Verdict: Over 2.5 goals scored – yes
Best Odds: 4/9
Bookmaker: 888sport
In a very odd situation, Barcelona and Real Madrid will meet for the second time this week. After Los Blaugranas knocked Los Merengues out of the Copa del Rey with a huge 3-0 win midweek, now both sides will play in a thrilling La Liga fixture. Arguably the biggest derby in the world, both sides will aim to clinch three points despite having different objectives on their minds.
Real Madrid
Santiago Solari’s men should be seeking for revenge following the Copa del Rey exit, although that’s not the only thing they should have on their minds. Los Merengues currently sit in third place of the standings with 48 points, and since the fourth-placed Getafe sit nine points behind them, it’s clear Madrid have the second place on their minds. A win here – a result that seems unlikely – could put them above Atletico Madrid while bringing them closer to only six points to Barca. That would certainly make the title race far more interesting, but Real’s recent form at home has not been very good. The hosts are coming off two back-to-back losses at home (across all competitions) and have lost four of their last 10 home matches overall (W6, L4). Certainly that’s not the kind of form they would like to have before facing the league leaders and top team in the competition.
Team News
Los Merengues won’t have two Academy graduates, since both Marcos Llorente (groin) and Nacho (suspended) have been ruled out.
Three other players are doubful, though. These are Isco (back), Raphael Varane (knee) and Luca Zidane (thigh). All three could be available for this one, though.
FC Barcelona
Real Madrid might be struggling at home, but Barcelona have been far better on the road. In fact, Los Blaugranas have been the best team in the league while playing as visitor. They have lost just once in 12 away matches in league play (W8, D3, L1) while securing both the best attack (26 goals scored) and defence (10 conceded) on the road. But Barca’s strong form has not been limited to their road matches. They sit at the top of the Liga standings with 57 points, reached the Copa del Rey final and are also alive in the UEFA Champions League. Ernesto Valverde’s men have dominated the competition with little to no problem, and have lost just twice in the entire league campaign (W17, D6, L2). Playing against Real Madrid will always be special, but they have enough form, depth and ability to secure a huge win against their bitter rivals. For the second time this week, that is.
Team News
Los Blaugranas will be almost at full strength entering this game.
Their lone confirmed absentee will be Rafinha (knee), while Thomas Vermaelen is doubtful due to a calf problem. The Belgian is very unlikely to play.
Key Factors to Consider
- Goals galore! There has been an average of 4.6 goals in the last five top-flight matches between both sides held here.
- Real Madrid have netted the opener in nine of their 12 top-flight home games.
- Eleven of Barcelona’s 25 league outings have ended with over 3.5 goals. That’s the highest tally in the league.
- Los Blancos have won four of their last five league matches. On the other hand, Barcelona have gone undefeated over that span (W3, D2).
- Four of the last five meetings between both sides have ended with more than 2.5 goals. Barcelona have not lost in any of those outings (W3, D2).
Conclusion
Considering both sides need the three points, and the history between these two sides, we can expect a very open match. One that will certainly ended with at least three goals scored.
Verdict: Over 2.5 goals scored – yes
Best Odds: 4/9
Bookmaker: 888sport
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