La Liga season preview: Title odds and top goalscorer market verdicts
La Liga expert Tim Clement provides his assessment of the La Liga outright markets as the action gets under way on Friday night.
Spanish La Liga outright market
Odds: Barcelona 8/11, Real Madrid 6/4, Atletico Madrid 13/2, Bar 100/1
After romping to the title by 14 points last season, it is difficult to consider Barcelona as anything other than odds-on favourites. Andres Iniesta has departed and his replacement, Philippe Coutinho, has already had six months to bed in. Ernesto Valverde remains in charge despite their shock Champions League collapse against Roma while the changes to the playing squad have aimed to strengthen their quality in depth. Yerry Mina, Aleix Vidal and Lucas Digne have departed as Malcom, Arthur and Arturo Vidal have arrived for just over £100m.
However, their main gain is thought to be Real Madrid's loss of Cristiano Ronaldo. The move should pave the way for Gareth Bale to step up as the main man at the Bernabeu and, while his Champions League final heroics proved he has no problem carrying such a burden, a troubling injury record must be a concern. Thibaut Courtois has arrived but it will take another attacking star, perhaps in the mould of Eden Hazard, to really excite the Bernabeu faithful.
2013/14 winners Atletico Madrid are the only other side considered at less that triple-figure odds and have arguably delivered the most ambitious business landing Monaco playmaker Thomas Lemar for £52.7m. Diego Simeone has built the strongest of foundations at the club and, after being hampered by a transfer embargo over the previous summer, might well have added the missing part to his puzzle.
Verdict: Atletico Madrid (13/2)
Top goalscorer market
Lionel Messi 4/7, Luis Suarez 5/1, Antoine Griezmann 6/1, Gareth Bale 8/1, Karim Benzema 20/1, Diego Costa 25/1, Bar 33/1
As Barca cruised to the title, Lionel Messi eased to another Pichichi with 34 goals, eight more than Ronaldo's relatively modest tally of 26. Luis Suarez was one further back so is naturally considered the main competition, while plenty will see value in Bale at 8/1 as he takes on set-piece responsibilities.
However, based on his goals-per-minute ratio of last season, he would have netted 30 times playing every minute and still only reached 33 if you added Ronaldo's three penalties. The injury record is the real concern. The Welshman has averaged just under 20 starts per season over the last three years and will need to solve his problems if he is to match Messi.
Antoine Griezmann is a 6/1 shot after revealing his commitment to Atletico and will be aided by the supply of Lemar. However, with a season back in the capital under his belt, it is perhaps Costa who represents the real appeal at 25/1. The Spain striker netted twice in their 4-2 UEFA Super Cup victory over Real Madrid on Wednesday night as he spearheads a more ambitious looking outfit.
Karim Benzema is slightly shorter odds at 20/1 but it is his team-mate Marco Asensio who offers intrigue at 100/1. The talented Spaniard is blessed with a rocket of a left foot and, while Bale takes centre-stage, should become the apprentice at the Bernabeu.
Verdict: Diego Costa (25/1) and Marco Asensio (100/1)