Liga BBVA: Predictions for Round 6 (Technically Round 5) Fixtures of La Liga

After some interesting midweek games, La Liga teams have a few days rest, and are back at it again this Saturday.

In the last round Valencia scared Barcelona while Racing Santander held Real Madrid scoreless, giving hope that things may be even tighter for the big two this season.

The slideshow format is now out and will be replaced by simple predictions and analysis from here on out. The scoreline predictions will also be a part of the format.

Without further ado here are the predictions for this weekends La Liga games. 

Athletic Bilbao vs Villarreal

Villarreal earned its first win of the season at home against Mallorca, and Athletic Bilbao continues its time in the bottom of the League.

This is a tricky one to call as Bilbao is usually tough to beat at home, but they have shown no signs of waking up after four games. Villarreal will have a little confidence which may be enough for a win.

Prediction: Villarreal win 1-0 

Sevilla vs Valencia

Both teams had ties in their last games.

Valencia exerted a lot of energy to contain and, for the most part, overpower the Blaugranas at home, while Sevilla found that Osasuna do have some pride. They held out for a draw after the 8-0 drubbing by Barcelona.

Home advantage is key here and the physical toll of the Barcelona match may hinder Valencia.

Prediction: Sevilla win 2-1 

Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano

Real Madrid dropped more points in the midweek and will be thanking Valencia for its efforts. A home game against a Rayo Vallecano squad fresh off its first loss may be just the trick.

Vallecano players know they have their work cut out for them and will do their best not to lose more points.

Prediction: Real Madrid win 4-0 

Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid

After surviving Valencia, Barcelona would surely have hoped for an easier foe but that is not the case.

Games between these two are usually very entertaining and high scoring, which is likely to be the case.

Atletico has scored four goals in its last two games but it will be curious to see how many of the new boys handle facing Barcelona

Prediction: Barcelona win 3-2 

Mallorca vs Real Sociedad

Real Sociedad notched another win, Mallorca another loss. Still only four points separate the two and this game will be a tight one.

Mallorca manager Micheal Laudrup will be doing his utmost to make sure the team does not drop a lot of points at home.

Prediction: 1-1 tie 

Levante vs Espanyol

Both teams won their respective games in last round, and for the moment Levante are ahead of Real Madrid in the table.

Levante remains unbeaten and welcomes a tricky opponent to its home pitch.

Prediction: Levante win 1-0 

Granada CF vs Osasuna

The Granada squad has not enjoyed much luck, though the same could be said about Osasuna.

Osasuna will look to continue distancing itself from the horrors against Barcelona. A win against the newly promoted squad would do that. 

Predicition: Osasuna win 1-0 

Sporting Gijon vs Racing Santander

Sporting and Racing are not that far away from each other in the standings but for this tie, confidence is key.

Sporting has not gained a single point this season and Racing just gained a massive point against Real Madrid. The odds are in the away side's favor but a tie looks likely.

Prediction: 0-0 tie

Zaragoza vs Malaga

Malaga will look to keep its place in the top four positions while the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid figure themselves out.

Zaragoza was close to earning a point away from home but not close enough. Unfortunately for them Malaga looks to be rounding into form after a loss in the season opener and are likely to take all three points

Prediction: Malaga win 2-1

Getafe vs Real Betis

This Betis squad must be enjoying itself. This is the only team to have garnered every available point so far this season.

Getafe, on the other hand, is one point away from not having gained any points at all. Getafe will be lacking confidence, possibly negating home advantage in this case.

Prediction: Real Betis win 1-0