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

Espanyol vs. Elche (Sunday, 1.00pm)

Espanyol welcome bottom side Elche to the RCDE Stadium on Sunday, to kick off the day's LaLiga action.

Los Pericos fell to a narrow defeat at Osasuna on Thursday, while the visitors' winless run was extended to 10 games after a 3-0 battering at the hands of Real Madrid.

We say: Espanyol 1-1 Elche

On paper, Espanyol are the stronger side here, but the situation is becoming increasingly urgent for Elche, who need a victory, and quickly, if they are to avoid being left behind.

After a promising attacking performance at Mestalla, we are backing the bottom side to grind out a result here.

Betis vs. Atletico (Sunday, 3.15pm)

Following disappointing draws for both sides during the week, Real Betis welcome Atletico Madrid to Seville for what promises to be one of the games of the weekend in LaLiga.

The hosts were unable to break down a stubborn Cadiz side on Wednesday, while the visitors were denied a victory in the 92nd minute by their legendary ex-striker, Radamel Falcao.

We say: Real Betis 2-2 Atletico Madrid

We are expecting a fantastic game here, with an electric atmosphere only heightening the drama as two of the most talent-stacked sides in LaLiga go head to head.

Real Betis have been sensational at home of late, but we are backing Atletico Madrid to get something out of this match, given its huge importance in the context of their season.

Girona vs. Osasuna (Sunday, 5.30pm)

Struggling Girona welcome Osasuna to Montilivi on Sunday, hoping to put an end to a miserable run of form in LaLiga.

The hosts were defeated in a dramatic encounter with Almeria on Thursday, while the visitors recorded an important home victory over Espanyol.

We say: Girona 1-1 Osasuna

Osasuna are proving difficult to predict this campaign, but are probably slight favourites heading into this one, given the poor form of the home side.

However, as the need for points becomes increasingly urgent for Girona, we expect that they will be up for the fight and should be able to nick at least a point.

Villarreal vs. Almeria (Sunday, 5.30pm)

Unai Emery's Villarreal welcome newly-promoted Almeria to the Ciutat de Valencia on Sunday, with both sides struggling for consistency in LaLiga.

The hosts were convincingly beaten by Barcelona on Thursday, while the visitors were involved in a thrilling 3-2 win over Girona.

We say: Villarreal 3-1 Almeria

After a tough couple of days, a home tie against newly-promoted opposition is exactly what Villarreal needed, and we expect them to get the job done here.

Almeria are high on confidence and should cause one or two problems going forward, but the hosts should be able to see this one through.

Barcelona vs. Athletic Bilbao (Sunday, 8.00pm)

Barcelona will be bidding to make it back-to-back wins in La Liga when they welcome Athletic Bilbao to Camp Nou on Sunday night.

The Catalan outfit are currently second in the table, three points behind leaders Real Madrid on the same number of games, while Athletic occupy sixth spot, two points behind fourth-placed Atletico Madrid.

We say: Barcelona 3-1 Athletic Bilbao

Athletic have a lot of quality in the final third of the field and will fancy their chances of scoring on Sunday night despite Barcelona's impressive defensive record this season. That said, it is difficult to back against the hosts considering their quality, and we are expecting Xavi's side to secure all three points.

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