Fantasy Recommendations J25: Block-by-Block Analysis

Athletic Club - Elche

At first glance, it’s an ideal setting to trust the home team, who are improving their form. You can practically start any Athletic player you have in your squad. It’s true that the Lions have been struggling to keep a clean sheet, but if the Vivian-Laporte pairing returns, we’ll gain reliability. For Elche, we know they suffer away from home; I would only bet on occasional options like Febas, Valera or some of their forwards.

Real Sociedad - Oviedo

Clear home favoritism. Matarazzo’s side has been improving their play a lot, so any txuri-urdin player you have should go straight into the starting eleven. As for Oviedo, I would try to avoid starting their players unless you have no better alternatives on the bench. At most, patches like Viñas or Chaira.

Real Betis - Rayo Vallecano

Another match of clear home dominance? It might seem like it, but watch out: Rayo comes with morale through the roof after thrashing Atlético 3-0. I expect a very close match where we can use players from both sides. If you have Abde, Antony, Fornals, Marc Roca, Isi, Akhomach, De Frutos or Ratiu, they are definitely startable.

Osasuna - Real Madrid

A key match where the whites shouldn’t rotate excessively if they want to maintain the lead, although players like Tchouaméni or Mbappé might rest thinking of the Champions League return leg. I expect a game with many attacks, ideal to start offensive profiles from both teams. The goalkeepers will have a lot of work, so both Courtois and Sergio Herrera (coming off a great match) are essential this round.

Atlético de Madrid - Espanyol

After the wear and tear and the draw in the Champions, I foresee quite a few rotations in Cholo’s starting eleven thinking about the return leg. Even so, Espanyol is dragging poor form, so I don’t recommend starting anyone from the Pericos except out of strict necessity. It smells like a low-score match in favor of the locals. We can put Atlético players, but accepting the risk of ending up with a "duck egg" due to rotations.

Getafe - Sevilla

Bordalás’ team is in great form. This is a match to back the home block: all Getafe players you have should go into the starting eleven. Sevilla might resist Getafe’s surges, but it’s not the best scenario to start several of their players. You can try your luck with Kike Salas, Gudelj or Akor/Maupay, but not much more.

FC Barcelona - Levante

A very favorable match for the blaugranas against a Levante that is down and out. Although Barça has been struggling to keep a clean sheet, you have to trust and start all the culés you have available. I would stay completely away from the visitors; I would only put in a Carlos Álvarez if you have no other choice.

Celta - Mallorca

The celeste side comes off a European match, which will directly influence Giráldez’s rotations in the league. If he rests players during the week, here we will see his star eleven; if not, you’ll have to be careful. From Mallorca, you can start options without fear, as I foresee a fairly even match. Players like Muriqi, Virgili, Darder or Samu Costa can perform very well.

Villarreal - Valencia

Even though the Yellow Submarine played midweek, I don’t expect a revolution in the lineup. It’s a match of full confidence for the locals, where I would start any player you have (although the risk of conceding is always there). On the ché side, I would avoid starting players at all costs. As last resources, Lucas Beltrán or Ugrinic.

Alavés - Girona

A true "patch match." Both teams have been competing well in recent weeks, which allows us to leverage assets from both sides, from defense to attack. I expect a tight result between two squads that play very direct football.

And that’s it for my block-by-block recommendations for J25. Remember this is a guide to help you read which scenarios are most favorable when setting up your lineups. You can also follow me on my social media (Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube) where you’ll find me as @ropelfantasy! Good luck and until next time, Mister!