Here are our La Liga picks for Friday 18 September 2026. Our model likes 6 bets here. The one it likes most is Sevilla +2 Goal Handicap, priced at -105 when we wrote this. Here is the thinking behind each pick, in plain English.
Odds available at DraftKings at time of publishing
As Sevilla prepares to host Barcelona, there’s a compelling case for backing them with a +2 handicap. While Barcelona boasts an impressive away record, winning all five of their last matches, Sevilla has quietly built some momentum at home, with a recent 3-1-1 record. They’ve kept their defensive shape, conceding just 1.2 goals on average at home, while their xG stats suggest they can create chances against a Barcelona side that may be a touch overconfident. Sevilla’s ability to apply pressure at home, averaging 16.2 shots over their last five home matches, hints at potential for goals. Plus, they’ve historically performed well against Barcelona, even if recent head-to-heads haven’t favored them. At this handicap, Sevilla could very well keep the match tight, making it a worthwhile wager as they look to capitalize on their home advantage.
AC Milan vs Lecce: Lecce +1.75 Goal Handicap (-120)
Odds available at DraftKings at time of publishing
As AC Milan gears up to face Lecce, the recent form hints at a compelling opportunity for bettors. Milan's home record has been shaky, with two wins and three draws in their last five matches, averaging just 1.6 goals. In contrast, Lecce arrives with a commendable away record, boasting three wins from their last five outings and a solid defensive stance. They’ve managed to keep games tight, conceding only 0.8 goals on average away from home. What's striking is Milan's historical dominance over Lecce, winning their last five encounters. However, the Rossoneri's recent inconsistency at home creates a window for Lecce to perform above their usual expectations. Given Lecce's strong resilience, betting on Lecce +1.75 presents an enticing chance, especially as they aim to disrupt Milan's rhythm.
AC Milan vs Lecce: Lecce +2 Goal Handicap (-169)
Odds available at DraftKings at time of publishing
As AC Milan hosts Lecce, it's worth examining the recent trajectories of both teams. Milan's home form has been shaky, managing just a 2-2-1 record in their last five outings, while they’ve averaged only 1 goal per game at home, coupled with an xG that suggests they're struggling to create real chances. Lecce, on the other hand, is riding a wave of confidence on the road, with a 3-0-2 run, scoring 1.4 goals per game away from home. Their last five encounters against Milan have been a tough pill to swallow, but this season, they seem to have the momentum. Given Milan's defensive vulnerabilities and Lecce's ability to find the back of the net, a handicap of +2 for Lecce appears promising. It’s a compelling opportunity to capitalize on Lecce's form while Milan looks to find its footing.
Sevilla vs Barcelona: Sevilla +1.75 Goal Handicap (+115)
Odds available at DraftKings at time of publishing
In this riveting La Liga clash, Sevilla faces a daunting Barcelona side, but recent trends suggest an intriguing angle. Sevilla's home form, boasting a 3-1-1 record over their last five matches, showcases their resilience at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán. They average 1.6 goals while conceding just 1.2, indicating a solid defensive setup. Meanwhile, Barcelona's impressive away streak of five straight wins is countered by the fact that they haven't always looked invincible against Sevilla, losing four of the last five encounters. Sevilla's typical game plan—gritty defending mixed with counter-attacking flair—could exploit any complacency from the visitors. Given Sevilla's ability to keep games tight and their recent xG numbers, taking Sevilla +1.75 on the handicap feels like an astute bet, especially as they aim to reclaim some pride against a Barcelona side that may underestimate them on the road. Expect a fiercely contested match.
Udinese vs Cagliari: Over 9.5 Total Corners (+155)
Odds available at FanDuel at time of publishing
As Udinese prepares to host Cagliari, the landscape suggests a lively encounter, particularly when it comes to corners. Over their last five games, Udinese has averaged a commendable 14.4 shots at home, translating to 2.4 corners per match. Meanwhile, Cagliari, despite their strong form away with four wins in five, has also contributed significantly to corner tallies, averaging 1.4 corners per away match. With both teams adopting an attacking mindset, and with Udinese's tendency to concede an average of 1 corner more than they earn, it’s reasonable to expect a flurry of corner kicks. Given their recent form and the stakes of a Serie A clash, betting on over 9.5 corners feels like a compelling opportunity. This match has the potential to exceed that mark as both teams look to exploit weaknesses in each other's defense.
Monza vs Sassuolo: Sassuolo -0.25 Goal Handicap (+115)
Odds available at DraftKings at time of publishing
As Monza prepares to host Sassuolo, the recent form paints a challenging picture for the home side. Monza's last five outings have shown them struggling, managing just a single draw and an alarmingly low average of 1.2 goals scored per match. Their defense has been porous, conceding an average of 2.6 goals, which starkly contrasts with Sassuolo's more balanced performance—averaging 1.6 goals while conceding 1.6. Historically, Sassuolo has dominated this matchup, winning three of the last five encounters. While they're not without their flaws, their recent away form, although inconsistent, offers a glimmer of hope. With Monza's home woes—winless in their last five and averaging just 0.8 goals—the bet on Sassuolo -0.25 seems prudent, especially with the odds suggesting a slight edge in their favor. Expect Sassuolo to capitalize on Monza’s struggles and potentially secure a vital victory.
That is the model's read on today's La Liga card. Prices move, so check the price at your bookmaker before you back anything. And if a game does not feel right to you, the strongest move is to skip it -- there is another one tomorrow.
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