La Liga Picks & Predictions: Week 9 (Saturday)
Saturday's La Liga schedule features four matches on October 17, headlined by Barcelona's trip to Real Betis and Atlético Madrid's visit to Espanyol. Villarreal also hosts Elche before Valencia and Athletic Club close out the slate at Mestalla. With Barcelona, Atlético and Villarreal listed as favorites, we'll examine where the strongest betting opportunities lie across the moneyline, goal totals and both teams to score markets. Read on for our best La Liga bets, picks and predictions for Saturday's games.
Get instant alerts when a line reaches your target via the BettingPros App >>
La Liga Picks & Predictions: Saturday (10/17)
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Espanyol vs. Atlético Madrid
Atlético Madrid is not just tied for second on the La Liga table right now with 19 points, but the team is playing exceptionally well going into this matchup.
Atlético Madrid has won its last five matches by a margin of 13-2. Meanwhile, Espanyol is 1-2-2 in its last five. I'm picking Alex Baena to score and for Atlético Madrid to win away from home.
Picks: Atlético Madrid (-135), Alex Baena Anytime Goalscorer (+230)
Real Betis vs. Barcelona
Barcelona leads the La Liga table with 24 points and an undefeated 8-0-0 record. The team has scored 34 goals and allowed just seven. Raphinha already has 12 goals in seven La Liga matches. It's hard to pick against Barcelona right now, but I'm going to make the case.
Real Betis is also playing at a high level, going 4-1-0 in its last five outings and scoring eight goals in its last two. This one is also at Estadio de La Cartuja. Real Betis is undefeated at home this season.
In addition, Raphinha hasn't been quite as productive in his last five starts, scoring six goals during that span after scoring as many during his first two La Liga matches. I just can't pick against Barcelona. This team is too talented.
Pick: Barcelona (-235)
Phil Wood is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Phil, check out his archive and follow him @Phil_Wood_Jr.