Barcelona have the perfect chance to extend their lead over Real Madrid before El Clasico, with the reigning champions on world club duty.
Football games in La Liga will soon pause for the briefest of winter breaks, so now is an ideal chance for teams to get points on the board and avoid the psychological pressure of wondering ‘what if’ during the festive hiatus.
Football betting can often spring a surprise at this time of year.
WEEK 16 SATURDAY:
Sevilla vs Levante
Sevilla are still licking their wounds from the 5-0 drubbing by Real Madrid as they welcome lowly Levante to town.
They may have a firm grip on fifth spot, but their hopes of breaking into the top four were given a rude awakening by the champions.
It has heightened the realisation that the Andalusians need to strengthen in the January transfer window.
Athletic Bilbao vs Real Sociedad
Sociedad’s shock home defeat to Malaga was not foreseen. They remain on the fringes of European places, however.
Not that Bilbao, who can leapfrog them in the table with victory, will make life any easier.
Could there be a farewell to Madrid-linked Kepa Arizzabalaga in the Basque club’s final home match of 2017?
WEEK 16 SUNDAY:
Eibar vs Valencia
Few would have predicted Valencia to be second in the table in mid-December.
Yet a win here will secure at least third going into the halfway break.
However, Los Che know a trip to Eibar is anything but straightforward.
Atletico Madrid vs Alaves
Atletico are still unbeaten and, without the distraction of the Champions League, will perhaps emerge as Barcelona’s main challengers.
Back-to-back wins for Alaves have given them a real boost, making them just one win away from safety.
However, the Wanda Metropolitano could develop into a fortress for Diego Simeone’s men who will be strengthened by welcoming Diego Costa and Vitolo into the ranks next month.
Girona vs Getafe
Ninth versus seventh and these two sides can only be proud of their achievements this far.
Only goal difference separates them in the table and both are a point off sixth place which guarantees a European berth.
While a European spot is realistically beyond either club, they dare to dream.
Celta Vigo vs Villarreal
Two years ago, this would have been a key battle for the Europa League spots.
Not so much now but both remain in the hunt.
Vigo drew at Barcelona a fortnight ago and pushed Valencia close last weekend.
The Yellow Submarine made life difficult for Barca four days ago but the dismissal of Daniel Raba – who will be suspended for this – realistically ended their hopes.
WEEK 16 MONDAY:
Las Palmas vs RCD Espanyol
Las Palmas may be bottom but have seen enough in recent weeks to know they can survive in the top flight.
Yet their 2-0 reverse to Alaves was a blow from which they need to bounce back immediately.
Likewise, Espanyol will be dragged into the quagmire if they lose this one.
Barcelona vs Deportivo La Coruna
The leaders sign off at the Nou Camp for 2017 in a better position than they’d have imagined.
Unbeaten and with a five-point advantage at the summit, they could welcome back Javier Mascherano for this one.
Coruna badly needed their victory last weekend but can they realistically believe they can halt the Barca renaissance?
WEEK 16 TUESDAY:
Malaga vs Real Betis
Malaga’s fine victory against Sociedad will have given them a new lease of life.
Betis went down to Atletico for a seventh successive game without a win, yet can take positives from a match in which they enjoyed more than 70 per cent possession.
Confidence could be the deciding factor here.
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