Racing Santander: Barcelona
Last year’s La Liga title winners will play on the road to start off this season and the club will play against one of the more mediocre offenses from last season in Racing Santander. Racing only had one player surpass double digit goals last season and finished the season with a disappointing 16th ranking in the table. Barcelona, on the other hand, has only gotten stronger this off season offensively with the addition of Spanish World Cup star David Villa. The offense is expected to score early and often and they most certainly will.
Final Pick: Barca 5-0
Mallorca: Real Madrid
Mallorca was one of the strongest teams last season at home only dropping points in four matches out of nineteen. And this year despite the tough start, the club looks to fend off a potential powerhouse club and improve on their fifth place ranking from last season. Real Madrid enters the match with plenty to debate, but the most interesting tale is obviously the debut match of Mourinho. The treble winning coach in Italy begins his new era in La Liga this weekend with a nice victory.
Final Score: 3-0 Real Madrid
Guranteed Pick Not Named Barca or Real Madrid
Atletico Madrid: Sporting Gijon
Winners of the European Super Cup over Inter earlier in the week and including two of the best strikers in La Liga this season looks to be better then last for our hosting squad of Atletico Madrid. And today they face a 15th place squad from last season that only won two road matches all of last season. Looks like a better start then last season for Forlan and the boys.
Final Pick: Atletico Madrid 3-1
Malaga:Valencia
The toughest match of the week to pick considering Valencia’s key departures this summer, but Malaga barely survived the league table last season with a 17th place finish and Valencia still has several valuable members of a top four squad from last season. The road match could factor into a tie, but I think Valencia will start off of the season on a good note.
Final Score: Valencia 2-1
photo credit: Eric Caballero
