This weekend in La Liga we have a massive clash between two of the top contenders as Atletico Madrid host Barcelona. Atletico are currently third but are just one point off the league leaders Barca who went into the international break having their home unbeaten streak snapped losing 3-4 to Betis and Barcelona will be eager for a bounce back however Atletico are one of the toughest sides to go away to play against and with a chance to go above Barca themselves, Atletico will fancy their chances for sure. This game has huge implications and both sides will be for sure looking to make a statement!
Key Facts
Atletico are unbeaten at home this season. 7W 1D 0L. They’ve won 5 straight game at home.
Atletico have the best defensive record in La Liga with 8 goals conceded in 12 games. 6 kept Clean Sheets.
On average there are just 2 goals scored in Atletico’s La Liga games. 2 overs and 10 unders (2.5 total) – 4th lowest in La Liga. Under-ish side.
Atletico have not beaten Barcelona in La Liga since 2010. 4D 12L.
Barcelona are the most over-ish side in La Liga with 9 overs and 3 unders (2.5 total). In fact on average there are 4.3 goals scored in Barcelona’s matches.
Barcelona have received the least yellow cards in La Liga (20) this season.
Barcelona are the highest scoring team in La Liga with 34 goals. 10 goals more than the 2nd highest scoring team.
Barcelona have not kept a clean sheet in 11 straight league games.
The last 5 meetings between these clubs have had a total of 37 bookings! FEISTY.
Lionel Messi has scored 28 goals in 36 apps against Atletico. (23 in 24 apps in La Liga). Loves playing them.
Team News
Atletico Madrid: Atletico are coming into this game quite banged up with injuries. Captain Godin is officially out for this game while Gimenez, Savic and Lucas are all questionable but it sounds like they’re likely to be back for Simeone. Koke and Lemar are both more than probable to be out while Diego Costa is expected to be back for Atletico to play up to with Griezmann.
Barcelona: Samuel Umtiti is now healthy for Barcelona and is expected to come in for Lenglet to partner up with Pique again. Furthermore, Ivan Rakitic is suspended and we can expect Arturo Vidal to start over him alongside Busquets and Arthur, meanwhile Coutinho has returned to training but will face late fitness tests to determine if he can play this match. Messi is now back healthy as he already played against Betis and scored 2 goals.
Betting Tips and Predictions
We’ve clearly got a clash between two styles. Atletico like to play tough defensive football while Barca score and leak in goals this season. Barcelona have always seemed to recently get one over Atletico in la Liga when it counts and we’re anticipating something similar here. Atletico losing Godin and some key midfielders are going to have trouble beating Barca and that’s why we’re backing Barca to get a result out of this game whether it’s a draw or a win. We won’t touch goals here simply because it’s a tricky fixture when it comes to that, but for sure we can expect bookings over given how feisty these clubs get when they meet each other. Expect about 6-7 bookings in this game. We’re expecting this to be either a 1-1 draw or a 1-2 Barcelona Win. Messi to score anytime at 2.33 is worth the backing.
Match Odds (Unibet)
Atletico Madrid Win – 3.15
Draw – 3.25
Barcelona Win – 2.40
KICK OFF – 24th November 2018 – 7:45pm UK Time
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