Saturday's La Liga predictions including Alaves vs. Real Madrid

Mallorca vs. Real Betis (Saturday, 6.30pm)

After winning promotion last season, Mallorca will face a tough test in their opening game back in La Liga, as they play host to Real Betis on Saturday.

The hosts made an instant return to the top flight by finishing second last campaign, while their visitors finished sixth in the top flight to earn European football for the upcoming season.

We say: Mallorca 0-2 Real Betis

Mallorca are faced with a particularly tough test upon their return to La Liga, and we see them falling short in the opening game to a strong Real Betis side.

The Sevilla-based side will go in search of another top-six finish this year, and will be keen to start on the front foot with three points.

Cadiz vs. Levante (Saturday, 6.30pm)

In the first game of the La Liga campaign for both sides, Cadiz will play host to Levante on Saturday evening.

Despite an impressive showing last year, Levante eventually dropped to a slightly underwhelming 14th-placed finish, while their hosts leapfrogged them late in the season to finish 12th.

We say: Cadiz 0-1 Levante

Cadiz did well to avoid the drop last year and will be keen to do the same this time around, thriving on their strong defensive record, but we see Levante having enough quality to kick the season off with a hard-fought win on Saturday.

While they eventually finished below their opponents, Levante were impressive for the majority of last season, and will be keen for a strong start as they go in search of a top-half finish this time around.

Osasuna vs. Espanyol (Saturday, 9.00pm)

Following their promotion back to the top flight last season, Espanyol will kick off their La Liga campaign with a trip to Osasuna on Saturday.

The visitors topped the Segunda Division last season to make an instant return, while their hosts eventually finished 11th in their third straight season in La Liga.

We say: Osasuna 1-1 Espanyol

Osasuna impressed last season, and will be keen to build again this year, while their opponents come in with momentum from last campaign and will be desperate to avoid the drop this time around.

On this occasion, we see the sides sharing the points in a cagey opening affair, despite Osasuna potentially boasting the slightly stronger squad.

Alaves vs. Real Madrid (Saturday, 9.00pm)

Real Madrid will be looking to make the perfect start to their 2021-22 La Liga campaign when they head to Estadio de Mendizorroza on Saturday night to face Alaves.

Los Blancos finished second behind Atletico Madrid in Spain's top flight last term, while Alaves ended the season in 16th position, just four points outside of the relegation zone.

We say: Alaves 1-2 Real Madrid

This is far from a straightforward match for Real Madrid, who have not exactly had the perfect pre-season. Alaves, on the other hand, have played a lot of football over the summer and should be ahead in terms of fitness.

That said, it might be a match where the gap in quality becomes clear in the second half, and we are expecting Ancelotti's side to shade a tight contest on Saturday night.

> How Real Madrid could line up against Alaves

> Real Madrid injury, suspension list vs. Alaves