WhoScored Tipster: Final Day of the Season in La Liga
Barcelona have long since had the title sewn up in La Liga, but it would be wholly incorrect to call the season done and dusted in the Spanish top flight. On the last day of the season, the final Champions place is still to be decided, with Valencia and Real Sociedad in the running, while at the other end of the table, Deportivo have their fate in their own hands but could still be relegated, with Celta Vigo, Zaragoza and Mallorca all capable of surviving. Drama could well be on the cards, and while it could be a typically unpredictable last day of the season, there are still some trends worth looking at come Saturday evening.
Deportivo La Coruña vs Real Sociedad - Match Preview
In the game with most riding on it, the home side at the Estadio Riazor have to win to guarantee their place in the Primera Division for next season, but they face the league's surprise package in Real Sociedad, who need a win themselves if they are to give themselves any chance of usurping Valencia in 4th spot. Depor's manager, Fernando Vasquez, has already been relegated after failing to beat Real Sociedad on the final day of the season, back in 2001/02 when he was in charge of Las Palmas. Keen to stop history repeating itself, he will have his players well-drilled and ready for the forthcoming challenge.
Since taking charge of Deportivo in February, Vasquez has turned the team's fortunes around, giving them renewed belief that they could survive, after a 7 match unbeaten streak towards the season's finale. At home, they have been particularly impressive, losing only once under Vasquez's guidance - a 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid back in Februay. Motivated by the home crowd as well as the imminent threat of relegation, Depor are good value to avoid defeat here, with the double chance available at 1.50.
Furthermore, Deportivo have scored at least twice in 8 of their last 9 home matches against Real Sociedad, who themselves have netted two or more goals in 8 of their last 10 games in La Liga, with each of their last 5 going over 2.5. Consequently, over 2.5 goals in this game could be a worthwhile bet, also at odds of 1.50.
Sevilla vs Valencia - Match Preview
Last time Valencia beat Sevilla at the Sanchez Pizjuan, they went on to be crowned La Liga champions in 2003/04. A win here will generate success, nothing anywhere near the heights of 9 seasons ago but nonetheless, Los Che would be content with a place in next season's Champions League. To be sure of that, they will need to end their terrible run in Seville, where they have lost 8 of their last 9 visits in all competitions. They may, however, be buoyed by the fact that, having previously lost 6 matches in a row against Los Rojiblancos, they won the teams' meeting at the Mestalla back in January.
Furthermore, Valencia have hit form at just the right time, winning each of their last 4 matches without conceding a single goal since their 4-2 loss at Sociedad seemed to have derailed their hopes of qualifying for Europe's elite competition. Anything but a win would mean a 4th straight season with a regression in points total for Sevilla since picking up 70 in 2008/09, but otherwise, they have very little to play for. Thus, Valencia look well set to end their losing run at Sevilla, and could pick up an all important three points and 5th consecutive league win. Back Valencia to win at odds of 2.15.
Celta Vigo vs Espanyol - Match Preview
Mid-table and having scored only 1 goal in their last 5 matches, it has been clear for a while that Espanyol have very little to play for. Celta Vigo may be glad, therefore, that their must-win final day of the season match is at home to Javier Aguirre's men on Saturday night. Celta have won 7 of their last 9 home games against Espanyol, and with the visitors struggling for goals of late, Celta Vigo are rightly favourites to win.
Both sides have seen 4 of their last 5 matches go under 2.5 goals, and though the home side will go all out for the win, they have only scored 36 goals in 37 games all season and are unlikely to blow Espanyol away. Two goals or fewer can be backed at generous odds of 2.20, and combining under 2.5 goals with a Celta Vigo win - at odds of 3.75 - is an extremely tempting bet.
