La Liga Betting: Barca to remain unbeaten with El Clasico draw

Athletic Bilbao 2.30 v Real Betis 3.15; The Draw 3.55
Saturday, 15:15
Live on Betfair Live Video

The odds are firmly against Betis qualifying for the Champions League, but they can nevertheless put some pressure on fourth placed Valencia if they can win in Bilbao.

Betis are eight points behind Valencia with three matches remaining. It's likely that they will have to make do with a spot in the Europa League, but having finished in a lowly 15th position last season, Betis have made some major strides during the debut campaign of Quique Setien.

They come into this match unbeaten in eight games, of which they've won seven. It's a surprise then to see Betis are pretty big outsiders in this match, against an Bilbao team in contrasting form.

Currently 14th in La Liga and with nothing to play for, Athletic Bilbao have only won one of their last eight (D2 L6). It's therefore hard not to side with the visitors, with plenty of value to be found. Their price to win is big enough that both the 1.70 in the Double Chance market and the 2.34 to back them Draw No Bet, are worthy of your consideration.

Valencia's run of draws will continue

Villarreal 2.20 v Valencia 3.15; The Draw 3.60
Saturday, 19:45
Live on Betfair Live Video and Sky Sports Football

Sixth placed Villarreal host Champions League chasing Valencia, in a match in which both teams are looking to secure European spots.

As mentioned, Valencia only need a point to guarantee their place in the top four, but Villarreal's Europa League place faces a number of threats. Though five points clear of Getafe in seventh, there are four teams who could still mathematically finish above them, with Villarreal still to face tough assignments against Barcelona and Real Madrid.

This match represents a good chance for Villarreal to add to their points tally, as they're certainly the team in the better form. The Yellow Submarine come into the game unbeaten in their last three and have won their last two home games.

Valencia have not tasted victory in four games and have drawn in their last two outings. Another draw could land at 3.60, with a shared point edging both teams towards European qualification, while under 2.5 goals looks big at 2.10 when you consider that Valencia have only scored five goals in their last six games.

Big price for another Nou Camp draw

Barcelona 1.77 v Real Madrid 4.60; The Draw 4.40
Sunday, 19:45
Live on Betfair Live Video and Sky Sports Main Event

With Barcelona having won the title last week and Real Madrid fresh from qualifying for their third successive Champions League final, you could be forgiven for thinking that the latest instalment of El Clasico has rather less at stake than past encounters.

Fortunately there's the little matter of Barcelona's unbeaten record in the league this season, to keep everyone motivated. No team has gone unbeaten in a full La Liga season since 1932, when Real Madrid proved to be invincible.

So with the narrative set, this promises to be a typically fiery affair, with pride taking the place of the need for points. Barca won the reverse fixture 3-0 earlier this season, but Real are in much better form now and are unbeaten in their last eight La Liga games, despite often rotating their side to remain fresh for the Champions League.

Last season this fixture ended in a draw and the price of 4.40 for another appeals, on a night when Barcelona will be looking to primarily avoid defeat. The other bet to mull over is for Cristiano Ronaldo to score at 2.12. It's rare to have the opportunity to back him at such a price and Ronaldo is no slouch in these games, with his 17 goals against Barcelona putting him third on the all-time list of El Clasico goalscorers.

RECOMMENDED BETS

Back Real Betis double chance at 1.70

Back Villarreal and Valencia to draw at 3.60

Back Barcelona and Real Madrid to draw at 4.40