La Liga new boys worthy of support
Playing league games off the back of European matches is never ideal, and Valencia certainly struggled last season with the relentless schedule – their post Champions League record was just 1-4-1 last season for example. They have started this season in less than spectacular form in La Liga, winning just three of their opening nine matches, and they have also carded just 1-1-2 in their road games this season.
Osasuna fans have been delighted with their opening efforts – particularly on home soil, were they have gone 1-3-0, including a 2-2 draw with Barcelona and a win over Villarreal, and the xG tables suggest they at least deserve their 13th place in the table so far. Ranking above Valencia for both Shots, Shots On Target and shots faced, Osasuna look worth taking a chance on this weekend at 7/4 with home advantage.
In the early kick off, Granada host Real Betis, hoping to maintain an exceptional start to life in La Liga. Following promotion, Granada have lost just two of their opening nine matches, and have a +6 goal difference. Three wins from four matches in front of their home fans has been an unexpected delight as well. It’s possible lady luck has shone on them on a couple of occasions – but it’s hard to argue with a side who have won 2-0 against Barcelona, 3-0 at Espanyol and 1-0 against both Osasuna and Leganes.
Betis are shaky at best this season – they have won just twice, despite scoring in all but one of their nine matches. Away from home they have conceded 13 goals in four matches, although five of those game at Barcelona in fairness. The xG based league tables place them around the relegation zone on the early exchanges, and our shot data shows then on just a 42% shot ratio currently (Granada are at 48%).
1pt Osasuna to beat Valencia at 7/4 (General)
1pt Granada to beat Real Betis at 6/4 (General)