Saturday's La Liga predictions including Athletic Bilbao vs. Barcelona

Alaves vs. Mallorca (Saturday, 4.00pm)

Alaves will look to bounce back from a disappointing 4-1 opening La Liga defeat when they return to action on Saturday, as they play host to Mallorca.

The hosts were comfortably defeated by Real Madrid in the first game of the campaign, while their visitors earned a commendable point in a 1-1 draw with Real Betis.

We say: Alaves 1-1 Mallorca

While they suffered a heavy defeat on the opening day, Alaves showed some positive signs against Real Madrid and face a much more manageable test on Saturday, although Mallorca will present a unique challenge as they come in on a high from promotion and an impressive opening point.

We put these sides on a fairly level playing field and expect both teams to find the net, while we give neither a clear advantage.

Granada vs. Valencia (Saturday, 6.30pm)

Valencia will look to add a second straight win to start the La Liga campaign on Saturday, when they make the trip to take on Granada.

The hosts earned a point on the opening day with a goalless draw against Villarreal, while their visitors began with a 1-0 win over Getafe.

We say: Granada 1-1 Valencia

Both sides were particularly impressive on the opening day, and will both come into Saturday's game with quiet confidence.

We cannot quite split them and predict a low-scoring draw between two teams who have shown themselves to be very solid and disciplined at the back.

Espanyol vs. Villarreal (Saturday, 6.30pm)

Having both drawn their opening game of the season, Espanyol and Villarreal will square off on Saturday in the second game of the La Liga campaign.

In their first game following last season's promotion from the second tier, Espanyol earned a commendable point in a 0-0 draw away at Osasuna, while their visitors were held to a goalless draw at home to Granada.

We say: Espanyol 0-2 Villarreal

Espanyol started with a commendable result last week, but Saturday presents a much tougher test, and we see them falling short.

Despite failing to find the net last time out, Villarreal looked sharp going forward and remain strong at the back, and they should have enough to put their first win on the board against the newly-promoted side.

Athletic Bilbao vs. Barcelona (Saturday, 9.00pm)

Barcelona will be looking to make it back-to-back wins at the start of their 2021-22 La Liga campaign when they travel to Athletic Bilbao on Saturday night.

Ronald Koeman's side opened their season with a 4-2 win over Real Sociedad last weekend, while Athletic played out a goalless draw with Elche in their first fixture.

We say: Athletic Bilbao 1-2 Barcelona

Barcelona are certain to suffer on Saturday evening, and it will be a tough contest for the Catalan giants. Koeman will have been delighted with what he saw from his side on the opening weekend, though, and we fancy Barcelona to shade a close match to pick up another three points.

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