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It’s the final weekend of LaLiga 2024/25. At the bottom, we’re left with Espanyol and Leganes trying to avoid the final relegation place, and they’re both at home to already-relegated teams on Saturday. There are also two European places still up for grabs, with Celta Vigo, Rayo Vallecano and Osasuna battling for them. Here are our LaLiga predicted lineups for matchday 38.

LaLiga predicted lineups – Matchday 38

Friday 23rd May 2025

21:00 – Real Betis vs Valencia

It’s hard to see many of the best Real Betis players playing the full 90 minutes in this game, with next week’s Conference League final now the only real focus for Manuel Pellegrini’s side who are guaranteed to finish 6th in LaLiga. Isco and Antony both only made the bench last time out, and we could see both get somewhere between 30 and 60 minutes here, but it’s unclear whether either will start. Youngster Angel Ortiz and third-choice keeper Guilherme Fernandes are among those who could feature. Fran Vietes, Giovani Lo Celso and Johnny Cardoso are among eight confirmed absentees.

Real Betis predicted lineup: Adrian – Rodriguez, Mendy, Bartra, Ortiz – Altimira, Carvalho – J. Rodriguez, Isco, Abde Ez – C. Hernandez (4-2-3-1)

Valencia are no longer fighting for anything, so we could see a degree of experimentation from Carlos Corberan. It’s very possible that next season’s likely number one Stole Dimitrievski will get the nod in goal, with the Valencia boss potentially focusing on players who will definitely be at the club next season. If he does go that way, Enzo Barrenechea and Umar Sadiq may also drop out, but this is one of many final weekend XI’s that is tough to read, with a number of younger players also likely to come into consideration.

Valencia predicted lineup: Dimitrievski – Gaya, Diakhaby, Tarrega, Mosquera – Guerra, Pepelu – Jaime, Almeida, F. Perez – Duro (4-2-3-1)

Saturday 24th May 2025

16:15 – Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad

It’s a goodbye to Carlo Ancelotti and a Bernabeu goodbye for Luka Modric on Saturday, with the Croatian still set to feature at the Club World Cup before departing the club. Lucas Vazquez is in the same situation and both should start against Real Sociedad. Los Blancos are still hampered by some significant selection issues, with Antonio Rudiger, Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, Eduardo Camavinga, David Alaba, Ferland Mendy, Endrick and Rodrygo all out. Vinicius Junior is rated doubtful. Andriy Lunin could potentially get the nod in goal, although that has not been confirmed by Ancelotti.

Real Madrid predicted lineup: Lunin – F. Garcia, Jacobo, Vallejo, Vazquez – Valverde, Tchouameni, Modric – Brahim, Mbappe, Guler (4-3-3)

Real Sociedad are no longer playing for anything, and their boss Imanol Alguacil said his goodbyes at the Reale Arena last weekend with a 3-2 win over Girona. It would be very much Imanol’s style to name a starting lineup consisting solely of academy graduates in this game, with his willingness to promote youth the defining legacy of his time in the top job. Orri Oskarsson, Nayef Aguerd and Sheraldo Becker miss out due to injuries.

Real Sociedad predicted lineup: Marrero – Muñoz, Martin, Zubeldia, Elustondo – Zubimendi, Olasagasti, Marin – Barrenetxea, Oyarzabal, Mariezkurrena (4-3-3)

18:30 – Leganes vs Real Valladolid

Leganes need to win this game to stand any chance of survival, and there’s no doubt that Borja Jimenez will be going as strong as possible here. There’s still a fair amount of uncertainty though, with Valentin Rosier, Yvan Neyou, Matija Nastasic, Darko Brasanac and Munir all rated doubtful due to injuries. Their final starting XI will depend considerably on which of those players are deemed fit by Saturday.

Leganes predicted lineup: Dmitrovic – J. Hernandez, Saenz, Sergio – Cruz, Tapia, Cisse, Altimira – O. Rodriguez, Raba – D. Garcia (3-4-2-1)

With just one point in their last 18 matches, Real Valladolid have been as bad a team as we’ve seen in LaLiga, certainly in the 21st Century. They’ve been playing for pride for a number of weeks now, with their caretaker boss Alvaro Rubio doing his best to get some life out of this limited squad. Rubio may make light changes from the side that lost to Alaves last weekend here, but a radical overhaul is not expected.

Real Valladolid predicted lineup: Hein – Aznou, Ozkacar, Comert, Candela – Amallah, Nikitscher – Moro, Anuar, I. Sanchez – Latasa (4-2-3-1)

18:30 – Espanyol vs Las Palmas

It’s five defeats on the spin for Espanyol who have plunged back into relegation trouble, having looked as safe as could be only a few weeks ago. Despite that run, Manolo Gonzalez is still largely expected to keep faith with his regulars here, for a game they’ll need to win to survive assuming Leganes defeat Real Valladolid at Butarque. Marash Kumbulla is the only significant selection absentee, with the centre-back suspended. Leandro Cabrera is back from a ban of his own and should take his place.

Espanyol predicted lineup: J. Garcia – Romero, Calero, Cabrera, El Hilali – Gonzalez de Zarate, Lozano, Exposito – Puado, R. Fernandez, Jofre (4-3-3)

Las Palmas have also lost their last five, and they will be playing Segunda Division football again next season, with their relegation confirmed on matchday 36. Diego Martinez is missing the suspended Jose Campaña for this game, while Stefan Bajcetic is an injury doubt and may not feature. The Las Palmas boss could make one or two surprise calls again, with some fringe players perhaps due some more minutes.

Las Palmas predicted lineup: Horkas – Marmol, McKenna, A. Suarez, Rozada – J. Muñoz, Loiodice – Moleiro, Fuster, M. Park – McBurnie (4-2-3-1)

21:00 – Getafe vs Celta Vigo

Getafe secured safety with a vital win at Mallorca last time out. Jose Bordalas may respond with one or two changes here, as he gives minutes to fringe players, with back-up keeper Jiri Letacek among those pushing for a start. They’ll definitely be missing the suspended Luis Milla, while Alex Sola and Domingos Duarte are both injury doubts.

Getafe predicted lineup: Letacek – Rico, Alderete, Berrocal, Djene – Coba, Arambarri, Terrats, Iglesias – Uche – Mayoral (4-4-1-1)

Celta would have clinched Europa League qualification had they beaten Rayo last time out, but there is a scenario which would see them drop out of Europe altogether on Saturday night. Claudio Giraldez will unquestionably go as strong as possible here, although he’s not a coach with a clear best starting XI, so there’s still not much certainty as to what that will mean. Defenders Carl Starfelt and Jailson are the only injury absentees.

Celta Vigo predicted lineup: Guaita – Alonso, Lago, J. Rodriguez – H. Alvarez, Beltran, Moriba, Mingueza – Alfon, F. Lopez – Iglesias (3-4-2-1)

21:00 – Rayo Vallecano vs Mallorca

Rayo can secure European qualification with a win in this match, so they’ll be another team going as strong as possible on the final weekend. The suspension of Oscar Valentin means there’ll be at least one change from Iñigo Perez, but there may be a few besides that with Pep Chavarria, Aridane Hernandez and Alvaro Garcia all in with a good chance of returning to the starting XI.

Rayo Vallecano predicted lineup: Batalla – Chavarria, A. Hernandez, Lejeune, Ratiu – U. Lopez, Ciss – Embarba, I. Palazon, De Frutos – A. Garcia (4-2-3-1)

After a very bright beginning, Mallorca have faded in the second half of this season, and there’s nothing riding on their final game following their loss to Getafe last time out. Jagoba Arrasate is likely to shuffle his pack as a result. With Leo Roman struggling with an injury, 40-year-old Pichu may even get an opportunity in goal, while at the other end of the age scale, young forward Marc Domenech could feature.

Mallorca predicted lineup: Pichu – Copete, Raillo, Valjent – Lato, S. Costa, Antonio, Morey – Darder, D. Rodriguez – Muriqi (3-4-2-1)

21:00 – Alaves vs Osasuna

It’s job done for Alaves who secured safety thanks to back-to-back 1-0 wins over Valencia and Real Valladolid. Chacho Coudet is likely to hand a few of his back-up players starting roles here, although it’s tough to know which ones will get the nod, as he’ll still likely want to end the campaign in positive fashion at home. Abdel Abqar is sidelined through injury, while Moussa Diarra most likely won’t be risked following a recent fractured nose.

Alaves predicted lineup: Owono – M. Sanchez, Garces, Sedlar, Tenaglia – Benavidez, Jordan – C. Martin, Guridi, C. Vicente – K. Garcia (4-2-3-1)

Osasuna are one place outside the European places, so they’ll really be gunning for victory as they look to leapfrog either Celta or Rayo on the final day. With no fresh selection issues, Vicente Moreno may keep it simple by naming the same XI that defeated Espanyol last time out, although Jon Moncayola is pushing for a recall in midfield.

Osasuna predicted lineup: Herrera – Cruz, Boyomo, Catena, Areso – Torro, Ibañez – Zaragoza, Oroz, Ruben Garcia – Budimir (4-2-3-1)

Sunday 25th May 2025

14:00 – Girona vs Atletico Madrid

We may see some light changes from Girona boss Michel for this essentially meaningless match. Juan Carlos could get an opportunity in goal in what may be his last game for the club, while Juanpe should get a start in central defence. It’s tough to know what he’ll do with his midfield and attack, with many options, but Cristhian Stuani continues to fire in the goals and may lead the line once more.

Girona predicted lineup: Carlos – Blind, Krejci, Juanpe, A. Martinez – Herrera, Solis, Martin – Asprilla, Stuani, Tsygankov (4-3-3)

Diego Simeone is also expected to hand a number of fringe players starts in this game. That may include the likes of Juan Musso, Cesar Azpilicueta and Angel Correa, with the expectation currently being that we may see a virtual second-string lineup from Los Rojiblancos at Montilivi. That may at least give Antoine Griezmann another starting opportunity as he attempts to push for a starting role at the upcoming Club World Cup, while Conor Gallagher may feature in central midfield.

Atletico Madrid predicted lineup: Musso – Azpilicueta, Lenglet, Witsel, Molina – Lino, Koke, Gallagher, Riquelme – Correa, Griezmann (4-4-2)

16:15 – Villarreal vs Sevilla

Villarreal clinched Champions League qualification on matchday 37, so the pressure is firmly off for Marcelino’s side here. They’ll have to cope without Ayoze Perez in this game due to injury, so we should see Thierno Barry return up top. Diego Conde is one of a number of back-up players hoping for a starting role, and we may see a starting XI that features a mixture of fringe players and regulars. Alex Baena should start in what may prove to be his final game as a Villarreal player, with Atletico Madrid currently leading the race for his signature.

Villarreal predicted lineup: Conde – Pedraza, Kambwala, Foyth, Navarro – Baena, Gueye, Comesaña, Buchanan – Barry, G. Moreno (4-4-2)

Sevilla had Isaac Romero and Loic Bade sent off against Real Madrid last weekend, so they’ll both miss this game, another one that falls into the ‘meaningless’ category. Joaquin Caparros is likely to make a few other changes too, with Alvaro Fernandez hoping to get an opportunity in goal, while young centre-back Ramon Martinez may start in defence. The midfield will depend on which of Saul Ñiguez, Djibril Sow and Albert Sambi Lokonga can shake off injuries in time to feature.

Sevilla predicted lineup: A. Fernandez – Carmona, Salas, Ramon, Juanlu – Lokonga, Agoume – Lukebakio, Peque, Suso – Garcia Pascual (4-2-3-1)

21:00 – Athletic Club vs Barcelona

Athletic sign off for the season at San Mames just four days on from the Europa League final they desperately wanted to be in, but also with Champions League qualification to celebrate in front of their own fans. Ernesto Valverde should have a full squad to pick from, but he may not risk Nico Williams from the start, with the Spain international only just returning from injury. Oscar De Marcos should certainly play in his final appearance for the club, and it’s likely to be a pretty strong Athletic XI.

Athletic Club predicted lineup: Simon – Yuri, Vivian, Paredes, De Marcos – Jauregizar, Ruiz de Galarreta – Berenguer, Sancet, I. Williams – Sannadi (4-2-3-1)

2024/25 LaLiga champions Barcelona are missing Ferran Torres and Jules Kounde on the final weekend, while they also have a doubt over Ronald Araujo. Hansi Flick went much stronger than expected last weekend, but they still lost to Villarreal, and his team selection in that game points towards another very competitive XI here. Alejandro Balde, Frenkie de Jong and Dani Olmo could all come in, while Robert Lewandowski should certainly lead the line given Ferran’s absence.

Barcelona predicted lineup: Ter Stegen – Balde, Martinez, Christensen, E. Garcia – De Jong, Pedri – Raphinha, Olmo, Yamal – Lewandowski (4-2-3-1)