Barcelona, v Real Madrid, Nou Camp, 7pm (live on Sky Sports 1)
THE Special One has now faced Barcelona 10 times and won only once and never at the Nou Camp. This could be a reason why Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid are a biggest 9-2 at BetVictor to win, not bad odds for a side who have picked up 41 points from 48 away from home this season.
A more conclusive reason for Real Madrid’s odds perhaps being on the charitable side is Barcelona’s home record – 15 wins, one draw and no defeats this season. They have suffered just one home defeat in the two previous La Liga seasons.
Barcelona are 4-6 at Ladbrokes and Paddy Power to continue this wonderful record while the draw is 10-3 at unibet but there has only been one in the past nine league meetings.
The last clash at the Nou Camp finished 5-0 to Barcelona but I can't see anything like that with both sides looking ahead at their Champions League semi-final returns in midweek.
I reckon Barca will edge it to keep the La Liga race alive but that 4-6 doesn't really attract.
Lionel Messi failed to score in that game and can be backed at 7-5 at unibet not to score.To net at any time he is 8-11 at Stan James and 10-3 at BetVictor to score first.
Real's Cristiano Ronaldo is 6-1 at bet365 and BetVictor to break the deadlock and 13-10 at Paddy Power just to score.
Cesc Fabregas missed a few chances against Chelsea last week and is 12-5 with Ladbrokes to score at any time. Mesut Ozil, who netted for Real at Bayern, is 6-1 with William Hill to score.
It could be a bad-tempered affair and boylesports go 6-4 for a red card to be shown while the first goals after 31 minutes pays 11-8 at William Hill and that's a possibility.
Erik Backlund, head of unibet’s Sportsbook, said: “With Barcelona so strong at home it is unsurprising we have seen 75 per cent of 1X2 bets placed on the home team.
“However, some punters are taking advantage of what some would call a generous price on Real Madrid and we are seeing some slight movement on them.
“One possible bet that catches my eye is over 4.5 goals in the game as both these teams love scoring and there have been some big scores in recent history.”
Recommendations
Messi to score
(7-5, unibet)
Ronaldo to score
(13-10, Paddy Power)
Red card shown
(6-4, boylesports)
Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
Paddy Power special Lionel Messi anytime 2/1…probably be for a very short period of time!
Lionel Messi and Ronaldo both to score 3/1 with Skybet
Paddy Power also refunding stakes on usual markets if Messi or Ronaldo score first.
Hills have an offer of Messi and Ronaldo to score @ 3/1
Just read elsewhere, Betfred have both Messi and Ronaldo both to score 4/1
Got £5 on busquets at 120/1 and £5 on Alonso at 80/1 just for a bit of interest.
Fancy red card for Real Madrid only bet on the game.
Unlucky chris I’m sure Sammy prob came to your mind also. Looking at your choices he was in my head just for the intrest sane type of player
David, it’s interesting to see how tough it is when opponents force corners then expose their lack of height at the back. It’s just as well they’re attacking most of the time and don’t let others see much of the ball.
see Middlesboro done Saints,
they couldn’t beat Doncaster during the week but they can beat Southampton.
class outfit
Nobby, kind of sums it up. They were dreadful in midweek then put on a show tonight after losing a first-minute goal. Strange game sometimes.
what you reckon on el classico from here Paul? Barca still only 5/2
Nobby, I’d expect Barca to get at least one but Real trying to do a Chelsea on them at the moment.
barcelona are fading and thinking about the champions league . real madrid 3 – 1 against barca x
Callum, you were unlucky with the 3-1. Ronaldo should have scored at the end.
changing of the guard in Espana
alot of pressure now for Barca tuesday night against the Pensioners
Nobby, if Barca play like they did tonight Chelsea have a chance. Messi looks tired and has never scored against the Blues so it will be an interesting night.