Barcelona, the current La Liga league leaders, travel to the Spanish Capital to take on Real Madrid in a tantalizing El Clasico clash at the Bernabeu Stadium this weekend. The Catalans are three points ahead of the Los Blancos, who will be fighting to cut the deficit with a soccer online odds victory this Saturday. Below, we present you, a brief online betting preview of this marquee clash, complete with free soccer picks for your consideration.
As a big reason for hope, though, the Los Blancos now have a cleaner bill of health than against Sevilla, as first-choice shot stopper Keylor Navas should return to goal after missing the Sevilla match. Also, Sergio Ramos, Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez are expected to return to their ranks on Saturday, despite striker Karim Benzema remaining questionable for the upcoming matchup. Added to the talismanic leadership of world star Cristiano Ronaldo, who has netted eight goals in his 11 La Liga matches, the home side should feel very buoyed of their winning chances this Saturday.
Suppose the Argentinian plays and scores on Saturday, he would become El Clasico’s top scorer in the La Liga (he is currently level with Di Stefano, with 14 goals). If Messi misses out, the Catalans will have to resort to their offensive firepower duo of Suarez (has scored six times in his last four games in all competitions) and Neymar (five goals in his last three games for Barca) in the hunt for their road win. The pair have absolutely impressed in the Catalans attack in Messi’s absence, with nine and 11 goals, respectively, in the La Liga this season.
Notably, Barca have won just once in their last five visits at the Bernabeu, something they’ll need to work on to avoid another losing or draw effort. The biggest issues in most of their struggles against Real Madrid have come on the defensive side. Essentially, this means that the visitors will need to forge a plan of stopping the likes of Rodriguez, Ronaldo and Bale from wreaking havoc on the Catalans defense. In this regard, the onus will be on Gerald Pique, Dani Alves and Jordi Alba to lead the defense to a mean performance at the back.
Barcelona @ Real Madrid La Liga Game Information and Online Odds
Venue: Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid Date: Saturday November 21, 2015 Time: 12:15 PM ET TV: Liga BBVA /BT Sport Soccer Odds: Real Madrid +132 Draw +245 Barcelona +157Barcelona @ Real Madrid Betting Preview and Analysis
Betting on Real Madrid
The Los Blancos went into the international break on a losing ground to the Catalans at the top of the La Liga standings, as they were humiliated to a 3-2 away loss to Sevilla, their first loss of the season. The game featured one of the most disappointing displays by the Los Blancos’ defense, which had just conceded just four goals in the entire season prior to the loss. In order to bounce back, head coach Rafa Benitez must prepare his defense for a better showing, give they’ll be facing Barcelona’s incredible striking force, led by Neymar Jr. and Luiz Suarez. This will be very crucial, considering the Catalans have been solid away from home this season, conceding only seven goals in their five away matches, and losing only two of those matches.
As a big reason for hope, though, the Los Blancos now have a cleaner bill of health than against Sevilla, as first-choice shot stopper Keylor Navas should return to goal after missing the Sevilla match. Also, Sergio Ramos, Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez are expected to return to their ranks on Saturday, despite striker Karim Benzema remaining questionable for the upcoming matchup. Added to the talismanic leadership of world star Cristiano Ronaldo, who has netted eight goals in his 11 La Liga matches, the home side should feel very buoyed of their winning chances this Saturday.
Betting on Barcelona
The biggest concern ahead of this contest is whether or not Lionel Messi will make a timely return from his knee injury and feature in the game. The Argentinian has been involved in eight of the last nine Barcelona goals against Real at Bernabeu in all competitions (five goals and three assists). So if Messi makes it to the starting lineup on Saturday, the Catalans will most likely have a great boost to the good work Suarez and Neymar have been doing in his absence.
Suppose the Argentinian plays and scores on Saturday, he would become El Clasico’s top scorer in the La Liga (he is currently level with Di Stefano, with 14 goals). If Messi misses out, the Catalans will have to resort to their offensive firepower duo of Suarez (has scored six times in his last four games in all competitions) and Neymar (five goals in his last three games for Barca) in the hunt for their road win. The pair have absolutely impressed in the Catalans attack in Messi’s absence, with nine and 11 goals, respectively, in the La Liga this season.
Notably, Barca have won just once in their last five visits at the Bernabeu, something they’ll need to work on to avoid another losing or draw effort. The biggest issues in most of their struggles against Real Madrid have come on the defensive side. Essentially, this means that the visitors will need to forge a plan of stopping the likes of Rodriguez, Ronaldo and Bale from wreaking havoc on the Catalans defense. In this regard, the onus will be on Gerald Pique, Dani Alves and Jordi Alba to lead the defense to a mean performance at the back.
Possible Starting Lineups
Real Madrid: Navas, Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo, Modric, Isco, Kroos, Jesse, Bale and Ronaldo Barcelona: Bravo, Alves, Pique, Mathieu, Alba, Roberto, Busquets, Iniesta, Munir, Suárez and NeymarForm Guide
Real Madrid Last Six La Liga Home Games WWDWWW Barcelona Last Six La Liga Road Games WLLWWWBarcelona @ Real Madrid Key Online Odds Betting Trends
- There have been 0 clean sheets in the last 6 meetings between the Catalans and the Los Blancos.
- Both teams have scored at least one goal in the last 6 meetings between the Catalans and the Los Blancos.
- A total of 23 goals have been scored during that period.
- Neymar has been involved in 16 of the last 19 Barca goals in All Competitions (10 goals, six assists)
