⚽ Sportsbet.io ⚽ Spanish La Liga ⚽ Football Pool Discussion Thread 2023/2024

[casperBGD]

My worst La Liga week ever. Only got 1 match right but Real Sociedad had to score so many goals! Dropped to 4th place now in the pool so really hope to get 3 points from the last match game!

Barca losing makes it hurt even more...

Real won because Zidane was given an ultimatum - either next two wins or  lose his position. Money bags  haven't been diffident about removing anybody  else. But still, Barca seems preferable in this season. Apart of that, rumor is Real is having trouble with the money.

i do not think that Barca will end up in the top 2 teams in the league, i have said that before, and been even more convinced after this losing the Real match (expected to be a draw), with this form, i would even think that Champions league will be in question, if there is a better competition, as in Premier league, for example, but could not see four teams in front of Barca, especially cannot see Granada or Cadiz above them, so the list could be two teams from Madrid, Sociedad and Sevilla or Villareal, long shot, but maybe worth a try

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[buwaytress]

Granada. Love you guys last season. Love you guys now so far. Another early season wonder these guys, hope they don't fade like last one. Booked a nice 5/1 upset win yay. Too bad I didn't follow the same in Superbru predictions heh.

Ansu Fati is really impressive and he's getting better by the day, really! Himself and Alphonso Davies are the 2 most young really impressive players I love a lot rn.

I'm still somewhat bittered by Barcelona's loss yesterday, although my only bet on the match was on over 9.5 corners, which hit effortlessly but losing to Real Madrid hurts different, and being at home made it worse. 

Yeah and the way he responds to pressure and crap from the media is so refreshingly mature and chill. I generally don't want to comment too much about him just because, but yeah, Koeman has a gem in his hands, just let him be a kid and don't put the weight of the world on his shoulders -- and I'm sure Messi's happy to take that burden off him for as long as he can.

Oh and I rarely do corners, except as a betbuilder sort of thing. It's OK. Real's not exactly on firm ground themselves.

[tomahawk9]

a 2-1 win for Celta against levante and i'll get my first yellow cap. But this is a clash between teams sitting at the bottom of league table, i expect nothing them lol well, no, i do expect BTTS, this was correct in 7 out of their last 8 meetings in the league (odds at 1.68, not too shabby)

Granada. Love you guys last season. Love you guys now so far. Another early season wonder these guys, hope they don't fade like last one.

as always with these type of teams, don't get your hopes up. As soon as the big teams wake up from their slumber, they'll bulldoze their way through the top. Granada are a good team but lack squad depth, and them competiting in two fronts this time around (league and Europa) could prove to be too big a challenge

[slaman29]

a 2-1 win for Celta against levante and i'll get my first yellow cap. But this is a clash between teams sitting at the bottom of league table, i expect nothing them lol well, no, i do expect BTTS, this was correct in 7 out of their last 8 meetings in the league (odds at 1.68, not too shabby)

Granada. Love you guys last season. Love you guys now so far. Another early season wonder these guys, hope they don't fade like last one.

as always with these type of teams, don't get your hopes up. As soon as the big teams wake up from their slumber, they'll bulldoze their way through the top. Granada are a good team but lack squad depth, and them competiting in two fronts this time around (league and Europa) could prove to be too big a challenge

Well done to you tomahawk, yeah I slipped down a couple of spots in the last round mainly because of my insistence for Barca but I put in a few picks that went against my own wisdom, judging from how funny every team's performance has been. Hope the UCL results make Real shake;)

[casperBGD]

a 2-1 win for Celta against levante and i'll get my first yellow cap. But this is a clash between teams sitting at the bottom of league table, i expect nothing them lol well, no, i do expect BTTS, this was correct in 7 out of their last 8 meetings in the league (odds at 1.68, not too shabby)

Granada. Love you guys last season. Love you guys now so far. Another early season wonder these guys, hope they don't fade like last one.

as always with these type of teams, don't get your hopes up. As soon as the big teams wake up from their slumber, they'll bulldoze their way through the top. Granada are a good team but lack squad depth, and them competiting in two fronts this time around (league and Europa) could prove to be too big a challenge

actually, i expected that Levante will win over Celta, somehow did not expect from Celta to even score in this match
it is true that both-to-score is there in most their meetings, but Celta seems at low level this season, and i expect from Levante to climb the ladder, to be within top 10 teams at the end of the season, will see will that happened

Granada needs much luck to stay where they are currently and they will probably slide some positions, but stay within top 10, IMO

[tomahawk9]

Oi! this thread was buried in the 3rd page, wth? 

Another matchweek kicks off tonight, and two users, #1 and #3 in the Leaderboard, haven't made their picks yet, so here's a BUMP to remind them about the game tonight.

Eibar - Cadiz...i don't know what to expect from this, i randomly picked two numbers from an RNG website and that's it (i got 2-2 lol)

[slaman29]

Not a good start for me at all, but at least I can take comfort that only 3 of you picked the win (well done for exact score webtricks!). I went for 2-2 draw thinking both sides would be attacking a lot. Seems like Cadiz is building up from their Real Madrid win huh!

And this thread needs to pick up come on you Spanish football people!

[webtricks]

Not a good start for me at all, but at least I can take comfort that only 3 of you picked the win (well done for exact score webtricks!). I went for 2-2 draw thinking both sides would be attacking a lot. Seems like Cadiz is building up from their Real Madrid win huh!

And this thread needs to pick up come on you Spanish football people!

Among the newly promoted sides, I personally rate Elche and Cadiz very high. Both sides are better and more-balanced than at least 10-12 Laliga clubs this season and I am pretty sure both of them will end in top 12.

Real just picked an easy win. I thought they would struggle against Huesca's quality resistance but Huesca players weren't in their usual good defensive shape, hence lost with 4-1 scoreline compared to my 1-0 pick.

Barcelona is also playing tonight against Alaves. Alaves was dominant against 10-men Vallodolid last week but I doubt the players have enough quality to match the fire of Barcelona. Although, Barca lost couple of games already this season but the team played exceptionally well mid-week. All the players were clicking (except Griezmann) and pocketed the whole Juve side. Barca was good in El Clasico as well, however, players lost the momentum after penalty and suffered defeat. But I am very positive that Barca will reclaim the title this season especially after the masterclass display against Juventus. And Messi! He's ageing like wine! After international duty (that match against Bolivia), he has once again got his dribbling and passing spark back. He now runs like 25-years old Messi for the whole 90 minutes something that was missing in last couple or three seasons. The only thing he's missing is goals from open-play but once he got his foot right, I am damn sure, he will easily climb to the top of the goal chart, maybe a decent striker signing in winter window can help him play with less responsibilities and greater freedom. That being said, I think Barca will win tonight with 3-0 scoreline.

[buwaytress]

Nice commentary over there webtricks, what do you think of Granada? They made me some good money last season, I didn't have any particular reason to pick them and so far this season as well they've been giving me all right returns (including a recent Europa League upset) but will they end up running out of steam like last season? They've got Europe now too so could even fizzle out earlier.

Messi back indeed, judging from highlights. Back to his impossible-to-stop dribbling!

Don't think anyone saw that Bilbao win coming like that huh!

[webtricks]

Nice commentary over there webtricks, what do you think of Granada? They made me some good money last season, I didn't have any particular reason to pick them and so far this season as well they've been giving me all right returns (including a recent Europa League upset) but will they end up running out of steam like last season? They've got Europe now too so could even fizzle out earlier.

Granada was last season what Cadiz & Elche are this season. Newly promoted, pumped with energy, balanced squad, beaten Messi-less Barcelona on 5th matchday, jumped to the table top - a dream start to the season and fairly rewarded at the end by making to the Europa League. However, this season I am not very impressed by Granada's performance so far. Although they are able to win 4 out of 6 (which looks impressive statistically) but they aren't playing like last-season Granada. Last season Granada was all about dominance, goals and goal attempts. But this season, they aren't controlling the game much and mostly relying on counter-attacks. That Atletico defeat was no fluke you know, team can easily open Granada if try enough. I see them ending anywhere between 7-12 this season. Surely, not top 6 side for me.

Don't think anyone saw that Bilbao win coming like that huh!

I am immensely fascinated the way Lopetegui crafted a champion team out of newly bought Sevilla players but I saw this defeat coming from miles. Sevilla lacks bench depth, playing almost same squad week-in, week-out in La Liga as well as Champions League. You can't expect team to perform at the highest level when you have to play on every fourth day. But I am pretty sure Sevilla will bounce back in LaLiga once Champions League group matches are over. Until then, I am skeptical about their performance in Laliga.


EDIT: Just seen Barcelona's lineup vs Alaves. Messi, Fati, Griezmann and Dembele all four are starting. So are we finally going to see Messi sliding back in full-time midfielder role?

[Trofo]

Don't think anyone saw that Bilbao win coming like that huh!

I had 1:1 and thought finally one correct score when Bilbao equalized 15 minutes before the final whistle, and then they score another one.

@webtricks
I am actually pleasantly surprised with Barca this season. I expected them to have much more problems and they are actually looking very good in most matches. They are a good example how money still isn't everything in football. They paid millions for Dembele and Griezmann and got very little in return while they bought Pedri for peanuts and he is already looking like excellent addition to the squad.

Pjanic had a great game against Juve and I think he deserves more chances in this Barca squad. Busquets is not on his top level at the moment and maybe he needs to be bench warmer for couple of matches.

[webtricks]

@webtricks
I am actually pleasantly surprised with Barca this season. I expected them to have much more problems and they are actually looking very good in most matches. They are a good example how money still isn't everything in football. They paid millions for Dembele and Griezmann and got very little in return while they bought Pedri for peanuts and he is already looking like excellent addition to the squad.

Pjanic had a great game against Juve and I think he deserves more chances in this Barca squad. Busquets is not on his top level at the moment and maybe he needs to be bench warmer for couple of matches.

I think Koeman intentionally starting Busquets in La liga games over Pjanic. The form of young players and new signing have come as a blessing in disguise for him. He now have range of players to select and play a fresh team in champions league compared to Laliga. I won't be surprised if we see Trincao, Dest, Pjanic, Pedri all four starting over Griezmann, Roberto, Busquets and Fati/Dembele on Wednesday against Dynamo Kyiv.

However, one thing is not good. Barcelona is still overdependent on Messi. As a result, Messi has to start every game - maybe potentially injury awaiting his Christmas. After all he's almost 34!

[buwaytress]

So, last night we all raved about Barca pleasantly surprising us, finally coming good, and then we see Pique doing a suicide back pass to Neto... I think Neto shouldn't have been cheeky about it and just cleared the ball wherever, I mean why keepers want to dance around with strikers breathing down their neck I don't understand (yes, I know Alisson does it too haha).

Good thing I didn't Barca any of my parlays last night, seriously.

[Trofo]

I watched parts of the game yesterday and form what I have seen, Barca was actually much better side and should have won the game with couple of goals to spare. They just had some very bad finishes and they gave that away that soft goal in the early stages. That sort of bad days just happen in football and if I was a hardcore Barca supporter I would actually be quite pleased with yesterday performance.

What is actually happening with Ter Stegen? He was among top 3 goal keepers if not the best goal keeper last season. Hopefully he will be back for Barca soon. Neto actually played very well before this blunder yesterday, but Ter Stegen is another level and he would have probably kept out some of the goals conceded this last month.

[slaman29]

However, one thing is not good. Barcelona is still overdependent on Messi. As a result, Messi has to start every game - maybe potentially injury awaiting his Christmas. After all he's almost 34!

At least Griezman shows he can still score and even though Fati didn't get on target he still created chances and had some of his own. Dembele slightly rusty and yeah overall we still need to find a way to get guys like Frankie playing better to reduce the Messi overdependence. Last night we should have won, just a problem with getting the ball into the net. Sigh Barca!

[LTU_btc]

Did anyone watched Valencia - Getafe game? It was fun game to watch. Valencia were leading, but Correia got second yellow card on 56 minute. Then Valencia struggled and Getafe managed to equalize result and finally take a lead on 94th minute. I was happy because I predicted 1:2 Getafe win. But on next attack Valencia player fouled and penalty was given. There was a lot of drama and referee had to show some yellow and red card to Getafe players. And finally on 100th minute Valencia took a point from this game.

[slaman29]

Did anyone watched Valencia - Getafe game? It was fun game to watch. Valencia were leading, but Correia got second yellow card on 56 minute. Then Valencia struggled and Getafe managed to equalize result and finally take a lead on 94th minute. I was happy because I predicted 1:2 Getafe win. But on next attack Valencia player fouled and penalty was given. There was a lot of drama and referee had to show some yellow and red card to Getafe players. And finally on 100th minute Valencia took a point from this game.

No, these games are all happening while I'm in bed but yeah judging from the highlights it looks like it was scrappy and fun at the same time. I think we can all agree Valencia are pointless to bet on this season unless the bookies start making them the big underdogs!

I went down to 6th place right in the middle for the pool. Guess my suckiness is now showing true colors;)

[casperBGD]

Did anyone watched Valencia - Getafe game? It was fun game to watch. Valencia were leading, but Correia got second yellow card on 56 minute. Then Valencia struggled and Getafe managed to equalize result and finally take a lead on 94th minute. I was happy because I predicted 1:2 Getafe win. But on next attack Valencia player fouled and penalty was given. There was a lot of drama and referee had to show some yellow and red card to Getafe players. And finally on 100th minute Valencia took a point from this game.

yeah, it was an intense last ten minutes, or few minutes and a lot of additional time
i had 2:0 for my team, and did not hopped that Valencia will scored second one, but hopped that they will keep 1:0 at the end, but after 1:1 everything fall apart, and it was pretty good that they scored for 2:2, although that was not suited your choice

would not comment on penalty, since i am a fan, so unbiased view is impossible

[Trofo]

Hey guys, new bunch of the games is upon us and I just made my predictions. First game is tonight and more than half of our participants have not made their picks yet. What is keeping you?

I am looking forward to both Barca and Real games this weekend.

Barca is playing against Betis which is very underrated squad for me. I really like Fekir and their old guard of players like Joaqin, they can score against anybody and I am looking to cash in on both to score in this game.

Real is playing away to Valencia. Valencia has been terrible so far and I am thinking on backing Real to win in this match. I am bit afraid since I always lose the ticket when I put Valencia on it but I will give it one last chance here. That was a fair warning to all of you to skip this game and predict something other than Real win

[casperBGD]

Real is playing away to Valencia. Valencia has been terrible so far and I am thinking on backing Real to win in this match. I am bit afraid since I always lose the ticket when I put Valencia on it but I will give it one last chance here. That was a fair warning to all of you to skip this game and predict something other than Real win

would like to call it different, but Valencia does not play good enough this season, to even consider them to be a winner here, Real is not great, but in the La liga they play just enough to be on the top and would probably take points from Mestalla
nevertheless, still hope to see Valencia get better, but just as a fan, and will not put money on this one, even both-to-score does not seem secure, as Valencia could prove it wrong

on the other hand, seems that @1.65 on Sevilla does have value in it, Osasuna is solid team, but far from the one that should not lose in Sevilla, and this has more value than Real at the lower quote @1.55