Real Madrid v Valencia
Saturday, 15:15
Live on Betfair Live Video


For most managers, rotation is a necessary evil. You have to keep your key men fresh, even if it means risking dropped points. Zinedine Zidane, however, probably doesn't feel the psychological weight of it, because pretty much every time he puts out his so-called B-team, good things happen.

Against Deportivo La Coruña, Zidane left out Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Casemiro, Dani Carvajal, Keylor Navas, Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić in Deportivo La Coruña. Gareth Bale, Pepe and Sergio Ramos were also absent. But the back-ups did the business again, firing Madrid to a 6-2 victory that will have settled some nerves after their Clásico collapse.

There should be some returnees on Saturday, but it will be tough to leave out some of those who shone at the Riazor. Isco, for one, is in great form. Marco Asensio is improving by the week. James Rodríguez now has three goals in one-and-a-bit matches. Álvaro Morata has scored four more league goals than Benzema this term. It's a nice problem to have, naturally, but keeping everyone happy isn't easy.

Valencia boss Voro has far fewer options at the best of times and is further hamstrung by two suspensions this weekend: right-back João Cancelo and striker Simone Zaza both miss out. Both will be missed and it is hard to see Los Che - who have lost their last two - derailing the Madrid steam train. But given Zidane's men have kept just one clean sheet in 12 league games, Valencia will fancy at least getting on the scoreboard.

Recommended Bet
Back Real Madrid win and both teams to score at 5/6

Las Palmas v Atlético Madrid
Saturday, 17:30
Live on Betfair Live Video


Atlético Madrid's 12-game unbeaten run was ended by Villarreal in midweek, giving Sevilla a leg-up in the race for the third automatic Champions League spot. It was a frustrating night for Los Colchoneros, who dominated the game, only to be caught out with a late sucker punch.

They have a good chance of getting back on the horse this weekend against Las Palmas. The trip to Gran Canaria will hold little fear for Diego Simeone's men, who have won the last five Liga meetings between the sides without conceding so much as a goal.

Las Palmas are capable of fireworks on home soil, but their most expressive performances usually come against the division's lesser lights. Osasuna, Real Betis and Granada have all suffered hammerings, but eight home games against the current top ten have produced just 14 goals - an average of just 1.75 per match. Given Atético's propensity for grinding, the unders looks a great pick at odds of above evens.

Recommended Bet
Back under 2.5 goals at [2.05]

Espanyol v Barcelona
Saturday, 19:45
Live on Sky Sports 2 and Betfair Live Video


Luis Enrique shuffled his pack a touch after El Clásico but still found himself carrying enough aces to see off lowly Osasuna. There was almost a fairground atmosphere to that game: the much-criticised André Gomes and Paco Alcácer both netted braces and even Javier Mascherano scored, finally opening his Barcelona account after 319 games.

Confidence will be flowing through the squad as we head in to Jornada 35, then, but this has all the makings of a tricky weekend for the Blaugrana. It's derby day in the Catalan capital and while Espanyol have a miserable recent record against their city rivals - no wins in 15 Liga meetings - they should put up a decent fight at the RCDE Stadium.

Quique Sánchez Flores' side have often been underestimated by layers in recent months, perhaps because as a reaction to their shaky autumn form. But they have been very impressive on home soil since the end of November, winning eight of 11 Liga appointments. With that in mind, odds of 15.00 might tempt those looking for a dark horse to back this weekend.

We'll play things a bit safer, however, and back both teams to score. Espanyol have fired only one blank in that 11-game home run, and that came last weekend against Atlético Madrid. Barcelona's backline is not nearly so frugal: they've conceded in their last five away games in La Liga and could struggle to contain Pablo Piatti, Gerard Moreno et al.

Recommended Bet
Back both teams to score at 2.02


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