La Liga Betting: Cup finalists can score at Barcelona

Barcelona face Real Sociedad on Saturday and Dan Fitch has his money on both teams to score, as he previews the weekend La Liga action.

Points shared between Champions League contenders

Atletico Madrid 1.95 v Sevilla 4.90; The Draw 3.40
Saturday 7 March, 15:00

Fifth placed Atletico Madrid host a Sevilla side that are currently third, in an important match in La Liga's Champions League qualification race.

Atletico slipped out of the top four last weekend when they drew 1-1 at Espanyol. Sevilla and fourth placed Getafe both won their games, leaving Atletico a point away from a qualification spot.

Though Atletico will have been disappointed to draw, it did extend their unbeaten record to five games (W3 D2). They won all of their three home games in that sequence, but they may find it difficult to continue that run against Sevilla, who are also unbeaten in five (W2 D3).

The reverse fixture ended in a 1-1 draw. The draw at 3.40 seems to be the likely outcome once more, in a game between two well matched sides.

Barca home form will be tested by strong Sociedad side

Barcelona 1.39 v Real Sociedad 9.00; The Draw 5.40
Saturday 7 March, 17:30
Live on LaLigaTV

Barcelona lost El Clasico on Sunday and sacrificed their lead at the top of La Liga, as Real Madrid moved a point ahead of them.

The result wasn't a great surprise to anyone that has been analysing Barcelona's away form. Barca have now only won two of their last eight games on the road (D3 L3).

They've kept in contention with their home form (P17 W15 D2), but that will be tested by a Real Sociedad side enjoying a run of wins. The visitors have won six games in a row, which includes a 4-3 away win at Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey. Sociedad reached the final of that competition this week, with a 1-0 victory at Mirandes.

There is little value in backing Barcelona at these prices against such strong opposition. Instead play it safe and go for both teams to score at 1.70, with Real Sociedad having now scored in 16 consecutive matches.

Betis can continue scoring streak against league leaders

Real Betis 4.40 v Real Madrid 1.82; The Draw 4.00
Sunday 8 March, 20:00
Live on LaLigaTV

Barcelona's match with Real Sociedad is an opportunity for them to put the pressure on Real Madrid, ahead of their trip to Real Betis on Sunday.

It was Madrid that handled the pressure better during El Clasico. They went into that match having not won any of their previous three games (D1 L2) and without a La Liga win against Barcelona in seven attempts.

That said, it's fair to say that on another day Barcelona could have easily won. Barca dominated possession and had the chances to have the game won, long before Madrid scored.

Given their recent struggles and the nature of their win against Barcelona, it would seem that Real Madrid are fairly priced at 1.82. If you want to boost that price, back a Madrid win and both teams to score at 3.10, with Real Betis without a win in seven (D4 L3), but having scored in all 13 of their home games this season.