It is a clash between two teams battling at opposite ends of the table as Barcelona host Oviedo in a Spanish La Liga clash.
The Catalans are aiming to tighten their grip at the top after stumbling last time out, while the visitors are desperate to climb off the foot of the standings.
Barcelona saw their lead cut to one point after falling 2-1 at Real Sociedad in their previous La Liga fixture. Hansi Flick's men made a swift return to winning ways in the Champions League, claiming a 4-2 victory at Slavia Prague.
The Catalans will consider the defeat to Real Sociedad a minor blip, having won nine of their last 10 matches in all competitions. They have also been imperious at home, winning their last nine matches at Nou Camp, including a 4-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao.
Meanwhile, Oviedo have spent much of the season rooted to the foot of the table after winning just two of their 20 La Liga matches so far. They are currently seven points from safety and will be looking to spark a survival push.
The problem for Oviedo is that they are showing few signs of improvement and have lost four of their last five away matches, falling 3-2 at Osasuna in their previous fixture. Guillermo Almada’s men have also struggled in attack, failing to score on the road against any of the teams in the top half heading into this weekend.
How the bookies view it: Barcelona to dominate
Barcelona have been installed as overwhelming favourites among the bookies and are priced at 1/8 by Ladbrokes for a home win. An unlikely victory for Oviedo is valued at 25/1 by Paddy Power, while a draw is set at odds of 9/1 by William Hill.
Head to head: Superior Barcelona
Barcelona have a 13-5 advantage, with two draws in the last 20 matches against Oviedo. The Catalans claimed a 3-1 away victory in the reverse fixture in September.
Players to watch: Eyes on Lewandowski
Lewandowski has seven La Liga goals this season and was on target at Slavia Prague in midweek. The striker also found the net in the reverse fixture and will be the one to watch (Robert Lewandowski anytime goalscorer – priced at 2/5 by Betfred).
Barcelona have shown some defensive solidity lately, keeping clean sheets in three of their last four La Liga matches. Gerard Martin and Pau Cubarsi are usually solid at the back and can lead the Catalans to a repeat (Barcelona clean sheet – valued at 17/20 by William Hill).
Probable line-ups:
Pedri, Gavi and Ferran Torres are all likely to miss out for Barcelona due to injury. Robert Lewandowski should lead the line once again, while Lamine Yamal is set to return after serving a suspension in midweek.
Eric Bailly and Ovie Ejaria are the only injury absentees for Oviedo. Alberto Reina should retain his place in the team after scoring last time out, while Oier Luengo is set to continue at the back.
Barcelona: Garcia, Kounde, Cubarsi, Martin, Balde, Garcia, De Jong, Yamal, Lopez, Raphinha, Lewandowski.
Oviedo: Escandell, Alhjado, Costas, Luengo, Alhassane, Hassan, Sibo, Colombatto, Chaira, Reina, Vinas.
Anything else catch the eye?
Barcelona have won to nil in three of their last four La Liga matches (Barcelona win to nil – available at 19/20 by William Hill). Oviedo have lost by two or more goals in the last five matches against teams in the top five heading into the weekend (Barcelona -2 handicap – offered at 4/5 by Betfred).
The Catalans have won both halves in three of their last five La Liga home matches (Barcelona to win both halves – set at odds of 10/11 by William Hill).
When one side looks too strong, a handicap bet can even things up. Learn how in our Handicap Betting Masterclass.
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