Prediction: Eibar vs FC Barcelona

Verdict: Away team to win at HT – yes

Best Odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: 888sport

Eibar are riding an impressive form at the moment, and have set their sights on a potential Europa League berth for the upcoming season. However, they will take on a difficult opponent since they will play against FC Barcelona this Saturday. Los Blaugranas sit at the top of the standings and are massive favourites to win the Liga title. Kick-off is scheduled at 15:15 GMT.

Eibar

The hosts have been one of the most surprising teams in La Liga this season. They were expected to fight near the bottom of the standings this year, but they have stunned the world time and time again, and currently sit in seventh place in the standings with 35 points. Their European dream is very much alive since they are just one point adrift Sevilla for a UEFA Europa League berth, and their current form suggests they are on the right track as well thanks to a four-game undefeated run. They are coming off a 1-0 away win at Leganes the last time out, and the team has been playing very well in the past few weeks. But if they want to pull the upset against Barca, then they must tighten things up defensively. Eibar have allowed 34 goals in just 23 matches, and that is not going to cut it when going against the likes of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Philippe Coutinho.

Team News

Eibar will have several absentees ahead of this game. Vukasin Jovanovic (knee), Pedro Leon (knee), Paulo Oliveira (muscle) and Fran Rico (knee) have all been ruled out.

Star striker Sergio Enrich (knee) and goalkeeper Yoel Rodriguez (knee) are doubtful. Both will have to undergo a late-fitness test to determine his availability.

FC Barcelona

Eibar might be on a good run of form, but Barcelona are even better. Los Blaugranas remain unbeaten in the competition (W18 D5) after 23 games and it seems no team in the league can stop them at the moment. They have the best attack (60 goals in 23 matches, averaging almost three goals per game) and the second-best defence (12 goals conceded) in the competition, so they are excelling on both ends of the pitch. One thing to note would be the fact that they are coming off two consecutive draws, but they have a seven-point advantage at the top of the standings so that shouldn’t matter much – at least for now. There is a high chance Los Blaugranas play with an alternative side here, as they will take on Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League next week. Will they be able to take home the three points even if they rest some of their key players?

Team News

Thomas Vermaelen (muscular), Sergi Samper (ankle) and Adrian Ortola (thigh) have been ruled out of this game.

Ousmane Dembele (stomach) is doubtful, but will likely play. And it remains to be seen whether Ernesto Valverde decides to shake things up a bit and rotate the side.

Key Factors to Consider

• Barcelona are unbeaten after 23 matches (W18, D5). They are the only undefeated team in any of Europe’s Top 5 leagues.
• Los Blaugranas also have the best attack in LaLiga (60 goals scored) and the second-best defence (12 conceded). They have scored at least twice in three of their last five matches.
• Eibar are riding a four-game undefeated streak, with two draws and two wins. Those two wins have come in the last two matches.
• Eibar have won four of their last five at home. Meanwhile, Barcelona are coming off a draw against Espanyol (1-1), but register a W9 D3 record away from Camp Nou.
• The head-to-head record gives Barcelona quite an edge. Los Blaugranas have won the last seven matches against Eibar, scoring 26 goals and allowing just four.

Conclusion

Barcelona have two draws and two wins in their last four games, although in those four the half-time result has been a draw.

They need to get a statement win to show they are not going to let go of the top position in the standings any time soon. Therefore, I believe they will have the advantage on the score at half time.

Verdict: Away team to win at HT – yes

Best Odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: 888sport