Pre-Match Summary: La Liga Fixtures on September 26, 2024
Las Palmas vs Real Betis
Time: 17:00
Venue: Estadio de Gran Canaria
Overview: This intriguing La Liga fixture sees Las Palmas, currently struggling, face off against a determined Real Betis side. Las Palmas have notched just one point in their last five games, including a narrow 2-1 defeat to Osasuna last time out. Their home form offers a glimmer of hope, but injuries to Alex Suarez and Scott McKenna could further dampen their spirits.
Key Las Palmas Players:
- Sandro Ramírez Castillo: With three goals and one assist in six appearances, he remains their most potent attacking threat.
- Oliver McBurnie: The Scottish forward has provided two assists and is instrumental in linking up play.
Injuries:
- Alex Suarez: Ankle injury
- Scott McKenna: Thigh injury
Key Real Betis Players:
- Abdessamad Ezzalzouli: A standout performer this season, he has already netted one goal and provided two assists.
- Rui Silva: The Portuguese goalkeeper has maintained consistent performances with two clean sheets in five La Liga appearances.
Injuries:
- Marc Bartra: Muscle injury
- William Carvalho: Achilles tendon injury
- Isco: Leg injury
Prediction, in my opinion:
- Winner: Real Betis
Real Betis’ robust defense and attacking quality might prove too strong for Las Palmas, who have recent struggles in form and consistency.
Espanyol vs Villarreal
Time: 17:00
Venue: Stage Front Stadium
Overview: Espanyol face Villarreal in a clash of contrasting ambitions. Espanyol have shown the potential to upset big teams, exemplified by their narrow 4-1 loss to reigning champions Real Madrid despite initially taking the lead. Villarreal, on the other hand, are recovering from a heavy 5-1 defeat to Barcelona and will aim to turn their fortunes around.
Key Espanyol Players:
- Javier Puado Díaz: With three goals in six appearances, he remains a pivotal figure in Espanyol’s attack.
- Alex Král: His solid midfield performances and defensive contributions are crucial to Espanyol’s structure.
Injuries:
- Edu Expósito: Knee injury
- Fernando Calero: Ankle injury
Key Villarreal Players:
- Ayoze Pérez: Leading the charge with four goals, he’s instrumental for Villarreal’s attacking prowess.
- Sergi Cardona: With one goal and one assist, his contributions from defense are invaluable.
Injuries:
- Juan Foyth: Knee injury
- Willy Kambwala: Undisclosed injury
- Gerard Moreno: Muscle injury
Prediction, in my opinion:
Espanyol has the potential to cause an upset, but Villarreal’s superior squad depth and recent form in head-to-head encounters suggest an away win.
Celta Vigo vs Atletico Madrid
Time: 19:00
Venue: Estadio Abanca-Balaídos
Overview: Celta Vigo’s home fortress has been solid this season, winning all their matches at Balaidos. However, their defensive vulnerabilities could be exposed against Atletico Madrid, who remain unbeaten in La Liga but have recently dropped points against Rayo Vallecano.
Key Celta Vigo Players:
- Iago Aspas: The experienced forward has scored three goals and provided two assists in six appearances.
- Borja Iglesias: With an additional three goals, he has proved crucial in attack.
Injuries:
- Mihailo Ristic: Calf injury
- Luca de la Torre: Injury
Key Atletico Madrid Players:
- Antoine Griezmann: Expected to return to the lineup, he remains a significant threat with two goals and two assists.
- Marcos Llorente: His all-around play with two goals and one assist has been crucial.
Injuries:
- César Azpilicueta: Calf injury
- Pablo Barrios: Muscle injury
- Thomas Lemar: Undisclosed injury
Possible Starting Lineups:
Celta Vigo:
- Guaita; J. Rodriguez, Starfelt, Jailson; Alvarez, Beltran, Moriba, Alonso; Aspas, Swedberg, Iglesias
Atletico Madrid:
- Oblak; Llorente, Le Normand, Gimenez, Reinildo, Lino; Gallagher, Koke, Riquelme; Griezmann, Sorloth
Prediction, in my opinion:
- Winner: Atletico Madrid
Despite Celta Vigo’s strong home record, Atletico Madrid’s consistency and tactical discipline under Diego Simeone are likely to give them the edge.
For live updates and detailed match reports, stay tuned to the official La Liga website and according to multiple sources in sports news today.
