Spanish La Liga Gameweek 4 Preview & Betting Analysis
Complete Match Previews, Team News & Expert Predictions
September 12-15, 2025
La Liga action returns for an exciting Gameweek 4
After three compelling weeks of action, La Liga 2025-26 has established fascinating early patterns that will shape the narrative heading into Gameweek 4. The division presents a compelling tale of perfect starts, surprising strugglers, and emerging contenders.
Real Madrid and Athletic Club share the summit with identical perfect records - nine points from three games, both maintaining 100% winning records. Real Madrid's superior goal difference (+5 vs +3) gives them top spot, showcasing their clinical efficiency with six goals scored and just one conceded.
The early season hierarchy reveals Barcelona and Villarreal locked on seven points in third and fourth respectively, with surprise package Espanyol completing an unexpected top five. Traditional powerhouse Atlético Madrid languishing in 17th position with just two points.
Real Madrid leads the defensive statistics with only one goal conceded, while Villarreal boasts the best goal difference (+7). The league averages suggest a more defensive start than previous seasons, with 31 goals scored across all teams.
Real Madrid maintain perfect start to the season
Three players share the early lead with three goals each:
Real Madrid
3 Goals
Getafe
3 Goals
Villarreal
3 Goals
Six players trail by just one goal on two strikes each, including Barcelona's Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres, Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior, and Villarreal's Nicolas Pépé.
Lamine Yamal leads assists with two, alongside Luis Milla (Getafe), Etta Eyong (Levante), and Álvaro Rodríguez (Elche). The 17-year-old Barcelona sensation continues to showcase his playmaking abilities.
Kylian Mbappé leads the La Liga scoring charts
Sevilla vs Elche (20:00, Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán)
Sevilla welcome back Swiss winger Ruben Vargas from minor injury concerns, while Nigeria international Chidera Ejuke remains sidelined with muscle problems. Elche boss Eder Sarabia is expected to maintain the same eleven that defeated Levante 2-0.
Sevilla: Poor start with defeats to Athletic Bilbao and Getafe before bouncing back against Girona (LLW)
Elche: Unbeaten start includes draws against Real Betis and Atlético Madrid before breakthrough win over Levante (DDW)
Isaac Romero's physical presence versus Elche's disciplined defensive line will be crucial. Rafa Mir's movement against Sevilla's rebuilt backline could determine the visitors' attacking output.
Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium hosts Friday's opener
Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid (15:15, Estadio Municipal de Anoeta)
Real Madrid remain without Jude Bellingham (shoulder surgery), Eduardo Camavinga (ankle), and Endrick (hamstring). Real Sociedad have no major injury concerns but face a challenging task against the league leaders.
Xabi Alonso's Real Madrid have perfected their high-pressing system, maintaining perfect defensive organization while creating numerous chances. Real Sociedad's possession-based approach may struggle against Madrid's intensity.
Real Madrid have dominated recent meetings, winning four of the last five encounters including a 2-0 victory in their most recent clash. The visitors' superior quality and momentum strongly favor an away victory.
Kylian Mbappé's pace versus Real Sociedad's high defensive line could prove decisive. Midfield control will be crucial, with Real Madrid's experience likely to prevail.
Real Madrid look to continue perfect start at Anoeta
Athletic Club maintain their perfect injury record with all key players available. Their perfect start (WWW) positions them as genuine title contenders alongside Real Madrid.
Nico Williams' pace down the flanks against Alavés' disciplined full-backs will be pivotal. Athletic's home advantage at San Mamés historically proves significant.
Atlético Madrid vs Villarreal (20:00, Riyadh Air Metropolitano)
This fixture promises tactical intrigue between two possession-heavy systems. Both teams have scored in each of their last five meetings, suggesting an entertaining encounter.
Atlético's disappointing start (DDL) belies their quality, while Villarreal's strong beginning (WDW) showcases their European ambitions.
Julián Álvarez's creativity versus Villarreal's organized midfield will determine attacking flow. Tajon Buchanan's scoring threat poses problems for Atlético's defense.
Tactical masterclass expected at the Metropolitano
Barcelona vs Valencia (20:00, Estadi Johan Cruyff)
Hansi Flick's Barcelona have shown attacking fluency with seven goals in three games. Valencia's counter-attacking approach could exploit Barcelona's high line.
Lamine Yamal's creativity versus Valencia's organized defense will determine the game's flow. Robert Lewandowski's movement against Valencia's compact backline remains crucial.
Barcelona's historical dominance suggests comfortable home victory, with 80.8% win rate against Valencia's 46.65%.
Other Sunday Fixtures:
Celta face struggling Girona who have conceded ten goals in three games.
Bottom-placed Levante welcome improving Betis.
Defensive-minded encounter expected at El Sadar.
Lamine Yamal continues to shine for Barcelona
Espanyol vs Mallorca (20:00, RCDE Stadium)
Espanyol's surprising top-five position (WDW) contrasts with Mallorca's struggles (DLL). The home side will look to continue their impressive start to the campaign.
💰 Key Betting Markets & Analysis
🎯 Banker Selections
@ 1.68
@ 1.70
@ 1.75
⚽ Goals Markets
Getafe vs Real Oviedo
Atlético Madrid vs Villarreal
@ 2.00
Osasuna vs Rayo Vallecano
🎯 Both Teams to Score
@ 1.90
@ 1.95
💎 Value Opportunities
@ 1.73
@ 1.80
Expert predictions and betting analysis for Gameweek 4
🎯 Expert Predictions Summary
🏦 Banker Picks
✅ Real Madrid to continue perfect start
✅ Athletic Club home advantage
✅ Real Betis quality over struggling Levante
💰 Value Bets
💎 Elche's unbeaten run to continue
💎 Defensive approach in multiple fixtures
💎 Barcelona's attacking prowess over 2.5 goals
⚠️ Upset Alerts
🚨 Real Sociedad could frustrate Madrid
🚨 Atlético Madrid's poor form continues
🚨 Villarreal away value against big teams
📊 Weekend Outlook
The early season form suggests Real Madrid and Athletic Club's perfect starts will continue, while struggling teams like Girona and Levante face further difficulties. The betting markets reflect realistic assessments, with value existing in defensive-minded selections and backing in-form teams against out-of-sorts opposition.
The race for La Liga glory continues in Gameweek 4
Disclaimer: All betting odds and predictions are for entertainment purposes only. Please gamble responsibly and only bet what you can afford to lose. Odds subject to change.