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

Betis vs. Girona (Thursday, 6.00pm)

High-flying Girona will round off the calendar year with a trip to the Benito Villamarin for Thursday's clash with Real Betis.

While the visitors go into matchday 18 as the league leaders, Manuel Pellegrini's side are currently sitting in seventh position.

We say: Real Betis 1-3 Girona

Betis have avoided defeat in all eight of their home league matches this season, proving they are a formidable force in front of their own supporters.

However, that record will not scare a fearless Girona side, and after winning eight of their last nine top-flight games, we think the visitors will do enough to claim all three points in Thursday's contest.

Cadiz vs. Real Sociedad (Thursday, 6.00pm)

Real Sociedad will round off a highly successful year when they travel to the Estadio Nuevo Mirandilla for Thursday's La Liga clash with Cadiz.

While the visitors are sitting in the European places, Cadiz are languishing in 16th place and just one point clear of the drop zone.

We say: Cadiz 1-2 Real Sociedad

Having drawn their last four matches, Cadiz have proven to be a tough team to beat in recent weeks, but we think they will fall just short against a Real Sociedad side that has won their previous four away games against the Andalusian club.

Mallorca vs. Osasuna (Thursday, 8.30pm)

Two mid-table La Liga teams seeking to end 2023 on a high square off at Estadi Mallorca Son Moix on Thursday night as Mallorca play host to Osasuna.

Both sides lock horns for the first time since March when they played out a goalless draw in the corresponding fixture last season.

We say: Mallorca 1-1 Osasuna

Only three goals have been scored across the last three meetings between Mallorca and Osasuna, and another closely-fought low-scoring contest could be on the cards on Thursday.

The two teams will view this fixture as a good opportunity to claim maximum points in their quest to climb into the top 10, but considering there is little separate both sides, we believe the spoils will be shared on this occasion.

Alaves vs. Real Madrid (Thursday, 8.30pm)

After watching Alaves lose to La Liga leaders Girona on Monday, Real Madrid will attempt to inflict another defeat on Los Blanquiazules when they travel to Mendizorroza on Thursday evening.

Los Blancos have the chance to rise back to the summit with a victory, while Alaves could move six points clear of the relegation zone if they claim a major scalp on home soil.

We say: Alaves 0-2 Real Madrid

Alaves boss Garcia is seeking major improvements from his side following their below-par performance against Girona last time out, but keeping a rampant Real Madrid outfit quiet on Thursday will be a tall order.

Los Blancos, who will be motivated by the prospect of entering 2024 at the top of the table if they beat Alaves and Girona drop points at Real Betis, should have few problems claiming maximum points at Mendizorroza where they have had plenty of success in recent years.

> How Real Madrid could line up against Alaves

> Real Madrid injury, suspension news vs. Alaves