La Liga Predictions & Previews For Matchday 21

Villarreal have struggled of late, trundling to their second loss in as many matches. Defeats to Rayo Vallecano and Elche were incredibly disappointing for Villarreal, and it has seen them fall 22 points behind their next opponents at the top. 

Perhaps most worrying for Villarreal was the fact that their loss to Elche was the latter's first win of the season, with Villarreal the only side they have managed to defeat. 

For Barcelona, life in La Liga is good right now. They have only lost once this season, winning 17 times and drawing twice. They were able to win their last game and move eight points clear of Real, who were stunned by Mallorca last time out. Another win in this one could see Barca extend their lead over Real into double figures. 

Espanyol have struggled this season, and sit in 15th in the table after a less than ideal start. With only four wins across the campaign, Espanyol are only two points clear of Cadiz in 18th, meaning an eighth loss of the season could see them slip into the relegation zone. 

Real Sociedad have been brilliant this season, and they can edge to within three points of Real Madrid with another win. However, they must first bounce back from a shocking 1-0 loss to Valladolid in their last game, with Sociedad tasting defeat for only the fifth time this season. 

The away side have a good record against Espanyol, winning six of their last eight encounters

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Celta Vigo currently sit in 12th in the league after an underwhelming start to the season. Six wins in 20 attempts have come alongside five draws and nine defeats, with their tally of 23 points seeing them just four points clear of Cadiz in 18th. 

Atletico Madrid have been good of late, and they are looking to solidify their place in the top-four, with a Champions League spot for next season their main aim. A 1-1 draw with Getafe in their last match was a disappointing way to drop points, and Atleti now need to bounce back at the first time of asking against a struggling Celta.