For clubs in the Spanish La Liga, the international break was pretty much uneventful, and the return of the players for the next round of league matches is very much welcome for the fans of Spanish football.
After an eventful deadline day, fans would be excited to see players don the shirts of their new clubs. Barcelona, Sevilla and Villarreal would not be part of this round of matches after their games were postponed.
Here is a preview of the La Liga matchday four fixtures as well as tips from our in-house experts;
Levante vs Rayo Vallecano: Newly-promoted Rayo Vallecano managed to pick up their first points of the season in their matchday three win. They would be hoping that the international break does not prevent them from building a head of steam against a Levante side that has only lost once this season. The teams are separated by just one point at this point in the season.
Levante win- 2.05 odds; Vallecano win- 3.50 odds; Draw- 3.35 odds.
Athletic Bilbao vs Mallorca: Two undefeated sides will take on each other in the Basque Country when newly-promoted Mallorca takes on Athletic Bilbao. Mallorca are flying high in their first season back in the Spanish top flight with two wins and a draw in their first three matches of the season. Athletic Bilbao, on the other hand, have drawn twice and won once this season.
Athletic win- 1.74 odds; Mallorca win- 4.75 odds; Draw- 3.50 odds.
Espanyol vs Atletico Madrid: After barely escaping with a draw in their match against Villarreal before the international break, champions Atletico Madrid will continue their title defence against newly-promoted Espanyol. The champions will hope that their prodigal son Antoine Griezmann can add a little more spark after his deadline day move from FC Barcelona. Espanyol have picked up only two points this season, while Atleti have picked up seven.
Espanyol win- 3.85 odds; Atletico win- 2.00 odds; Draw- 3.30 odds.
Osasuna vs Valencia: Another match that pits two undefeated sides against each other would see Osasuna and Valencia lock horns. Valencia have started the season very well and have picked up seven points from the first three matches, while Osasuna have picked up five points this season.
Osasuna win- 2.45 odds; Valencia win- 3.00 odd; Draw- 3.05 odds.
Cadiz vs Real Sociedad: Since their opening day loss to Barcelona, Real Sociedad have turned their fortunes around with two straight wins before the international break. They travel to Cadiz to take on a side that is yet to win in the league this season and lost their last match against Osasuna before the international break.
Cadiz win- 4.80 odds; Sociedad win- 1.74; Draw- 3.50 odds.
Real Madrid vs Celta Vigo: Real Madrid’s start to the season would be pleasing to manager Carlo Ancelotti, and he would be hoping that his side can keep up the positive start to the season by picking up maximum points against a Celta Vigo side that has struggled so far this season and are marooned in the bottom three at present.
Real Madrid win- 1.38 odds; Celta Vigo win- 7.25 odds; Draw- 4.85 odds.
Getafe vs Elche: Winless after three games this season, Getafe will hope they can turn their season around when they face Elche in their first match after the international break. Elche have also only managed two draws and a loss this season in the league.
Getafe win- 1.86 odds; Elche win- 4.45 odds; Draw- 3.30 odds.
Granada vs Real Betis: Two sides with similar fortunes in the league this season will lock horns in the hopes of claiming their first wins of the season. Both sides have drawn twice and lost once this season and are in the bottom half of the league standings.
Granada win- 2.95 odds; Betis win- 2.35 odds; Draw- 3.25 odds
