THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY

LEVANTE Trying to predict a Levante season is a seemingly impossible task. Last season the club recorded away wins at both Real and Atletico Madrid whilst also going on to take only three points from their final eight games. The potential is there but can head coach Paco Lopez capitalise on it? With Roberto Soldado the only significant signing to date the club is relying heavily on last season’s squad but with a 4-3-3 formation and good blend of experience and youth, expect Levante to punch above their weight. REAL MALLORCA At his first attempt, Luis García Plaza guided Real Mallorca back to the top flight after a runners-up spot in the Segunda Division. Survival is clearly the aim for Los Piratas although they will have to do it without Ante Budimir, who has made his loan move to Osasuna permanent. Angel Rodríguez and Jaume Costa both signed on a free add much needed experience for a side who could end up finding this a long campaign. O er Real Mallorca 17th now and they will snap your hand o . OSASUNA A strong campaign last season has left plenty of optimism in the Osasuna camp and for a number of reason. Firstly, Ante Budimir has made his loan signing permanent and repeat of his 11 goals last term will be very welcome. Secondly, the future looks bright as Javi Martinez and Kike Saverio have been promoted from the youth ranks. Formation is key for manager Jagoba Arrasate with a rumoured 4-3-3 going to be the approach as the Gorritxoak target possible European qualification.

RIGHT, BOTTOM: Osasuna's striker Ante Budimir celebrates after scoring the 1-0 lead during the Spanish LaLiga soccer match between CA Osasuna and Cadiz CF

LAST SEASON FINISH: 14TH PROMOTED TO LA LIGA LAST SEASON FINISH: 11TH

RAYO VALLECANO Rayo Vallecano may have caught themselves out a little bit after just sneaking into the Segunda Division top six and then earning promotion via the playo s. A lack of preparedness has left Los Franjirrojos facing something of a mountain in their quest for survival with a lack of top flight experience in the squad. Head coach Andoni Iraola has managed to bring in talented 21-year-old left-back Fran Garcia from Real Madrid but one does feel Vallecano will be occupying the bottom three come the season’s end.

PROMOTED TO LA LIGA REAL BETIS Manuel Pellegrini has helped return Real Betis from mid-table mediocrity to the Europa League. Sixth place last season can be built on this campaign, although an identical season to last will likely be the aim. European football may impede their progress, however they have managed to bag talented goalkeeper Rui Silva on a free and last season’s loan signing Juan Miranda is now at the club on a permanent deal. Betis will be tough opponents and a top 10 finish beckons for Los Verdiblancos.

LAST SEASON FINISH: 6TH REAL MADRID This season may be similar to Barcelona’s and approached as something of a transition although anything other than the title will still be viewed as a disappointment. Carlo Ancelotti is back as coach but stalwart Sergio Ramos is out, as is Raphael Varane. However, the signing of David Alaba on a free is a shrewd move. The question mark remains over Gareth Bale and Eden Hazard. If they can get back to full fitness, then Los Blancos could take some stopping, and a return to the top of the table is what Madrid want. If not, and they struggle domestically, then Ancelotti could find himself in trouble and looking to the Champions League to save him.

LAST SEASON FINISH: 2ND

ABOVE, LEFT: Real Madrid’s question mark remains over Eden Hazard

ABOVE, MIDDLE: Carlo Ancelotti left Everton to return to Real Madrid six years after he was sacked

DID YOU KNOW?

Sevilla have won their two opening league games during three seasons in a row for the first time ever.

Celta Vigo captain Iago Aspas Flag of Spain has played more games at El played more games at El Sadar without scoring than Sadar without scoring than at any other stadium in his at any other stadium in his entire career. Real Madrid have beaten Levante the most times of any away side in La Liga history (11). Furthermore, only Barcelona (40) have scored more away goals against Levante than Real Madrid (29) in the competition.

REAL SOCIEDAD Last season was a campaign to remember for Sociedad after a fifth-place finish and victory in the Copa Del Rey drew many plaudits. La Real have been on an upward curve for the last few seasons now and may spy an opportunity if one of the big three slip up. There has been little action in the transfer market, though, with just Diego Rico and Mathew Ryan coming into the fold. But another top six battle looks on the cards and a shot at the top four not out of the question.

LAST SEASON FINISH: 5TH SEVILLA Sevilla once again showed signs of progression last term with a club record point score in La Liga. Unfortunately, it was not enough to break into the top three with Los Nervionenses having to settle for fourth. Julen Lopetegui’s side will target one place better, but they will have to do it without Bryan Gil after a part exchange deal that saw Erik Lamela come into the camp. Smart transfer business though is the key to Sevilla’s success and the squad will be very similar to last with a top four the minimum expectation.

LAST SEASON FINISH: 4TH

VALENCIA Los Che have been looking over their shoulders recently with player sales and financial woes. Despite this, Valencia steadied the ship and finished comfortably mid-table last term and in truth, not a lot more is expected unless a number of players from the youth ranks step up to the plate. Former Getafe coach Jose Bordalas is the new man in charge which may help breathe new life into a club never far from plenty drama.

LAST SEASON FINISH: 13TH VILLAREAL Victory in last season’s Europa League and with-it qualification to the Champions League has suddenly made the Yellow Submarine an attractive prospect. Players think it too with the club capturing defender Juan Foyth and Reims forward Boulaye Dia to bolster both attack and defence. Unai Emery’s Villarreal won’t shout about it, but they will have lofty expectations and will look to move into the top six whilst upsetting one or two of the big boys along the way.

LAST SEASON FINISH: 7TH

Erik Lamela is the first Sevilla player in the 21st century to score in each of his first two La Liga outings.

Osasuna have started a LaLiga season with two goalless draws in their opening two games for the third time, following the 1986/87 (16th at the end) and 2007/08 (17th) campaigns.

ABOVE, LEFT: Villarreal striker Gerard Moreno is the league’s most dangerous forward

ABOVE, RIGHT: Unai Emery won’t shout about it, but Villarreal will have lofty expectation

RIGHT: Rodrigo De Paul reacting during a La Liga game

TOP LA LIGA PICKS

There is an opening for someone to become the new face of La Liga now that Lionel Messi has moved to Paris SaintGermain. Can one of Ian Waterhouse’s picks fill the void?

SERGIO AGUERO Sergio Aguero left Manchester City after a glittering career in which he won everything domestically and now slots into the ranks at Barcelona. With Lionel Messi out the door, firepower is critical and Aguero will be relied upon along with Antoine Griezmann – when he returns to the fray from injury.

SERGIO ARRIBAS Young midfielder Sergio Arribas is no doubt a rising star among the Real Madrid ranks and made a handful of impressive appearances under former head coach Zinedine Zidane. Expect the stylish player to build on his experience under Carlo Ancelotti with a number of first team starts and multiple cup appearances.

RODRIGO DE PAUL For five seasons, goalscoring midfielder Rodrigo De Paul was one of the star men of Serie A and certainly Udinese’s golden boy. Now the Argentinian has joined compatriot Diego Simone at Atletico Madrid and it looks like a match made in heaven.

MIKEL OYARZABAL Despite still only being 24, Real Sociedad winger Mikel Oyarzabal has made over 200 league appearances for the La Real. Oyarzabal scored the winner for the Basques in the Copa Del Rey final and is a crucial part of the club’s recent resurgence and that is expected to continue this season too.

GERARD MORENO Gerard Moreno’s goalscoring exploits are a huge reason why Villarreal are troubling the top six rather than the bottom half. Moreno’s 23 goal return last season was only bettered by Messi and all eyes will once again be on the Yellow Submarine’s all-time leading goal scorer.