Prediction: Eibar vs Barcelona

Prediction: Barcelona win

Best Odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: bet365

The La Liga season is slowly but surely coming to an end, as the Spanish prepare for what is bound to be a really intriguing summer transfer window. There are going to be plenty of comings and goings at the top clubs, but of course, we need to round the season up in style before any of that. Eibar have done well to solidify themselves as a mid-table team over the last nine months or so, but they’ll be facing an uphill battle this weekend in the form of a clash against reigning champions Barcelona.

Eibar

Eibar have been a club on the rise in the last few years, and their ability to infiltrate the top half of La Liga has been pretty inspiring. They don’t have all too much to play for aside from pride in this game, but that can often be one of the greatest motivators of them all. They’ll know that a win over Barcelona (or even a draw) would give them a huge boost heading into the summer, which is when the majority of clubs around them will be strengthening in a big way.

Team News

Alvarez is set to start in place of Oliveira who is injured, with De Blasis and Escalante being tipped to feature.

Barcelona

There’s no getting around the humiliation of Barcelona’s exit from the Champions League at the hands of Liverpool, because they should’ve eased their way through to the final in Madrid. Alas, that didn’t wind up happening, as the spirit of Anfield just proved to be a bit too much for them. They’ve still got the cup final to prepare for, but above all that, we feel sorry for the team that have to face what will surely be a ruthless backlash in response to the loss – and of course, that team is Eibar.

Team News

ter Stegen is out courtesy of an injury meaning Cillessen will finally make an appearance, with Coutinho and Dembele also carrying niggles.

Factors to Consider

• The game will be played at Eibar’s Estadio Municipal de Ipurua.
• Eibar have won two, drawn one and lost three of their last six games.
• Barcelona have won four and lost two of their last six games.
• Eibar have scored three goals and conceded five in their last six games.
• Barcelona have scored eight goals and conceded six in their last six games.

Conclusion

Eibar have done well to get to where they are at this point in the campaign, but we’re not convinced it’ll be enough in the end to get a positive result here. Barcelona may already be champions but they’ve still got the Copa del Rey final to think about, as well as the pain of their Champions League exit to get over. We’re backing them to get the job done regardless of all that, though, because even when Barca aren’t completely at the races, they’re still better than most and that’s just a fact.

Prediction: Barcelona win

Best Odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: bet365