Prediction: FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid

Verdict: Both teams to score – yes

Best Odds: 11/25

Bookmaker: 888sport

The entire football world will stop for two hours Wednesday as one of the most important derbies in the world, the Spanish Superclasico between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, will be held at Camp Nou. This is a re-scheduled match from Matchday 10, as the game couldn’t be played due to safety issues surrounding Catalunya. This contest will kick off at 19:00 GMT.

FC Barcelona

The team led by Ernesto Valverde enter this game on a thrilling nine-game undefeated streak in all competitions, as they managed to secure a spot in the UEFA Champions League knockout stages during that span. However, Los Blaugranas are coming off a 2-2 draw against Real Sociedad the last time out, so it’s not like they should be happy with their recent performances. The Camp Nou outfit remain at the top of the standings, however, and they pacing the Liga this season with 35 points. They edge Real Madrid solely based on their superior goal differential, as their impressive attacking line (43 goals) mitigates the team’s defensive struggles. For what is worth, Barcelona are undefeated in their last five league matches thanks to a W4, D1 mark over that span and own a +23 goal differential thus far.

Team News

Barcelona should be relatively healthy ahead of this contest, as the lone absentee will be Ousmane Dembele. The French winger is currently dealing with a thigh injury, and he has already been ruled out until next year.

Real Madrid

Real Madrid enter this game on a similar run of form as Barcelona. Los Merengues also are W4, D1 in their last five league matches but they wasted a huge chance to move into the top spot of the Liga standings Sunday. Madrid faced Valencia at Mestalla and couldn’t defeat them, settling for a 1-1 draw but knowing a draw would have allowed them to move past Barcelona. But Real Madrid should remain a dangerous team even if they’re not coming off a win the last time out. They own a +21 goal differential this season – just two goals worse than Barca – but unlike their rivals, they have the second-best defence in LaLiga having conceded just 12 goals. But facing Barcelona is a different story. Are they good enough defensively to stop Lionel Messi and company?

Team News

Real Madrid should be quite depleted when it comes to injuries ahead of this match. Marco Asensio (knee), Eden Hazard (ankle), Marcelo (calf) and James Rodríguez (knee) have all been ruled out through injury. As if that wasn’t enough, Lucas Vázquez is doubtful due to a toe injury and will be a game-time decision.

Key Factors to Consider

• Barcelona have the edge on the H2H all-time record against Real Madrid (W96, D51, L95).
• The Catalunya-based side are on a six-game undefeated streak against Los Merengues (W4, D2).
• Los Blaugranas own the best attack in the league since they have scored 43 goals. Meanwhile, Real Madrid own the second-best defence with only 12 goals allowed.
• Four of the last five league H2H matches have featured over 2.5 goals. Three of those five games have seen both teams scoring.
• Real Madrid are on a five-game away undefeated streak in all competitions (W4, D1).

Conclusion

Real Madrid’s last three away matches and Barcelona’s last three home matches have seen both teams scoring. That same trend has repeated in three of the last five H2H meetings as well. All things considered, we should expect an open game with both sides finding the back of the net.

Verdict: Both teams to score – yes

Best Odds: 11/25

Bookmaker: 888sport