four matchdays of the 2023-24 campaign.

This Sunday, Michel’s men are off to Los Carmenes to visit Granada, who are currently 16th at the table given their poor stretch of La Liga 2023 results.

Paco Lopez’s side is in need of a shot in the arm after winning only once in their last four outings. But will they get it against their plucky visitors?

Without further ado, check out today’s SBOTOP preview by reading more below.

Talking Points

Granada couldn’t hold it down defencively

Much has been said about Granada’s revamped attack, and it has translated so far this year given that they already have seven goals. There have already been five different players who have scored for Granada, with Bryan Zaragoza leading the way with two goals.

However, on the flip side, they have also conceded a league-worst 12 goals as of this writing for a -5 goal difference, which is why they are flirting with relegation.

Granada manager Paco Lopez hopes to turn things around when they clash against Girona in La Liga

Granada have lost three of their last four matches in La Liga

Jesus Vallejo hasn’t played since their 3-1 loss to Atletico Madrid, which is unfortunate. The Real Madrid loanee would’ve beefed up Granada’s centre-half.

There’s no confirmation yet as to when he’ll be back on the pitch, but he should be getting closer following the September international break.

In the meantime, Paco Lopez might go for a 3-5-2 formation once again, with Victor Diaz Miguel, Miguel Angel, and Ignasi Miquel tasked with covering their goalkeeper, Raul Fernandez, while 22-year-old Miki Bosch is another candidate to get extended minutes.

Outcasts have something to prove in Girona

The bad news for Granada is that Girona are capable of wreaking havoc in the final third, as there have also been five different players who have scored for the visitors so far this term.

Leading the way are Yangel Herrera and Cristhian Stuani with two goals apiece, while Portu, Artem Dovbyk, and Aleix Garcia have one goal each.

Herrera and Portu enter the 2023-24 season with a chip on their shoulders following their exits from their previous clubs.

Herrera never got to suit up for Manchester City, despite being listed as their player for the last six years. Five different teams had loaned the 25-year-old Venezuelan forward before Girona swooped in to buy him on a permanent basis.

On the other hand, Portu will once again wear the red and white Girona shirt. The Spanish winger has bounced around with Real Sociedad and Getafe before returning to La Gironistes.

It was with Girona that Portu was at his best, as during his first stint, he was able to produce 29 goals in 115 appearances from 2016 to 2019.

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History

Granada and Girona will face off in La Liga for the first time on Sunday. Prior to this game, Granada had won four and drawn one of their six games against Girona in the Segunda Division. Girona’s only league victory against Granada was a 2-0 result in March 2011.

Girona have won their last two La Liga road games against Andalusian sides, both against Sevilla this year (2-0 in May and 2-1 in September). Before this run, they had never defeated any Andalusian opposition on the road (D2, L6).

Last season, Girona finished as the 10th seed in their second consecutive season in La Liga. Prior to 2022-23, La Gironistes were in the Segunda Division for three years.

On the other hand, Granada are the classic yo-yo team, bouncing in and out of La Liga these past few seasons. After suffering relegation in 2021-22, the Nazaries secured top-flight promotion after finishing on top of the Segunda Division last term.

Betting Tip

⭐⭐⭐

Granada VS Girona

September 19, 03:00 (GMT+8)

Over 2.25

@ 1.78

Despite the difference in their forms, the La Liga 2023 odds predict a close fight between Girona and Granada. Girona were given the slight advantage at 2.47, while Granada aren’t far behind at 2.65, and a draw is at 3.15 odds in the 1X2 market.

Girona should be able to get maximum points on Sunday. And given how these two teams are scoring in bunches lately, we believe that this weekend’s clash is going to yield a handful of goals.

While Over 2.25 at 1.78 is our recommended bet, Total Goal 2-3 at 1.89 is a safer option. However, going for Total Goal 4-6 at 3.85 sounds viable as well, especially if you’re chasing a higher payout.

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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 16-Sep-2023 at 4:29 PM

La Liga: Will Sevilla Feel the Barca Backlash?

Barcelona vs Sevilla

Barcelona missed a chance to pull away at the top of the Primera Division on Tuesday when they were held to a 2-2 draw away to Real Mallorca.

Chasers Girona and Real Madrid, who entertain Las Palmas on Wednesday night, can overtake the Blaugrana if they win. But then the next challenge comes quickly into view. La Liga: Barcelona vs Sevilla, the Friday curtain-raiser, is a chance for Xavi’s men to climb to the summit again. It looks like the Spanish top flight could be a fantastic race this year; these are still early days but neither of the El Clasico pair looks head and shoulders above the other, while Atletico Madrid showed their teeth by winning the Madrid Derby last weekend.

For their part, Sevilla do not look like the pushover they might have been a few weeks ago, climbing to 11th place with a 5-1 victory over Almeria on Tuesday, to make it seven points from the last three games.

The Barcelona vs Sevilla betting odds are pointing firmly towards a Blaugrana win, but this clash has suddenly become more intriguing. It’s pretty much a must-win for Barca, with that bit more pressure applied.

Talking Points

Xavi determined to cut out costly errors

Barcelona’s stunning comeback to beat Celta Vigo propelled them to the top of the table last weekend, but head coach Xavi was seriously unhappy with his side’s defensive display against Mallorca three days later: “We fell behind due to our own mistake,” he said, “and just when we were playing better, we made another mistake that had us trailing at half time. These are errors that shouldn’t happen. We conceded too much defensively, especially in the two goals, and we missed clear chances.”

Goals from Fermin Lopez and Raphinha earned the Catalans a point, but it could have been even better when teenage prodigy Lamin Yamal was felled in the penalty area and the referee pointed to the spot. Then, to compound Xavi’s frustration, after a long review VAR overturned the ref’s call and the Barca boss had to settle for a point.

The 16 year old Yamal has been one of the brightest stars in La Liga during Barcelona’s early season with his fearless running and exquisite ball skills and, alongside the experienced Ilkay Gundogan he will improve week on week. When midfield star Pedri returns from injury, he’s on schedule to be back in October, the Blaugrana will be back to full strength; but they need a win on Friday, and to do that they must rule out mistakes at both ends of the pitch.

Sevilla’s surge continues

Youssef En-Nesyri has scored two goals for Sevilla this La Liga season

Sevilla’s Youssef En-Nesyri in action with RC Lens’ Jonathan Gradit

After losing their first three games of the new campaign Sevilla have made a superb recovery since the international break, and manager Jose Mendilbar was delighted with his side’s showing on Tuesday when they simply blew Almeria away. Sevilla made an electrifying start when star striker Youssef En Nesyri opened the scoring with just seven minutes on the clock, and they were two up when Dode Lukebakio scored a stunner just a minute later. The crowd at a packed Ramon Sanchez Pizjuain were having a ball at the break, by which time the game was all but over when Suso hit a beauty to make it 3-0.

Erik Lamela converted the fourth early in the second period and Almeria grabbed a consolation from the penalty spot, before Kike Salas rounded off a near perfect night for Sevilla.

A team which looked like it was in for a long hard winter, just three weeks ago, are a different prospect now and, in Moroccan star En Nesyri, they have a top class striker. Sevilla will have a lot of defending to do but they will be dangerous if Barca give them room.

History

Barcelona have won 44 of their 71 encounters with Sevilla since 1994, while Los Sevillistas have won 13 and there have been 14 draws.

The Catalans have won the last three, including a 3-0 win at the Camp Nou Stadium last February as Jordi Alba, Gavi and Raphinha were all on target.

In terms of recent form things are levelling up a little; Barca’s draw with Mallorca ended a run of six consecutive victories, while Sevilla are now three unbeaten.

Betting Tip

⭐⭐

Barcelona VS Sevilla

September 30, 03:00 (GMT+8)

Barcelona Asian Handicap -1.50

@1.98

I expect the Barcelona vs Sevilla highlights to tell a story of attack versus defence, with the Blaugrana dominating possession and Sevilla trying to hit their hosts on the break.

Barca are red hot favourites at odds of 1.34, while the draw is at 4.55 and Sevilla can be backed at 6.37.

But hey; if you think the visitors can give Xavi another headache then the double chance: Sevilla or Draw is at SBOTOP odds of 2.80.

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Spanish Fairytale in Top Two Clash A

Girona vs Real Madrid

While not inconceivable, if you had said at the start of the season that this match on the final day of September would be a clash between the top two in La Liga, few would have believed you.

Yet here we are in North Catalonia with Girona, the league leaders and top scorers in the division, hosting the mighty Real Madrid at Montilivi, a ground that holds only 14,624, some of them on scaffolding stands.

Talk about a twist on that classic match between the capital’s giants and Catalonia’s best team.

Talking Points

That the sides immediately below Girona are Real, Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao, shows exactly what Girona are achieving.

Between them, they have 279 top-flight seasons; Girona have three.

A city of 97,586 people, overshadowed by Barcelona 99 kilometres down the road, and a club which sold a number of its best players this summer, including Oriol Romeu (to Barcelona), top scorer Taty Castellanos (who enjoyed this match last term), their best winger Rodrigo Riquelme and centre-back, Santi Bueno.

All of them played at least 33 of 38 league games last season. Six players have since arrived, two on loan and one on a free transfer, for little more than €15 million, their salary limit set at €51.98m. Compare that to Madrid’s €727.45m. Just how are Girona creating such La Liga highlights?

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Well for a start, after a successful campaign last time out, narrowly missing out on European football, the Catalan side have started off the season on fire, winning five and drawing one of their opening games

In midweek, they came from behind to defeat Villarreal with goals from Artem Dovbyk and Eric Garcia.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid bounced back from the Madrid derby defeat – when they were undone by some poor decisions but didn’t help themselves either – by defeating Las Palmas 2-0 at the Bernabeu.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti made significant changes but they had more than enough to see off the Canary Islanders with Brahim Diaz opening the scoring before Joselu added the second.

No doubt the likes of Jude Bellingham, among those rested on Wednesday, will return for the weekend.

If defeat to Atletico told us anything it is that, for all their talent, there is no Cristiano Ronaldo or Karim Benzema to call upon anymore and, in the absence of Vinicius Jr, there was little focal point at the head of the attack.

So, his appearance as a substitute in midweek will be welcome news.

At the other end, the news may not be so welcome.

David Alaba is likely to miss the clash after he came off with a muscle problem in the first half against Las Palmas, so Madristas will hope the knock suffered by Antonio Rudiger doesn’t keep him out too.

History

Carlo Ancelotti's team Real Madrid are sitting on the second spot of the La Liga table

Carlo Ancelotti before Real Madrid’s match against Las Palmas

There have only been eight meetings in total between these sides, all since 2017 with six in the league and two in the Copa del Rey.

Perhaps what will shock you is that Girona have tasted success on no fewer than three of them.

When they met in 2018, this SBOTOP observer described it as the champions of Europe – then 13-time winners of the European Cup – against a club whose stadium capacity is under 14,000 and had just completed its first ever season in the Spanish top flight in its 88 year history.

Yet even by then there had been a sensation with a victory, courtesy of goals from ex-Middlesbrough man Cristhian Stuani and Portu, which was arguably the most memorable moment in the club’s history.

They even had the temerity to score three times in the Bernabeu in the return fixture, albeit going down 6-3 on that occasion with Ronaldo helping himself to four of the goals.

Last season Girona gained two fine results.

A Stuani penalty earned a 1-1 draw in the Bernabeu last October after Vinicius had put Real ahead.

The return fixture in April was a moment Castellanos will never forget as he scored all four in a 4-2 success – a fine achievement as he became the first player in more than 75 years to score four goals in a La Liga game against Madrid – in December 1947, Esteban Echaverria netted five for Real Oviedo.

Betting Tip

⭐⭐⭐

Girona VS Real Madrid

October 1, 00:30 (GMT+8)

Total Goals 2-3

@2.05

Ancelotti’s men are available to back 1X2 @ 1.98 with the La Liga betting odds, while Girona are priced 1X2 @ 3.35.

With Asian Handicap odds, you can consider Real -0.50 @ 1.98 or Grona +0.50 @ 1.92.

If this is going to be a 4-2 home win again, then you will earn a tidy pay day of @ 120.00 with Correct Score.

For goals there is over 3.00 @ 2.08, Total Goal 0-1 @ 4.60 and 4-6 @ 2.83.

The 1X2 Draw @ 3.35 has tempted me but I am going to plump for Real to return to the summit by the odd goal and my *** prediction is Total Goal 2-3 @ 2.05.

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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 05-Oct-2023 at 5:56 PM

Familiar Look to Ever Compelling La Liga

The weekend began with a wonderful fairytale involving surprise leaders. By Friday night, they had been surpassed by their more illustrious neighbours in Catalonia, and, within 24 hours, there was a third and familiar foe back at the summit.

That was the weekend in La Liga.

It all began on Friday as Barcelona huffed and puffed as they welcomed Sevilla to the Nou Camp. There was a notable focus off as well as on the pitch, with Sevilla opting not to have any representatives in the VIP box in protest at the corruption case surrounding the hosts.

Barca face charges over payments made to Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira, a former vice president of the referees’ committee, in return for favourable refereeing decisions, allegations the club strongly deny.

As for on the park, Barca lost Raphinha to a first-half hamstring injury in the one downside to a contest settled by Sergio Ramos, who scored an own goal to give his old rivals victory.

Barcelona defeated Sevilla in La Liga as Sergio Ramos scored an unexpected own goal

Sevilla defender Sergio Ramos scored an own goal, giving Barcelona a 1-0 win at home

Real Madrid legend Ramos, back in Spain with Sevilla after a two-year spell at Paris St-Germain, was playing a record 34th La Liga match against the Catalan giants, and the 37-year-old settled the game when he shinned Lamine Yamal’s header across goal and past his own keeper.

Fast forward to Saturday teatime, and it was off to North Catalonia with Girona, the previous league leaders and top scorers in the division, hosting the mighty Real Madrid at Montilivi, a ground that holds only 14,624, some of them on scaffolding stands.

Between them, they have 279 top-flight seasons; Girona have three.

A city of 97,586 people, overshadowed by Barcelona 99 kilometres down the road, and a club that sold a number of its best players this summer, including Oriol Romeu (to Barcelona), top scorer Taty Castellanos (who enjoyed this match last term), their best winger Rodrigo Riquelme, and centre-back, Santi Bueno.

All of them played at least 33 of 38 league games last season. Six players have since arrived, two on loan and one on a free transfer, for little more than €15 million, with their salary limit set at €51.98m. Compare that to Madrid’s €727.45m.

Ultimately, the gap showed on the pitch as Real bounced back from their derby day defeat to Atletico to enjoy more La Liga 2023 highlights and inflict their first defeat of the season on Girona.

The returning Jude Bellingham was at the centre of much as he netted his seventh goal of the season.

Joselu opened the scoring from a fabulous Bellingham pass before Aurelien Tchouameni headed in the visitors’ second. Bellingham completed the scoring with a smart second-half finish.

The 20-year-old is only the second player to score at least six goals in his first seven La Liga matches for Madrid this century, after Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009.

The game ended on a sour note for the visitors as Nacho was dismissed deep into added time for a reckless challenge on Portu, who left the field on a stretcher. Real would also have been buoyed by the performance of Vinícius Jr. who looked lively in his first start since returning from a thigh muscle injury before being taken off in the 68th minute.

Elsewhere, Villarreal showed their mettle by holding out for nearly 80 minutes in a goalless draw at Getafe, while a contender for the latest goal of the season saw Radmael Falcao scored a 102nd-minute penalty to earn Rayo Vallecano at home to Mallorca. It ensured the home side walked away with a point. They remain seventh, while Mallorca moved up to 14th.

Meanwhile, Real Sociedad leapfrogged Athletic Bilbao into fourth place with a comprehensive 3-0 home win.

Robin Le Normand opened the scoring in the first half, with Takefusa Kubo doubling the lead minutes into the second period. Mikel Oyarzabal added a third in the 66th minute.

If there was one player I felt sorry for this weekend, it was Luis Suarez.

LA LIGA

Real Madrid

Osasuna

1X2 Real Madrid @ 1.31

Over 3.00 @ 2.01

Total Goals 2-3 @ 2.09

Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.

CLICK HERE

The Colombian was due to claim the Sunday headlines after netting a four-minute hat-trick to have Almeria dreaming of a first league win of the season against last season’s Segunda Division champions.

Earlier this week, Almeria parted ways with head coach Victor Moreno, who himself had only taken over as head coach in the summer following the resignation of Rubi.

Victory would not only have lifted them off the foot of the table but also taken them above Granada in the process. Yet despite Suarez’s best efforts, they were pegged back during a remarkable second-half fightback.

Interestingly, each of Suarez’s goals was set up by the same teammate, Largie Ramazani.

It’s particularly poignant to highlight that this very Granada side, against whom he scored a treble, marked the beginning of the Colombian’s European journey.

Back in 2016, he represented Granada B. Subsequently, from 2020 to 2022, he graced the La Liga, making 64 appearances and scoring 13 goals for the senior “Nazaríes” outfit.

However, Suarez’s outstanding contribution wasn’t enough for Almeria to clinch the victory. Granada mounted a second-half comeback, netting three of their own in addition to missing a penalty.

It may only be early in the season, but the SBOTOP La Liga 2023 betting odds look as familiar as the league table.

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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 05-Oct-2023 at 5:59 PM

The Unlikely Lads Making Headway in La Liga

Cadiz vs Girona

There’s one set of matches remaining in La Liga before the second international break of the season and, while not as eye-catching as some, this has a real intrigue.

A meeting of two sides with limited top flight pedigree yet both capable of delivering La Liga highlights.

Talking Points

Cadiz survived with only a little to spare last term (two points), which was double the tally they survived the season previously.

That was a campaign in which they dared to dream.

In fact, I recall little over 18 months ago when the Andalusian club moved out of the drop zone for the first time in five months as a last-gasp goal from Ruben Sobrino saw off Villarreal.

On that occasion, the euphoria in the stadium was tangible and it ultimately proved significant.

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By comparison, their current position of 12th after eight games must seem remarkably comfortable, although they may be reeling after throwing away a 2-0 lead at Atletico Madid last weekend.

They stormed into an early lead at the Estadio Metropolitano through Lucas Pires and Roger Marti’s smart finish before Atletico ensured there would not be one of the shocks of the season.

Girona also went down to a side from Madrid as Real inflicted defeat with a comprehensive 3-0 victory which ensured a look of familiarity at the top of the table.

The result was not the worst blow of the night, however, as winger Portu was taken out by a dreadful Nacho Fernandez tackle. Nacho was sent off, and later apologised on social media, while Real Madrid President Florentino Perez called Portu in order to offer his apologies.

The 31 year-old has suffered internal bruising to the shin bone, as well as a tear in the gluteus membrane. Fortunately, it appears that he has avoided serious damage, and will look to be back in a few weeks according to reports.

In addition, it looks as if Ukraine star Viktor Tsygankov could be out for around a month with a thigh problem which saw him withdrawn at half-time

Girona remain third in the table and will be keen to get back on track following that defeat.

They may be in only their fourth campaign at this level but have already achieved two top-half finishes and will be eyeing their highest-ever position in La Liga.

Without the services of Portu, Tsygankov, Bernardo Espinosa, Joel Roca, Ricard Artero and Toni Villa, this will be a test against a Cadiz side who are in their fourth straight La Liga campaign, which represents comfortably their best run since the early 1990s.

Girona are sitting on the third spot of the La Liga table

Girona players celebrate during their match against UD Las Palmas

Yet they are also without key men, They lost Fali to an injury in the first half of the clash with Atletico, and the home side are also missing Luis Hernandez, Victor Chust, Fede San Emeterio, Juan Cala and Brian Ocampo this weekend.

It has been a solid start to the campaign for Cadiz, with two victories and three draws in their first eight matches.

Can they now take something from the side creating a bit of a fairytale in Spain?

History

Cadiz won the corresponding fixture 2-0 last season.

The match, in February, was won through first half goals from Gonzalo Escalante and Sergio Guardiola Navarro.

The earlier meeting had ended 1-1 with Cristhian Stuani netting a last gasp penalty deep into stoppage time to cancel out Alex Fernandez’s opener at the start of the second half.

Over the past decade, they have met seven times (six in the league and once in the Copa del Rey) with three Cadiz victories, two Girona successes and two draws.

Betting Tip

⭐⭐⭐

Cadiz VS Girona

October 07, 20:00 (GMT+8)

Half Time Full Time Draw Away

@5.40

The SBOTOP La Liga betting odds expect Girona to bounce back from their first defeat of the campaign.

You can bet on the visitors in a variety of ways, including 1X2 @ 2.26, First Half 1X2 @ 2.65, Asian Handicap -0.50 @ 2.25 and First Half Asian Handicap -0.25 @ 2.23.

For the hosts, why not take a look at 1X2 @ 2.91, First Half 1X2 @ 4.00, Asian Handicap 0.00 @ 2.42 and First Half Asian Handicap 0.00 @ 2.40.

A repeat of the 2-0 home success Cadiz enjoyed last term is available @ 19.00 with Correct Score, while another 1-1 will pay out @ 5.40.

If goals are your currency, then how about Over 2.75 @ 2.29, Total Goal 0-1 @ 3.05, 2-3@ 1.90 or 4-6 @ 3.95? I am going to plump for a Girona victory as they made of stern stuff and my *** prediction is Half Time Full Time Draw Away @ 5.40.

A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:

⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)

⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT)

⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)

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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 12-Oct-2023 at 7:40 PM

La Liga: A Real Six-Pointer in Madrid

Atletico Madrid vs Real Sociedad

Fourth plays fifth in the La Liga match of the weekend on Sunday when Real Sociedad visit Atletico Madrid in a top-end showdown.

Los Rojiblancos are in the final Champions League place, five points behind leaders Real Madrid with a game in hand, and a point and a place above Sociedad in fifth.

Both these teams are banging in form and scoring freely.

Diego Simeone’s Atleti come into the game on the back of two 3-2 wins, one in the league over Cadiz and another in the Champions League over Feyenoord, while Imanol Alguacil’s Sociedad beat Athletic Bilbao 3-0 in the league and followed that up with a 2-0 win in Salzburg.

The latest La Liga 2023 betting odds make Atleti a shoo-in for a top three place with La Real in a battle for fifth alongside Bilbao and early pacesetters Girona.

A home win wouldn’t change any of that, but if Alguacil can mastermind a Sociedad victory, then the mood will quickly change in both camps.

Talking Points

Morata vs Kubo

With five goals each in this campaign, Alvaro Morata and Takefusa Kubo are in joint-second place in the race for the Golden Boot alongside Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski and one goal behind Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham.

Morata is more the traditional striker, leading the line with authority and strong in the air and on foot, and he has made an excellent start to this campaign with seven goals in eight in all competitions.

Can Antoine Griezmann score for Real Sociedad in their next La Liga match?

Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann celebrates scoring their second goal against Feyenoord in the Champions League

He bagged a couple in the 3-2 win over Feyenoord on Wednesday, and Morata will line up alongside Antoine Griezmann, who was also on target against the Dutch side.

Atleti have made a strong start in Spain and Europe, and the form of Morata, as well as Saul Niguez who has made five assists, has been a huge factor.

22-year-old Japan international Take is more of a wing player or inverted forward, and he is having his most productive start of his young career. He has now scored 14 goals in 42 appearances for La Real, and that is a ratio which compares well with Morata.

Take is quick-footed and has a superb burst of pace which can put the wind up any defender and, backed by Mikel Oyarzabal, who has scored three goals and made one assist, he will work hard to stretch the Atleti defence.

The recent Basque Derby was a big test of Sociedad’s top four credentials, and they came through strongly, winning 3-0 as both Take and Oyarzabal hit the target.

Who’s in and out?

Los Rojiblancos have a fairly busy physio room at the moment with a trio of defenders all in treatment.

Caglar Soyuncu, Stefan Savic, and Jose Gimenez are all sidelined, which means Simeone will probably opt to pair up Axel Witsel or Cesar Azpilicueta, with Mario Hermoso at the heart of defence.

Up front, Memphis Depay is out, so Morata and Griezmann will continue with Braziilan Samuel Lino out wide.

Real Sociedad are without loanee wing-back Kieran Tierney, so Aihen Munoz will continue on the left side of defence while Alguacil is hopeful that Robin Le Normand is ready to take his place at centre-back.

LA LIGA

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History

With 24 wins to Atletico, 18 wins for Sociedad, and 11 draws, there has been a good battle between these two teams over the years, and both earned top four positions last term.

The two clubs have identical recent records with four wins on the bounce and a draw and a defeat before that sequence.

Sociedad drew their opening three league games, but they have now picked up four wins in the last five.

But while both teams come into the game with an impressive set of La Liga 2023 results, Atletico have not been beaten by La Real in the last 10 encounters at the Civitas Metropolitano.

Betting Tip

⭐⭐

Atlético Madrid VS Real Sociedad

October 8, 22:15 (GMT+8)

1X2 Atletico Madrid

@ 1.93

The draw is at SBOTOP odds of 3.25 and Real Sociedad are at 3.54 to pickup all three points, but I’m going for a home win.

Atletico have won all three of their home league games, including a 3-1 victory over Real Madrid and, with Morata and Griezmann in hot form, I think they will have success in attack.

But Take is on a hot streak too, and Atleti are a little threadbare at the back so we could be in for a high scoring game, not something we’d normally associate with Simeone.

So for an alternative bet, maybe take a look at Over 2.50 goals, which is at a decent price of 2.20.

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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 12-Oct-2023 at 7:57 PM

La Liga: Can Anybody Stop Bellingham?

He’s got the world at his feet, and, at 20 years of age, Jude Bellingham could turn out to be the best player in his generation.

Since arriving in La Liga to play for Real Madrid, the young England star has taken Spain’s top flight by storm, and he was at it again on Saturday, scoring a brace as Los Blancos swept Osasuna away with a 4-0 win.

Bellingham scored in the ninth minute of each half, and once Vinicius Junior and Joselu had made the points totally safe, he was given a standing ovation in the Santiago Bernebeu as he was substituted on 72 minutes.

There was even time for Joselu to miss a penalty in a game Carlo Ancelotti’s team dominated from start to finish, and the three points took them to the top of the Primera Division, two points ahead of Girona.

So how good can Bellingham be, and can anyone stop him?

There could well be some Ballon d’Ors in his grasp over the next decade, and he has put down a marker by equalling the achievements of a Los Blancos legend in his first few weeks.

Bellingham has matched Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of scoring ten goals in his first ten matches for Real Madrid. CR7 made his splash back in 2009, but in La Liga, Bellingham has surpassed him, scoring eight goals in eight league games, while Ronaldo managed seven in eight.

Already a hugely talented midfielder, strong and skilled in the mould of another Real Madrid great, Zinedine Zidane, but now Bellingham appears to have added a much bigger goal threat than ZZ carried.

Now there’s a thing: a blend of Ronaldo and Zidane is at truly terrifying prospect!

Okay, let’s not get too carried away because these are still early days, but Bellingham has made more stunning La Liga 2023 highlightsthan most players would produce in a season.

Girona grind it out

Aleix Garcia is leading Girona to new heights this 2023/24 La Liga season

Girona star Aleix Garcia celebrates after scoring their winning goal in La Liga clash against Sevilla last August 2023

While Los Blancos were pulling Osasuna apart, the early season’s surprise package, Girona are not proving easy to shake off, and they battled tooth and nail to earn a scrappy 1-0 win away to Cadiz. The Gironistes even went top of the league for a couple of hours after Aleix Garcia scored the goal to take all three points from Cadiz.

The hosts went down to ten men when Darwin Machis was sent off after ten minutes for a reckless and high challenge on Yangel Herrera, but they battled hard and held out until Garcia hit a sublime strike from distance, and then Cadiz launched a wave of attacks late in the game as they chased a point, but the visitors saw out a priceless victory.

Girona finished tenth last season, but this time around, Michel’s side has a steely look about it, and they are ready to challenge for Europe. Here at SBOTOP the latest La Liga 2023 betting oddsrate Los Gironistes as fourth favourites, and that is dreamland for their fans.

Sevilla showing real fight

It’s been a topsy-turvy 12 months or so for Sevilla, a proud club with a sparkling history that struggled in a relegation battle for the majority of the 2022-23 campaign. Head coach Jose Luis Mendilibar replaced Jorge Sampaoli in March and steered Los Sevillistas to safety as well as winning a fifth Europa League title within a decade to bring the feel-good factor back to Seville.

UEFA – Champions League

Paris Saint-Germain

AC Milan

1X2 AC Milan @ 3.90

Over 2.75 @ 1.93

Total Goals 0-1 @ 4.00

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Sevilla have not made a sparkling start to this campaign, but there is a more confident look about the team and no lack of fight, as they came back from a two goal deficit against Rayo Vallecano to grab a point in the 96th minute.

The visitors came into the game on the back of three consecutive draws and they showed plenty of ambition, racing into a two goal lead before the half time break. Oscar Valentin headed into an empty net after a speculative cross had bounced off the post and into his path, and then Alvaro Garcia gave Rayo a two-goal lead with a clever finish.

The hosts halved the deficit five minutes into the second half when Djibril Sow shrugged off a challenge before curling a beauty into the far corner and breathing life into the game. Sevilla threw everything at their visitors, with 63 per cent possession and 22 shots on goal, but as injury time approached, some empty seats started to appear in the stands.

The faithful who remained were rewarded, and how, six minutes into added time, Youssef En Nesyri climbed high to power an unstoppable header into the Vallecano net.

Sevilla would have been disappointed with a draw before the game, but this was an immense fight back against a side in seventh place, so there is plenty for Mendilibar to work with.

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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 12-Oct-2023 at 7:58 PM

La Liga: This Title Race Could Be A Cracker!

We’re nine rounds into the 2023/24 La Liga campaign and already it’s already shaping up to be one of the best in recent history.

The Primera Division has long been the biggest rival to the Premier League as the biggest and best in the world, and while it may not have the riches of the English top flight, the Spanish elite can match it for quality and drama and it frequently boasts the best individual talents in word football.

The national team is packed with La Liga players and La Roja are on the cusp of qualifying for the Euro 2024 finals in Germany. Basque club Real Sociedad have fur players in the current squad to face Norway while Athletic Bilbao, Sevilla and the El Clasico pair have plenty or representation. Spain has a young squad and there could be a golden generation about to emerge, and that means the domestic league will get stronger and stronger.

And it’s already pretty special.

There are few factors which make this La Liga campaign different… and here are three of them.

Both El Clasico clubs are both improving

UEFA EURO 2024

England

Italy

1X2 Draw @ 3.55

First Half Under 0.75 @ 2.21

Total Goals 0-1 @ 2.56

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For many years in the early 21st century Barcelona dominated, inspired by Pep Guardiola and Lionel Messi and with players like Andreas Iniesta and current manager Xavi in their ranks. Then, a few years ago, they hit the skids and underwent a period of transition, leading Xavi to take over as manager and now the Blaugrana are on the up again. The Catalans have some exciting young talent with the likes of Pedri and Gavi already international shoe-ins and the best striker of recent years in Robert Lewandowski.

Barca won the title last year but they have a huge task to hold on to it as Real Madrid have made the best start and sit at the top of the pile. The loss of Karim Benzema to the Saudi Pro League hasn’t derailed Carlo Ancelotti’s team and with Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo up front they have some exciting talent, while Toni Kroos and Federico Valverde bring more quality and experience.

And, of course, Los Blancos have Jude Bellingham

A strong El Clasico means a strong La Liga and teams such as Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad who met last week will have a big say in the title race; and the battle for the top four already looks like it could be ferocious.

Bellingham can take on the world

Here at SBOTOP, we’ve eulogised about the start made by Jude Bellingham in his new career at Real Madrid and he’s made La Liga 2023 news headlines pretty much week on week all around the world.

Still only 20 years old he has stood out as the best player in the league so far, dominating in midfield and scoring ten goals in his first ten games for Los Blancos. Barca defender Andrea Cristensen, who will meet Bellingham in the upcoming El Clasico said: “Its’ annoying when you sit down and look at the results he’s getting. He’s been scoring in the last few games. He’s conquered La Liga.”

Jude Bellingham had already scored 8 goals in the La Liga this season

Jude Bellingham celebrates scoring Real Madrid’s second goal against Osasuna

The best two players over the past two decades, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, had their best years at Barcelona and Real Madrid and now Bellingham is set to become the next El Clasico legend. Reports in the UK press have recently surfaced suggesting that Pep Guardiola was interested in bringing Bellingham to Manchester City in the summer, but the Sky Blues’ loss has turned out to be Los Blancos’ gain.

Surprise package Girona have stickability

Did anyone expect Girona to be second in the table after nine games? Well I certainly didn’t but Los Gironistes have hardly put a foot wrong as they trail leaders Real Madrid by just two points, and are a point ahead of Barcelona. Managed by Michel they have a record of seven wins, one draw and one defeat. The only blemish came in a 3-0 loss to Real Madrid in September and they drew their opening game away to Real Sociedad, a result which raised a few eyebrows around La Liga.

But since then it’s been seven wins and that one loss and Girona are scoring for fun, with 19 goals from nine games. Club captain is Christhian Stuani who arrived in 2017 and has since scored 112 goals in 201 games. He’s playing bit parts now, coming on as a substitute in the 1-0 win over Cadiz last week but Stuani scored a well taken brace in Girona’s 3-0 victory over Getafe. The goals are coming from everywhere, with striker Artem Dovbyk bagging three alongside midfielder Yangel Herrera, while Manchester City academy player Aleix Garcia has two, as has Davd Lopez. The squad has plenty of experience, with Netherlands star Daley Blind in the back line; and the latest La Liga 2023 betting odds reckon Girona can finish in the top four. That would be an incredible outcome for a team which finished tenth last season and are in only their fourth ever campaign in the top flight.

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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 20-Oct-2023 at 2:16 PM

La Liga: Baptism of Fire for Alonso

Sevilla FC vs Real Madrid

Leaders Real Madrid face 14th placed Sevilla on Saturday as La Liga action gets back under way after the international break.

And the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium will welcome a new man in the dugout. Sevilla boss Diego Alonso has only been in the job for a week following the departure of Jose Luis Mendilibar and it could hardly be a more difficult start for the new boss than to meet Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid.

The latest La Liga 2023 betting odds back Los Blancos to win the title, at a price of 1.64, after a strong start to the campaign. But with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in hot pursuit, not to mention surprise package Girona, Real need to keep the momentum going and to come up against Sevilla at this point may not be ideal if there is a new manager bounce.

Sevilla have lots of talent in their squad and the fans will give their new man plenty of support…but I suspect he might need it!

Talking Points

Ramos set to meet his old pals

La Liga: Sergio Ramos played for Real Madrid in 2005-2021

Sergio Ramos during Sevilla’s match against PSV Eindhoven

Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos could be in line for an emotional reunion with his Los Blancos friends on Saturday. The centre back snubbed offers from Saudi Arabia to sign for Sevilla, his boyhood club. He returned after an 18 year absence having played 39 games for the first team there as a teenager. Of course, Los Blancos fans know Ramos as one of their own; in his 16 seasons at the Santiago Bernabeu he made 469 appearances scoring 72 goals and winning five La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues.

Real Madrid fans will be delighted to see Ramos, though he may start on the bench, but they will be less pleased to come up against Dodi Lukebakio if he continues his rapid progress. The young forward has made a great start to his career in Seville since his £8m transfer from Hertha Berlin, scoring twice already and he also bagged a brace when Belgium beat Austria 3-2 on Friday. And Lukebakio has an experienced striker alongside him In Youssef En Nesyri who scored in a 2-2 draw against Rayo Vallecano before the break, to make it three for the campaign.

With the quality of advanced midfielders Ivan Rakitic and Lucas Ocampos in the side, Sevilla have plenty of creative muscle, and they will be keen to use it in their climb away from the drop zone.

Alaba ready to return for Madrid

While they may come up against their former defensive rock, the league leaders are hopeful of welcoming back another experienced head from the current crop of Los Blancos. Utility defender David Alaba has been spotted in training this week and that’s great news for the club after he pulled out of Austria’s squad due to a groin strain. He has missed Real Madrid’s last three games, since he picked up his injury against Las Palmas in September, and his return will hugely strengthen Ancelotti’s defensive hand. The boss may introduce him carefully, possibly on the bench, with the next week’s El Clasico looming into view.

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20 year old star Jude Bellingham was in international action this week and he was in outstanding form as England beat Italy on Tuesday to qualify for Euro 2024; and Bellingham has already made his fair share of La Liga 2023 news headlines, scoring eight goals in his first eight league games, including two in Madrid’s win over Osasuna before the international break. While Bellingham is ripping up the record books in La Liga, experienced striker Joselu has also made an impressive start to his Real Madrid career, five goals taking him to third place in the race for the Pichichi.

With Federico Valverde making three assists and Toni Kroos two, this is a team with multiple threats and a great chance of winning the 2023/24 title.

History

Los Blancos have won 43 of the 64 encounters since 1993, while Sevilla have won 16 and there have been five draws. Madrid have also won the last four meetings, including a 2-1 victory at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan in May.

In terms of recent form Madrid are in better shape too, with five wins from six; the only defeat coming in the Madrid derby. Meanwhile Sevilla have only won once, but they have only lost one of the last six, drawing the other four.

Betting Tip

⭐⭐

Sevilla FC VS Real Madrid

October 22, 00:30 (GMT+8)

Over 2.75

@1.93

At SBOTOP odds of 1.88 Real Madrid are strong favourites to pick up another three points in Seville, while the hosts can be backed at 3.35 and the draw is 3.35.

Los Blancos should come through, but facing a new manager and a team which has not been easy to beat will make it more complicated; and Los Sevillistas have no shortage of talent. I do think, with two exciting forward lines we’ll see goals though, and three or more could easily be on the cards.

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⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT)

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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 20-Oct-2023 at 2:18 PM

La Liga: Xavi Looking for Midfield Reinforcements

With a seven-point gap to close to the top of the La Liga table, Barcelona manager Xavi has not given up on defending his 2023 title, and he is planning to strengthen his hand in the January transfer window.

Reports have emerged in the UK press that the Barca boss is keen to sign Tottenham Hotspur’s midfielder Giovanni Lo Celso in January. The long-term injury to Gavi has made this position a priority for the Blaugrana, and the Spurs man only has 18 months left on his contract.

Lo Celso has impressed in recent appearances for the North London club, but his chances will be limited when James Maddison makes his return from injury.

Xavi is looking for backing from the Barca board, but it may be that he needs to arrange a swap deal and he has a number of options, with Oriol Romeu, Eric Garcia, and Pablo Torres all potential outgoers.

If there is not a deal to be done with Tottenham, then Barcelona may turn to Girona’s dominant midfielder Aleix Garcia. But if the club is not happy to meet Girona’s €20 million valuation, then a player exchange will be the solution.

La Liga champions Barcelona may offload few players in order to make a deal for Girona’s Aleix Garcia

Girona’s Aleix Garcia runs with the ball during their match against Barcelona

26-year-old Garcia has been one of the standout players as Girona have emerged as potential title winners, and he has been one of the first names on the team sheet as the Catalans have posted an incredible set of La Liga 2023 results.

Garcia has been at the club since 2021, and his performances have earned him a full international call-up as he made his debut for Spain in 2023.

Starting as a defencive midfielder, he has pitched in with three goals and four assists, and now Garcia is recognised as one of the best box-to-box players in the Spanish top–flight.

Girona may be interested in a swap deal, but of the three players potentially on offer, as they may have competition for former Southampton star Romeu, who they bought from the Saints and who is reported to be on the radar of Getafe president Angel Torres.

The club needs a new midfielder after losing Mauro Arambarri to injury, and the president is a big admirer of Romeu’s combative style.

Barcelona may be happy to let him go, particularly if they can get Garcia, but another opportunity for the Blaugrana has just surfaced in the UK press.

Apparently, Premier League leaders Liverpool are happy to let Thiago Alcantara go. He’s a former Barca player having emerged at the club in the Pep Guardiola era, but he had his best days in the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich, and he has been used as a squad player by Jurgen Klopp.

He’s a superb reader of the game with an amazing passing range, so Thiago could be just the player Barca need to up their game in the second half of the campaign.

Los Blancos’ goalie dilemma

Real Madrid and Girona are pulling away at the top of the league since they are locked together on 45 points and have a seven-point cushion over Atletico and Barcelona.

And while Girona’s challenge is to keep hold of their best players, Los Blancos manager Carlo Ancelotti has a more complicated problem to wrestle with.

At the start of the campaign, he signed goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga to replace the injured Thibaut Courtois, but the former Chelsea man picked up an injury himself, and that gave Andriy Lunin an opportunity. The Ukrainian took his chance with both hands, putting in a string of impressive performances.

Even when his number one recovered, Ancelotti stuck with Lunin, but he played Kepa in the last game before the break against Alaves.

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Arsenal

1X2 Fulham @ 5.30

Fulham Asian Handicap +1.00 @ 1.92

Under 2.50 @ 2.12

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If you want this SBOTOP writer’s opinion, I saw Kepa make some odd decisions, particularly in high-profile penalty shootouts, and I suspect Lunin is a more level character, which the league leaders will need. The La Liga 2023 betting odds say Los Blancos should win the title, and Lunin can play his part.

Across the road, Atletico Madrid have struggled to maintain momentum, but they picked up a 1-0 win over Sevilla to round of the La Liga programme before Christmas, and that was enough to nudge Barcelona out of third place in the league table.

The pick of the fixtures when the league restarts in 2024 is on Wednesday 3rd January in Catalonia, where Girona host Atletico, and that could be interesting as Los Rojiblancos are looking at three of the Catalans’ stars as they look to strengthen in January.

Girona have kept pace with Los Blancos, and they have ambitions to finish in the top for at least. But if their players have their heads turned by Atleti, things could be difficult. The Madrid giants are keen on Barca target Garcia, as well as striker Artem Dovbyk and highly-rated defender Arnau Martinez. Any of these players would strengthen Atletico’s slim title hopes, but their departure could derail Girona.

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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 30-Dec-2023 at 10:11 AM

La Liga: The Basque World takes Centre Stage

Athletic Bilbao vs Real Sociedad

With many of the leading La Liga clubs in Saudi Arabia on Spanish Super Cup duty this weekend, there probably won’t be a better match in the top flight than this Saturday teatime encounter.

Make no mistake, victory in the Basque derby always matters.

Whether in La Liga or the Copa del Rey, this is the clash which generates the most passion for anyone associated with football in this part of the world.

For football in the Basque country means everything and the Basque derby means bertso derbia: sport as song and song as sport – competitive, improvised street poetry: witty, incisive and theirs.

So, sit back (if you’re a neutral) and get ready for La Liga highlights in the 191st edition.

Talking Points

The background of the fixture, a contest which I have covered before – New Year’s Eve 2020 to be precise – took me by surprise when I first learned of its history.

That’s because Athletic Club of Bilbao has an unwritten policy of only fielding players who were born in the Basque Country or who learned their football skills at a Basque club.

That’s right, you’ll never see the club splashing money on foreigners or players from different regions of Spain even if, in the modern game, it’s almost unbelievable to conceive the idea.

Athletic Bilbao fans celebrate after the match with Atletico Madrid

In a world where money talks and survival is paramount, it’s remarkable to see the club stick to this rule.

For most clubs this restrictive working structure would be deemed impossible. For Athletic Club; pride. Amazingly, the club remains one of only three founding members of the Primera Division who have never gone down.

No prizes for guessing the other two – Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Real Sociedad actually adopted a similar policy up until 1989 when they signed striker John Aldridge from Liverpool and that was that.

Back to 2024 and Bilbao are reportedly about to offer manager Ernesto Valverde a new contract.

The club seem well on their way to European qualification again for the first time since he left for Barcelona in 2017 and, with him out of contract at the end of the campaign, Athletic President Jose Urrutia is keen to secure his future.

They will also be keen to keep hold of their top playing talent with centre-back Aitor Paredes linked with moves to Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Chelsea in recent weeks.

Sociedad have already said farewell to one of their players since the turn of the year in promising French teenager Mohamed-Ali Cho.

After a tricky 18 months, he has headed back to Ligue 1 and joined Nice on a four-year deal, after the player expressed a desire to get more opportunities.

His time at Sociedad yielded 40 appearances, 10 starts and two goals.

LA LIGA

SevillaAlavés

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History

Considering the sides have met on 190 previous occasions, it may come as a surprise to know these two clubs have never faced off in UEFA or other international competitions, nor in the Spanish Super Cup.

In the they shared previously, Bilbao have the edge with 78 wins, while Real Sociedad have won 62 times along with 50 draws.

Sociedad were emphatic 3-0 winners in October when Robin Le Normand, Takefusa Kubo and Mikel Oyarzabal, who has a decent record in this fixture with seven goals and one assist in 16 meetings, were the marksmen.

Last season, Bilbao and Sociedad split their two meetings, with the latter winning 3-1 in January and the former winning 2-0 in April.

Bilbao haven’t defeated Real Sociedad at the Anoeta Stadium since a 2-0 success in March 2017. For the past seven years, La Real have won five and drawn twice at home against Los Leones.

Betting Tip

⭐⭐

Athletic Bilbao VS Real Sociedad

January 14, 01:30 (GMT+8)

1X2 Draw

@3.07

Fourth versus sixth, two places but six points separate them and that, presumably coupled with home advantage, gives Bilbao the edge with the SBOTOP La Liga betting odds.

The hosts are on offer 1X2 @ 2.02 and Asian Handicap -0.75 @ 2.31 with Sociedad priced 1X2 @ 3.50 and Asian Handicap +0.25 @ 2.16.

If there’s to be a repeat of the corresponding fixture last season, a 2-0 Bilbao success @ 8.80 means a nice pay day with Correct Score.

There hasn’t been a goalless draw between them since 2017 so bear that in mind when considering Total Goal 0-1 @ 2.86, 2-3 @ 1.89 and 4-6 @ 3.91.

Over 2.50 goals will pay out @ 2.20.

I think this will be close and I also think it will end with level-pegging which is why my ⭐⭐ prediction is 1X2 Draw @ 3.07.

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⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT)

⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)

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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 12-Jan-2024 at 2:20 PM

Copa del Rey: Back-to-Back Basque Derbies for Bilbao

Athletic Bilbao vs Deportivo Alaves

Athletic Bilbao just came from a sweaty Basque Derby against their rivals Real Sociedad for their La Liga Matchday 20 clash. The Lions came out as the victors thanks to Álex Berenguer’s heroic two-goal performance, which lifted the spirited squad into third place in the Spanish top flight.

This time, Bilbao will play another neighboring rival, Deportivo Alaves, in their Copa del Rey Round of 16 match. The roars and chants of both historic teams’ supporters are expected to fill Basque Country as both Bilbao and Alaves attempt to bring pride and glory to their respective communities.

Bilbao have been one of the hottest teams in Spain, thanks to their balanced production on both sides of the pitch. Meanwhile, Alaves are having a great start to their calendar year, staying undefeated since the new year came.

It will be interesting to see which fiery team will be the first to run out of steam.

Talking Points

Bilbao excelling on both ends of the field

Bilbao have become one of the best defencive teams in the Spanish top flight, boasting just two conceded goals across all competitions since the start of December.

Their players in the back line have been so good that other clubs from across the continent have been making moves to acquire the Bilbao defenders before the transfer window closes.

On the other side of the pitch, Ernesto Valverde’s offence has been potent and deadly, even against some of the best defences in the top flight.

After 20 games, Bilbao have scored 38 goals, the fourth-most goals scored by a team in the top flight, trailing only Girona, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid.

The combination of their potent offence and their bulwark defence resulted in a handful of recent clean-sheet victories, including a 2-0 win over Atletico Madrid, a humbling 4-0 triumph over Rayo Vallecano, and a surgical 0-2 win at Seville.

They also brought one of the most dominant Copa del Rey 2024 results with a 0-3 victory against Segunda Division side SD Eibar during the Round of 32.

With how the ball is rolling for Ernesto Valverde and his team, it’s hard not to expect more of the same when they face off against Alaves in their Round of 16 tie.

Alaves start their year right

Luis García and his boys have been substantial in the top flight, considering they’ve just been promoted to the big leagues after spending the 2022–23 season in the Segunda Division. It seems like Alaves found a talisman to start the 2024 calendar year, as they’ve been unbeaten in their matches across all competitions in January thus far.

They managed to stun Betis in the Copa del Rey Round of 32 at Mendizorrotza Stadium, where they managed to eliminate the 2022 winners, Real Betis, with a 1-0 score line.

Alaves are ready to stun the crown at San Mames and beat Bilbao in upcoming Copa del Rey match

Alaves players in action against Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham during their recent La Liga match

Not just that, they also managed to tally a draw against their other Basque rivals, Real Sociedad, where Alaves kept it competitive all throughout the match and even led the game before Zubimendi scored the equaliser in added time.

Alaves managed to win their first La Liga match of the year with a thrilling 2-3 victory against a struggling Sevilla squad, who are treading dangerous waters and are in danger of relegation if they don’t turn things around in the second half of the La Liga season.

The big question now for Garcia and his outfit is whether they can continue their convincing run when faced with one of the best outfits in Spain.

History

These neighbouring rivals have faced each other 20 times across multiple competitions since 2005. Among those matches, the majority have ended with a draw (9), while Bilbao won more with six, but Alaves are right there with five of their own.

The Lions won their most recent head-to-head when they visited Mendizorrotza Stadium and humbled Alaves in front of their home crowd with a 0-2 score line.

Historically, these two clubs seem to be neck and neck, but this year, Bilbao are having what might be their strongest campaigns in La Liga in recent years, garnering 41 points after 20 games and sitting pretty in the third spot of the league standings.

Meanwhile, Alaves have been faring well in the top flight after spending the 2022–23 season in the Segunda Division due to relegation. They’re sturdy in the 13th spot with a total of 20 league points after 20 games with a 5-5-10 record.

Betting Tip

⭐⭐

Athletic Bilbao VS Alavés

January 17, 04:00 (GMT+8)

Under 2.50

@1.96

The Lions have been on a tear recently, becoming one of Spain’s hottest teams by winning four straight La Liga matches and landing the third spot on the top flight standings when this article was written, which is why the Copa del Rey 2024 betting odds have Bilbao as the favourites at 1.54.

They’ve been able to take care of their adversaries with clean-sheet victories in four of their last five matches across all competitions, and this SBOTOP writer thinks that Bilbao will do more of the same against Alaves.

Which is why my betting tip is total goals under 2.50 at 1.96. With Valverde’s defence keeping Alaves at bay, there’s a chance there won’t be a ton of goal scoring that will transpire between the two sides. And with a price as compelling as 1.96, punters will surely grab the opportunity to back the even lines in the total goal offers.

Another line that may pique punters’ interest is Asian Handicap Athletic Bilbao -1.00 at 2.05. There may be a good chance that Bilbao will dominate this match in both possession and shot attempts, which is why a handicap of -1.00 doesn’t seem like too much of a risk, especially with a price of 2.05.

A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:

⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)

⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT)

⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)

Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.

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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 16-Jan-2024 at 6:13 PM

Girona Can Actually Win Their First Trophy in the Copa del Rey

Girona vs Rayo Vallecano

Girona missed the golden opportunity to increase their lead at the top of the La Liga table after they were somehow held to a draw by Almeria, but they can make amends by making significant inroads towards winning their first major trophy in club history here in the Copa del Rey.

Michel’s men won their first three Copa del Rey games, so they’re now in the Round of 16, where they’ll host Rayo Vallecano at the Estadio Montilivi this Wednesday night.

Like Girona, Rayo Vallecano have made it this far. But in the Spanish top-flight, they have been quite inconsistent compared to their hosts.

So, the hosts are favoured to win this game, but can the visitors somehow defy the pre-game SBOTOP betting odds?

Talking Points

Girona to lose another defencive stalwart

The goalless draw between Girona and Almeria was easily the most surprising result last weekend, given the huge disparity between these two sides, with Girona being a title contender this season and Almeria being a relegation candidate.

Even if Girona took a one-point lead in the standings because of the draw, this still feels like a loss to many, especially with Real Madrid having a winnable game in hand against, you guessed it, Almeria.

FA Cup

Wolverhampton WanderersBrentford

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Unlike in their previous matches, Girona registered only one shot on target for the entire game, while Almeria had 20 total shots, with three of them on target. And if it weren’t for Paulo Gazzaniga’s crucial saves, Girona would’ve lost the game.

Defencive midfielder Aleix Garcia was given his marching orders in the 80th minute after he held Gonzalo Melero from behind when the Almeria midfielder was trying to get past Gazzaniga at the edge of the box.

A straight red card means that Garcia will not only miss this Copa del Rey tiff against Rayo Vallecano, but also their upcoming La Liga matches against Sevilla and Celta Vigo.

Garcia’s absence is a huge blow for Girona this season since you could argue that he’s one of the league’s best midfielders, not named Jude Bellingham. The 26-year-old currently has three goals and four assists this term.

Former Madrid youngsters have something to prove

Rayo Vallecano have picked up their form after winning against Getafe in La Liga and Huesca in the Copa del Rey Round of 32 last week (both by 2-0). In those two games, Sergio Camello (brace) and Isi Palazon found the back of the net three times.

This means that Camello and Palazon are now joint-second-leading scorers behind Alvaro Garcia, with two goals and one assist each so far this season.

Rayo Vallecano are aiming to secure a spot in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey

Rayo Vallecano’s Sergio Camello vies with Girona defender Eric Garcia during the La Liga match

Sergio Camello joined Rayo Vallecano last summer since he was deemed a surplus for Atletico Madrid. The 22-year-old is far from a finished article, so he should only get better.

On the other hand, Isi Palazon considers Rayo Vallecano his home after spending his last three seasons there. Prior to that, the Cieza-born winger was once a top youngster at Real Madrid, but he hasn’t lived up to the hype.

History

Girona beat Rayo Vallecano earlier this season with a 2-1 scoreline last November, as Artem Dovbyk and Savio scored one goal apiece to erase the one-goal lead of Rayo Vallecano when Alvaro Garcia scored in just five minutes.

Rayo Vallecano haven’t won any of their last three meetings against Girona across all competitions (D2, L1) since a 2-1 win in January 2022.

In the Copa del Rey, neither Girona nor Rayo Vallecano have reached the final, let alone won the whole thing.

Last season, Girona couldn’t get past Cacereno in the second round of the Copa del Rey. Meanwhile, Sporting Gijon eliminated Rayo Vallecano in the Round of 32.

According to the Copa del Rey 2024 updates, the winner of this Round of 16 tie will take on the winner of the Madrid Derby between Los Rojiblancos and Los Blancos.

Betting Tip

⭐⭐⭐

Girona VS Rayo Vallecano

January 18, 4:30 (GMT+8)

Girona Asian Handicap -1.00

@2.42

The Copa del Rey 2024 odds have Girona likely to advance to the next round, as they are installed at 1.79, while Rayo Vallecano are at 3.98 odds, and a draw is at 3.44 in the 1X2 market.

Because of their defencive woes, Girona have to win this one in a shootout yet again, and Total Goal 2-3 at 1.87 should be just enough for them to get the job done at home, while Over 2.75 at 2.06 is another possibility.

Furthermore, a Correct Score of 2-1 in favour of Girona – the result of their most recent encounter with Rayo Vallecano – is being offered at 7.20.

A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:

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⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT)

⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)

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●●●

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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 16-Jan-2024 at 6:15 PM

La Liga: It’s a Cruel, Cruel Game…but Los Blancos Don’t Care!

Chelsea vs Middlesbrough

A place in the first showpiece of the season awaits either Championship outfit Middlesbrough or money-bags Chelsea.

In terms of investment and squad depth, Tuesday night’s second leg EFL Cup tie should be a mismatch.

Yet football doesn’t always work like that and, with Boro holding a slender but unexpected first leg advantage, the onus and all the pressure is very much on the Premier League big hitters.

Talking Points

While Chelsea were having their ‘free week’ away from Premier League combat with a warm weather training camp in Morocco, Boro were in Championship action on Saturday.

In fact, they needed Marcus Forss to rescue a point with a late goal against bottom club Rotherham United at the Riverside Stadium.

Michael Carrick’s men may have been lacklustre but that was understandable given the game was just three days before this tie.

Mauricio Pochettino prepares Chelsea ahead of their EFL Cup match against Middlesbrough

Mauricio Pochettino during Chelsea’s match against Fulham

Carrick had warned his Boro side how difficult it might be to “shut off” thoughts of the trip to Stamford Bridge and his words proved accurate.

If they could not have had any more misfortune with injuries than during the opening exchanges of the first leg, there was a further blow to contend with this weekend as Isaiah Jones was forced off with what seemed to be a hamstring injury.

Boro are already missing Alex Bangura, Riley McGree, Paddy McNair, Darragh Lenihan and Thomas Smith so the visitors know a tough job is now even tougher.

For Chelsea, EFL Cup highlights could save their season.

Their soap opera of the past 18 months – they won only 12 of their 43 league games in 2023 (the fewest they had recorded in a calendar year since 1995) –finally seems to have some stability under Mauricio Pochettino and victory against Fulham last time out meant his side had won a fourth home league match on the bounce for the first time since July 2020.

Granted, the Argentine has a lot of work to do before they are competing for major honours again.

One of their problems has been in front of goal with their main striker Christopher Nkunku missing a large chunk of the campaign to date due to a knee injury sustained in pre-season.

While they hope to have him and Ben Chilwell back on Tuesday, Reece James, Lesley Ugochukwu, Romeo Lavia, Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana are all sidelined.

LIGUE 1

Lyon

Rennes

1X2 Draw @ 3.19

Over 2.50 @ 1.98

First Half Under 1.00 @ 1.89

Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.

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Not that they can use injuries as a legitimate excuse given the money they have spent over the past year and a half.

With plenty of talent available, they should be far too strong and, if they secure another home success, they will have a trip to Wembley at the end of February to look forward to.

History

Boro’s first leg triumph ended a run of nine straight defeats to Chelsea for the Teesiders, a run which stretched back to August 2006 when late goals from Emanuel Pogatetz and Mark Viduka overturned an Andriy Shevchenko opener to seal a 2-1 Premier League win against the defending champions.

Before nearly a fortnight ago, they had not met in this competition since the 1998 Final when Frank Sinclair and Roberto Di Matteo netted in extra-time for a 2-0 Chelsea victory.

You actually have to go back to 1975 and the former Division One to the last occasion when Boro triumphed at Stamford Bridge.

That was a 2-1 success when John Craggs and Alan Willey were the scorers with Joahnny Sparrow replying for the west Londoners.

Overall, Chelsea have defeated Boro 57 times with 29 draws and 32 Middlesborough victories.

The inaugural meeting in December 1907 in Division One was settled by a Frederick Rowe goal in favour of the hosts at Stamford Bridge.

Betting Tip

⭐⭐⭐

Chelsea VS Middlesbrough

January 24, 04:00 (GMT+8)

Chelsea First Half Asian Handicap -0.75

@1.98

The SBOTOP EFL Cup betting odds say Chelsea all the way and, to overturn their one goal deficit, Correct Score 2-0 will pay out @ 7.20.

The hosts are also on offer 1X2 @ 1.25 and Asian Handicap -1.75 @ 1.97 and -2.00 @ 2.28.

The Championship outfit are outsiders, as you would expect, priced 1X2 @ 7.80 and Asian Handicap +1.75 @ 1.93.

Carrick’s side would take a draw, of course, and that is available @ 5.50.

I do not think this will be a low scoring affair – their last goalless draw was 20 years ago – and that is reflected on odds of Total Goal 0-1 @ 6.60, 2-3 @ 2.21. 4-6 @ 2.35 and Over 3.50 goals @ 2.19.

The work Carrick is overseeing in the north-east since taking charge 15 months ago is top drawer, while Pocchettino has also quietly impressed since taking on a very different project with seemingly unlimited wealth.

It is that mass of talent that will surely see them through what, on paper, is a David and Golath tie and that is why my *** tip is for Chelsea First Half Asian Handicap -0.75 @ 1.95 on their way to an overall triumph which will see them reach next month’s final.

A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:

⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)

⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT)

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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 22-Jan-2024 at 7:02 PM