Bottom Osasuna looked to haver stopped the rot with a four goal humping of Levante in week 6, but Mendilbar’s side followed that up with a tepid display in their 1-0 loss at San Mamés last time out.
Real Betis are flying high in 6th. They come into this off the back a 2-0 win over Real Sociedad last time round, and have been impressive on the road this year; not just in terms of results, but also performances.
Their key man in the middle, Beñat, earned his first call up to the Spain squad but didn’t see playing time. They don’t have any fresh injuries of concern, though Chica remains out for another month.
If the visitors have been prone to Jekyll and Hyde syndrome, they’ve been improving in that regard. The hosts on the other hand have been resolutely consistent. The more one looks at what happens since, the more week 2’s strong showing against Barcelona appears to be down to the opposition’s failings.
And although they were impressive in beating Levante, that came against opponents fresh from Europa League business- opponents who have also lost every away game this term.
Betis have enough quality to keep the Pamplona club rooted the foot of the table for another week.
Real Sociedad v Atlético Madrid (21:30 CET)
Both sides will take satisfaction from the way they’ve begun the season. Although frequently too negative on the road, Real Sociedad look to be a team coming together with several promising talents in their ranks.
Atlético, powered by Falcao’s goals (or mere presence in the case of the winner against Málaga for all bar Marca) have built on their run under Simeone last season and look like a real team. A win here will lift them back level with Barcelona at the top.
Elustondo and Zurutuza are both absent for the hosts. Atlético are without the Turkish attacking midfielder Arda Turan, so his compatriot Emre is likely to start.
Atleti’s right back Juanfran has come in for a lot of criticism following Spain’s draw against France in midweek. It was he who ultimately ceded possession in the lead up to France’s late equaliser, but some of the barbs have been over the top. In a game where Spain’s midfield was overrun and with Ribery in regal form, who was left horribly exposed after replacing Arbeloa.
The Málaga and Valladolid victories hint at the capacity of this Atleti side to get the job done even when they’ve struggled to get on top of games. In Griezmann and (when on form) Vela, Sociedad have attackers capable of causing most defences problems.
But Atleti’s defence is well drilled & protected. And despite all the plaudits going Falcao’s way, in the likes of Koke, Adrián and even Raúl García off the bench they have a degree of variety and should prevail here.
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