Liga BBVA: Predictions for Round 12 Fixtures of La Liga

La Liga returns this weekend with Round 12 fixtures. Real Madrid currently have a three-point lead over eternal rivals Barcelona and Levante has now dropped to fourth.

There are a few games in between now and the Christmas break, so there is time for things to change, especially with the first 'El Clasico' just around the corner.

Here are the predictions for Round 12 of La Liga.

Villarreal vs Real Betis

The last time these teams came off an international break, Villarreal tied and Real Betis lost. Both teams are in desperate need of some points with only a few games remaining until the Christmas break.

Prediction: Villarreal win 2-1

Barcelona vs Zaragoza

Barcelona needs to keep the pressure on Real Madrid in the lead-up to 'El Clasico.' Zaragoza has given up 22 goals so far this season, second only to Osasuna (24).

Prediction: Barcelona win 4-0

Valencia vs Real Madrid

This is the first real test for Real Madrid this season. Villarreal had up-and-down form and Malaga is still not quite up to speed.

Valencia has moved into third position with only one loss and they gave Barcelona all they could handle. Expect them to do the same to Real Madrid here.

Prediction: Draw 2-2

Sociedad vs Espanyol

Real Sociedad is now bottom of the pile, while Espanyol looks to continue solidifying its position in the top half of the table. Espanyol has picked up some away points so far and will want to continue that trend. 

Prediction: Espanyol win 1-0

Osasuna vs Rayo Vallecano

Rayo Vallecano is doing pretty well at the moment with a record that has taken them to the eighth spot in the standings.

Osasuna has not lost a game at home and sit only two spots behind with a one-point difference. 

Prediction: Draw 1-1

Sporting Gijon vs Getafe

Sporting Gijon and Getafe have both clawed their way out of the bottom three but there is not much separation at the moment.

Home advantage will play a part here as Getafe has only picked up one point in five games thus far.

Prediction: Draw 1-1

Sevilla vs Athletic Bilbao

Athletic Bilbao is another team that gave Barcelona all they could handle and Sevilla has seen its form drop a little.

Bilbao has no trouble scoring, but has trouble keeping them out, and Sevilla's offense has been a little meager so far. If Bilbao can replicate their play against Barcelona versus others, they have a good chance of winning this game.

Prediction: Athletic Bilbao win 2-1

Atletico Madrid vs Levante

Atletico Madrid lost to Getafe by four goals before the break, slowing their ascendance up the table. Levante is dropping each week but are still a threat unless proven otherwise.

Despite poor away form, Atletico Madrid has not lost at home and will want to gain some confidence before meeting Real Madrid next weekend.

Prediction: Atletico Madrid win 1-0

Granada CF vs Mallorca

Granada is in 19th position and Mallorca is in 15th, yet they only have one point separating them. The game will likely be a close one. 

Prediction: Draw 1-1

Racing Santander vs Malaga

Malaga needs to pick up the slack if it wants to get back in the top four positions. They had a bad run before the break but face a very beatable opponent in Racing Santander.

Every point counts for Racing and the team will try pick up as many points at home as they can to get out of the relegation zone.

Prediction: Malaga win 2-0