Monday's La Liga predictions including Villarreal vs. Atletico Madrid

Valladolid vs. Espanyol (Monday, 6.00pm)

Two promoted clubs will lock horns in gameweek one of the 2024-25 La Liga campaign, with Real Valladolid welcoming Espanyol to Estadio Jose Zorrilla on Monday night.

The home side finished second in the Segunda Division last season to secure an automatic return to the top flight, while Espanyol managed to gain promotion via the playoffs.

We say: Real Valladolid 1-1 Espanyol

We are not expecting there to be much between the two sides in the league table this season, and this should be a very close match. It would not be a surprise to see a home or an away win, but we just have a feeling that the points will be shared in a low-scoring draw.

Villarreal vs. Atletico (Monday, 8.30pm)

Estadio de la Ceramica will play host to an intriguing La Liga battle on Monday evening, with Villarreal welcoming Atletico Madrid in gameweek one of the new campaign.

Villarreal finished eighth in La Liga last season to miss out on European football, while Atletico were fourth, meaning that they will once again be present in the first phase of the Champions League this term.

We say: Villarreal 1-2 Atletico Madrid

Atletico's recent record against Villarreal is strong, including a 2-1 victory in the corresponding match last season, and we are backing the same scoreline here, with Sorloth possibly registering against his former club.