IT would take a brave man to pick a winner between Real Madrid and Barcelona today. The sides clash in El Clasico at 5pm and there's even more interest surrounding the fixture as Luis Suarez prepares to make his competitive debut for the visitors.
Boss Luis Enrique says the Uruguayan will play but he's unlikely to start with Neymar and Lionel Messi hitting 13 between them in the last five games and he can't be entirely match fit either after a four-month absence.
Messi is on the brink of making Primera Division history as he sits just one goal behind Telmo Zarra's record of 251 while Ronaldo, who has 13 career goals against Barcelona, will be looking to continue his run of having scored in every league game this season with 15 goals in seven games.
Real have only won two of their last 12 league meetings with Barca but the outstanding stat is the fact both sides have scored in the last 16 Clasico clashes so that's why it's no bigger than 4-9 with bet365. Anyone expecting a lot of goals can look at over 3.5 at 13-10 with Coral and I'm chancing that with so many brilliant attacking talents on show.
Real have won their last five league games, scoring an average of five goals in each, but Barca have the opportunity to record the longest run of clean sheets in their league history after eight in a rown but surely that will end here.
The Catalan giants are unbeaten in 13 league games and their last defeat came back in April at Granada while Barca haven't lost in 11 against Madrid sides.
Messi scored a hat-trick on his last trip to the Bernabeu but bet365 have fellow world class match-winner Cristiano Ronaldo as their favourite to score more goals tonight – with the duo also priced at 11-2 to score three or more between them.
Suarez is 6-4 at bet365 to notch 20 or more La Liga goals this season and Barca are 14-1 to keep two clean sheets against Real Madrid.
So for me it's all about goals and Messi and Ronaldo. I can't split the sides so will go draw at 14-5 with boylesports while both to score and draw is 33-10 at Ladbrokes.
Recommended Bets
Both to score (4-9, bet365)
Draw and both to score (33-10, Ladbrokes)
Correct score 2-2 (11-1, William Hill)
Over 3.5 goals (13-10, Coral)
Ronaldo to score (10-11, bet365, William Hill)
Messi to score (29-20, boylesports)
Neymar to score (15-8, Betfred)
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.
Wouldn’t think your far off Mr F. For me I’m not touching the result. The goalscorers and the over for me I think and sit and enjoy it.
Some juicy odds on Suarez to sink your teeth into :)
Ladbrokes enhanced price of 6/1 for messi and ronaldo to both score anytime available from half 4. Maximum bet is only £ 10 tho.
I’m on Benzima @ 6/1 with Betfred, double delight/ hat trick heaven. 13/2 best price elsewhere.
Real Madrid: Casillas; Marcelo, Pepe, Ramos, Carvajal; Kroos, Modric, James; Isco, Benzema, Ronaldo
Barcelona: Bravo; Mathieu, Pique, Mascherano, Alves; Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta; Neymar, Messi, Suarez
I have a gut feeling Suarez will score.Him and Neymar up front with Messi behind the 2 strikers.
I am on a scorer from each side, for Real Madrid it has to be Ronaldo at 10/11 and for Barcelona Neymar is Barcelona top scorer this season with 8 and looks decent value at 15/8. The double pays 7/2 at William Hill
RONALDO TO SCORE 10/11
NEYMAR TO SCORE 15/8
BOTH TO SCORE 7/2
Good luck if your having a bet
NEYMAR TO SCORE 15/8 WON :D
Neymar!!!! Great shout Chief
raaljaca, just back from Clydebank Clasico and dripping wet. Good to see the early goal at Madrid – might recoup some of today’s losses.
Mr F any losses today will be recouped with interest tomorrow courtesy of Hearts!!
raaljaca, hope so. Results pretty poor today although plenty of goals about.
Raal-great boxing tip winner tonight mate
Luke cambell took rnds 4-6 winner!!!
Is this game on sky? Just stuck on sky sports 5 and they’re sitting talking about it with balague commentating!
David only goes live at 5:15 can you imagine if that’s the only goal of the game :) Cant see it but you never know.
Raal cheers mate, and congrats Mr F also :)
RONALDO TO SCORE 10/11 WON
NEYMAR TO SCORE 15/8 WON
BOTH TO SCORE 7/2 WON
All bets won inside 33 minutes :D
thechief, today’s losses are being nicely recouped – now if it could only finish 2-2.
Looking good Mr F :)
Just to clarify both to score was both players, just in case someone think 7/2 was available on both TEAMS to score. There is probably someone who did.
Another winner Mr F O3.5g in now. A Messi goal would be lovely
thechief, that would be good. Need to go out for a bit so let’s hope it happens.
hi mr.f
I bet with low steaks
could u pick out a accy for me n a few other bets
cheers gerry
Gerry, as I said my tips will be up when they’re ready but they won’t be picked for individuals.