Barcelona can take derby honours against Espanyol

Eleven Sports from midday Saturday

Espanyol v Barcelona

7.45pm

Five of Espanyol's six La Liga victories have come at home but four of them came against teams in the bottom half of the table and they could find life tougher against Barcelona.

The visiting champions haven't always convinced this season but they returned to the top of Spanish football last weekend and will have designs on staying there with a comfortable derby victory.

La Liga standings

Joe Champion's recommendation
Barcelona -1 on Asian handicap
1pt 13-15 188Bet

Key stat
Barcelona have lost one of their last 14 games in all competitions.

Bet on this game at Soccerbase.com

Villarreal v Celta Vigo

5.30pm

The Yellow Submarine are sinking without a trace this season and a chronic lack of goals is costing the hosts.

In contrast to Villarreal, who have netted only 13 times in 14 La Liga outings, visitors Celta have had no problem finding the net. But they also struggle to keep opponents at bay, so backing both teams to score could be the best bet at El Madrigal.

Matt Ireland's recommendation
Both teams to score
2pts 7-10 Hills

Key stat
Celta Vigo have scored in all but one of their 14 league games

Bet on this game at Soccerbase.com

Atletico Madrid v Alaves

Midday

Few people will have predicted that Alaves would be within a point of Atletico Madrid at this stage of the campaign but La Liga's surprise package will do well to crack Atleti at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Atletico have won five of their seven home games this season but they have been level at half-time in four of those matches, so it could pay to back them to exert their class after the break.

Matt Ireland's recommendation
Draw-Atletico double result
1pt 14-5 Betway, Hills

Key stat
Atletico have won 17 of their 25 league games at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Bet on this game at Soccerbase.com

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