Prediction: FC Barcelona vs Levante

Verdict: Hosts to score over 2,5 goals – yes

Best Odds: 4/9

Bookmaker: 888sport

FC Barcelona might believe they have their backs against the wall entering this game, and that might not be entirely false. Los Blaugranas already know Real Madrid won earlier this weekend, and now Quique Setien’s men must find a way to leave the three points at home if they don’t have see their title pursuit come to an end. They will take on a Levante side that sit in 13th place. Kick-off for this match has been scheduled at 20:00 GMT.

FC Barcelona

FC Barcelona don’t enter this game in the best run of form, as they have won just two of their last five league matches. That has conspired against their title chances and, if we add Real Madrid’s win over Atletico Madrid on Saturday, then Los Blaugranas currently sit six points behind Los Merengues – albeit with a game in hand. Barcelona once again have the best attack in the league since they have scored 50 goals in only 21 matches, but they have conceded 25 already. To put things into context, only Valencia have allowed more than Barca among Top 6 teams this season. They also suffered a 2-0 away loss at Valencia in their previous league match, meaning things might be not where they want on both ends of the pitch. The loss of Luis Suarez has also been a factor. Can they shake off those problems to secure the win here in front of their crowd?

Team News

Star forward Luis Suarez remains sidelined due to a knee injury. The Uruguay international won’t be Barcelona’s lone absentee, however.

Several other players have been listed as questionable for Quique Setien’s side. The list includes Ousmane Dembele (thigh), Neto (ankle) and Arda Turan (undisclosed injury).

Levante

Levante seem destined for another season of mediocrity. They enter this game in 13th place of the standings with 26 points out of 21 matches. However, it’s safe to say they’re not in their best run of form since they have dropped their last three league matches – including a 2-0 away loss at Osasuna the last time out. Levante have also gone scoreless in each of their last two Liga matches, and their attack has been one of the main reasons why they haven’t been able to move up in the standings on a consistent basis. They have scored 26 goals – only Atletico Madrid and Athletic Bilbao have scored fewer goals among the Top 13 sides in the standings. They have also conceded 32 goals, and that’s the fourth-highest mark among Bottom 10 sides this season. Clearly, things are not working for them on both ends of the pitch.

Team News

Rober has been ruled out of this game due to a knee injury.

To make things even more complicated for Levante, striker Enes Bardhi (thigh) and defender Ivan Lopez (knee) have both been listed as questionable. Neither is expected to feature here, however.

Key Factors to Consider

• FC Barcelona have scored at least four goals in three of their last six home games (all competitions – W4, D1, L1).
• Los Blaugranas have also seen over 2.5 goals scored in three of their last five matches in all competitions. This further enhaces the possibility of  a high-scoring affair.
• Scoring first might be decisive for Levante. They have lost their six away LL matches in which they have conceded first this season.
• There’s been no draw in the last 13 competitive matches between these two sides. Eight of those games ended with over 3.5 total goals.
• Barcelona have won their last 14 matches against Levante at home. They have kept a clean sheet in eight of those games, and they have never conceded over 1.5 goals during that span.

Conclusion

FC Barcelona have won seven of their last 10 home games in all competitions. They have scored multiple goals every time they clinch the win. That’s not going to change here. Expect the hosts to net at least three goals while securing a dominant win.

Verdict: Hosts to score over 2,5 goals – yes

Best Odds: 4/9

Bookmaker: 888sport