La Liga Predictions For Matchday 24

Barcelona were humiliated in their last match as they were part of one of the shocks of the season when they were beaten 1-0 by struggling Almeria. Defeat should have seen their eight point lead cut down to just five points, but Real Madrid continued their inconsistency with another draw. 

Barcelona will know that they got away with one in their last defeat, and they now have to turn things around at the first time of asking. 

Valencia come into this match on the back of their first win in eight games as they beat Real Sociedad. However, with just six wins in 23 matches along with 23 points, Valencia are in a very real relegation battle this year.

On the road, Valencia have been poor. Their last win away from home came on October 7 against Osasuna, with Valencia failing to win their subsequent seven games on the road, with the last five ending in defeat. 

Barcelona are the big favourites to win this one and continue to march towards the La Liga title. 

Rayo Vallecano have been impressive this season as they continue to fight for a Europa League spot. Currently sitting in the Europa Conference League qualifier berth, Rayo are only eight points short of Atletico Madrid in fourth and an unlikely Champions League place. 

Athletic come into this one sitting in ninth, just two points behind Rayo. A win here would see them jump above their opponents , with their fight for European football next year alive and well. Frustratingly, they have lost ground on those above them in recent weeks after losing to Atletico Madrid and Girona. With a Copa del Rey semi-final in the week to contend with Athletic may have to rotate their squad to ensure fatigue does not become a major factor. 

What a game we have in store this weekend as inconsistent Real Madrid travel to take on a Real Betis side that is flying high.

Real Betis have been brilliant this season and they sit just two points off Atletico Madrid and the final Champions League spot. Wins over Almeria, Valladolid and Elche in their last three matches has seen them build a three-game winning run, and they will be confident that they can beat Real Madrid this weekend. 

Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw by rivals Atletico Madrid in their last match as they failed to make the most out of Barcelona's shock loss to Almeria. Madrid find themselves seven points short of Barca at the top, and they clearly need to start winning more consistently. 

While Real have been frustratingly inconsistent of late, they are fancied to get back to winning ways and keep the pressure on Barcelona at the top.