Liga BBVA: Predictions for Round 7 Fixtures of La Liga

Just like all of the other leagues around Europe, La Liga returns this weekend. The first six games of the season have left the league table looking a little strange, with teams like Levante in the top three while Villarreal lounges in 12th place.

However, there is a long season ahead, and teams that had some semblance of form may struggle with coming out of the break. Without further ado, here are the predictions for Round 7 of La Liga.

Mallorca vs. Valencia

Over the break, Mallorca appointed the well-traveled  Joaquin Caparros as its manager. The new manager has a tough task in his first game with Valencia coming to town. Valencia will look to continue its solid start to the season, with Roberto Soldado banging in the goals.

With a new manager to impress, the Mallorca players will give Valencia a tough time at home.

A tie is a pretty likely result here.

Prediction: 1-1 Tie

Real Madrid vs. Real Betis

A home game after the break is good news for Real Madrid. The team has surprisingly dropped points in games against Levante and Racing Santander, and Real Betis could likely join that list.

After roaring to the top of the table, Real Betis lost its last two games before the break. An away game against Real Madrid isn't the right remedy to get out of a two-game losing streak, but they could grab a point.

Prediction: Real Madrid win 4-2

Getafe vs. Villarreal

Both Getafe and Villarreal have yet to show signs of life so far this season, and only one team can come out of this game on top.

Villarreal are the stronger team and, with the break allowing the team time to get back to the drawing board, they will look to start the long climb up the table.

Prediction: Villarreal win 1-0

Barcelona vs. Racing Santander

Barcelona's new boys, Cesc Fabregas and Alexis Sanchez, along with Dutchman Ibrahim Affellay, may be unavailable, but the old guard is still there. A home game is generally a win for this side.

Racing Santander are without a win so far this season, so setting up shop for a point is the best option. A goal differential of -5 may take a substantial hit come Saturday.

Prediction: Barcelona win 5-0

Granada CF vs. Atletico Madrid

Granada has lived up, or down, to expectations so far this season, with four losses and a second-to-last position in the table.

Atletico Madrid showed some signs of life before the break and will need to perform with the quality the team possesses in order to climb up the table. Games like these should be full points for the Madrid side.

Prediction: Atletico Madrid win 3-1

Rayo Vallecano vs. Espanyol

Both Rayo Vallecano and Espanyol will want to keep themselves out of the relegation zone for the time being. Both teams are level on points and have slightly similar goal differentials.

This game will probably be a tight one, with home advantage being key. Rayo Vallecano has shown it can take some points off the smaller clubs in La Liga, and they will look to do just that again.

Prediction: 2-2 Tie

Zaragoza vs. Real Sociedad

Only one point separates these teams that will likely be fighting it out for a better mid-table finish. They have both scored a similar amount of goals, but Sociedad's defense has been better.

Zaragoza has filled all three columns in its home games so far this season, and Sociedad has managed to grab one win out of three so far. It wouldn't be surprising if they snatched a point here.

Prediction: Zaragoza win 2-1

Levante vs. Malaga

Levante is sitting pretty right now and is one of three unbeaten teams remaining—the others being Barcelona and Sevilla. They welcome a Malaga team that is beginning to find its feet as a group.

Getting into Europe is probably a top goal for this Malaga side. To do so, they need to pick up as many points as possible in trips like this. It will not be an easy game for them because they are still yet to find a full flow.

Prediction: 1-1 Tie

Sevilla vs. Sporting Gijon

Sevilla is quietly sitting in a very solid position early on, and they will want to continue picking up all possible points before they meet the big boys.

Sporting Gijon showed some fight against Barcelona, holding them to just one goal in a home game. The timing for this away trip is not the worst, however, as Sevilla will be a bit rusty going into the game.

Prediction: Sevilla win 3-1

Athletic Bilbao vs. Osasuna

Bilbao is one team that was probably unhappy the break came when it did, after having just recorded its first win of the season. A home game will now give them just the edge they need.

Osasuna came away from the Barcelona drubbing to record three straight ties and the team will gladly settle for another point at an always tough venue.

Prediction: Athletic Bilbao win 1-0