17 December 2019, by: Carl Lewis
Barcelona v Real Madrid: El Clasico Betting Guide
Despite their UEFA Champions League disappointment at the hands of Manchester City at the Bernabéu, Real Madrid are rated as favourites for their clash with Barcelona at the same venue this Sunday.
Los Blancos are paying 1.15 to win with Barcelona priced at 2.10 and a draw at 2.60.
Real Madrid squandered a 1-0 lead to lose 2-1 to Manchester City in their Champions League last 16 first leg.
Following a 2-2 draw with Celta Vigo and 1-0 loss to Levante prior to the Champions League defeat, this is hardly an ideal time for them to be coming up against Lionel Messi.
The Argentine wizard scored four times as Barca beat Eibar 5-0 in their last La Liga game. His overall league tally this season stands at 18 goals and 12 assists.
As impressive as the numbers are, this has not been Messi’s or Barcelona’s best season. His public dispute with sporting director Eric Abidal prompted speculation of a looming exit, although Messi has done his best to play this down.
Barcelona nevertheless find themselves top of the La Liga table despite having dropped 20 points in 25 games. They are also well-positioned to reach the Champions League quarter-finals, but would have hoped for more than a 1-1 draw away to Napoli in their last 16 first leg.
The Blaugrana are set to have both first-choice full-backs out against Real Madrid in Sergi Roberto and Jordi Alba. This means starts are likely for Junior Firpo and Nelson Semedo, but at least they will not have to block out the injured Eden Hazard.
At the other end, Luis Suárez remains out injured along with Ousmane Dembélé. Emergency signing Martin Braithwaite will be the wildcard for Quique Setién.
In a boost for the Barcelona backline, it appears from reports coming out of Catalunya that Gerard Piqué will be fit to play.
The last Clasico, a drab 0-0 draw, was a fairly good indication of the state of Spain’s two falling giants.
With big odds on another draw, this seems the logical outcome between two uninspired sides with plenty to lose.
2019 Barcelona 0 : 0 Real Madrid
2019 Real Madrid 0 : 1 Barcelona
2019 Real Madrid 0 : 3 Barcelona
2019 Barcelona 1 : 1 Real Madrid
2018 Barcelona 5 : 1 Real Madrid
2018 Barcelona 2 : 2 Real Madrid
2017 Real Madrid 0 : 3 Barcelona
Real Madrid are undefeated in their last 12 home matches (LaLiga).
Barcelona have won their last 4 matches (LaLiga).
Barcelona have won 6 of their last 7 away matches against Real Madrid in all competitions.
Barcelona have kept a clean sheet in their last 3 away matches against Real Madrid in all competitions.
BET: EL CLASICO Draw, 2.60
– Anytime goalscorer: Lionel Messi, 1.15
– Under 2.5 goals, 1.35
– 1-1 correct score, 5.25
Prediction: 1-1 Draw
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