Sunday's La Liga predictions including Almeria vs. Real Madrid

Cadiz vs. Real Sociedad (Sunday, 4.30pm)

In the opening round of fixtures in the new La Liga season, Real Sociedad will make the trip to Nuevo Mirandilla to take on Cadiz on Sunday.

The visitors finished sixth last season to book a place in the Europa League group stage, while their hosts avoided relegation with a win on the final day.

We say: Cadiz 1-2 Real Sociedad

Cadiz will certainly fight hard this season, particularly on home turf, in their bid to avoid another tight battle for survival, but we see them falling just short on Sunday.

Even without Oyarzabal, La Real have more than enough to hurt their hosts, and, knowing the importance of a winning start, we back Alguacil's side to pick up all three points.

Valencia vs. Girona (Sunday, 6.30pm)

Following their promotion back to Spain's top flight, Girona will travel to take on Valencia in the opening round of La Liga fixtures on Sunday.

The hosts will head into their first season under the management of Gennaro Gattuso after a ninth-placed finish last time around, while their visitors returned to La Liga through the Segunda Division playoffs.

We say: Valencia 2-1 Girona

We expect a closely-fought encounter on Sunday, as Girona come into the season with momentum following their promotion, but we still tip the balance just in the hosts' favour.

Los Che will be desperate to improve after last season, and with Gattuso hoping to bring about an immediate bounce, they should have what it takes to come away with all three points on home turf.

Almeria vs. Real Madrid (Sunday, 9.00pm)

Almeria face a baptism of fire upon their return to La Liga on Sunday, as reigning champions Real Madrid visit the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterraneos in the opening gameweek.

The hosts finished atop the pile in the Segunda Division last term to return to the big time, while Carlo Ancelotti's side conquered both Spain and Europe.

We say: Almeria 0-3 Real Madrid

Keeping hold of Sadiq for the visit of the champions has been of paramount importance for Almeria, but there is only so much the prolific 25-year-old can do against the Spanish and European champions.

Despite their midweek exploits and long journey home, Ancelotti's fully-fit side should have no problem picking up an opening-day win and giving Almeria a harsh dose of reality on Sunday.

> How Real Madrid could line up against Almeria

> Real Madrid injury, suspension list vs. Almeria