Barcelona vs RCD Espanyol
According to this observer, they may not quite have the style of the vintage of four years ago.
And they are certainly some way off the finest club side I have ever seen play in my lifetime.
But would any SBOBET fans reading this really expect the class of 2019 to end the season without at least one trophy?
As La Liga returns this weekend, the La Liga 2019 betting odds tell us the title race is almost run, while there are reasons to be optimistic in both the Copa del Rey and Champions League.
Talking Points
First though, a Catalan derby and a return to a ground where they have produced La Liga 2019 highlights galore so far.
In the week in which the club remembered the third anniversary of the passing of their most famous son – explaining and recalling the importance of Johann Cruyff to the club’s junior players – many of the club’s current stars are back in training.
Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets, Philippe Coutinho, Arthur, Jeison Murillo, Jordi Alba and Sergi Roberto all took part in recent days but it was the return of the number 10 Lionel Messi that will have pleased coach Ernesto Valverde – one of Cruyff’s successors – the most.
With Ousmane Dembele out for the Blaugrana and Luis Suarez a doubt, Valverde will want his star man available and be able to pick up from where he left off nearly a fortnight ago.
Remember, this is a team just 10 points away from another La Liga title, a side which will contest the Copa del Rey final against Valencia and face Manchester United in the Champions League quarter-final next month.
Moreover, Messi (39) and Suarez (21) have contributed 60 goals in all competitions so far this term, supported by harmonious and solid football, which have allowed them to dominate all competitions.
Valverde also has the best trident in Europe with Messi, Suarez and Dembele, who have 55 goals between them in the league alone.
Espanyol are not expected to return from the Nou Camp with anything and have only pride to play for as they sit comfortably in mid table, safe from the relegation battle but too far adrift to make a concerted push for a European spot.
They are owned by Chinese billionaire Chen Yansheng and since the arrival of Wu Lei in January – dubbed the “Chinese Maradona” by one of his former coaches – the Catalan club have seen a massive spike in interest.
Their home reverse to Sevilla a fortnight ago was their first defeat in seven, so there will be no pushovers and local bragging rights will be a real incentive.
However, with closest challengers Atletico Madrid not meeting Alaves until later on Saturday, Barcelona know they could temporarily move 13 points clear with only nine games remaining season with victory in the latest edition of the Derbi barceloní.
Would you bet against them?
History
Messi notched a brace for Barca in their previous meeting this season – a thumping 4-0 triumph for the visitors at RCDE Stadium in early December.
Last season, however, Espanyol held their opponents to a 1-1 draw at home, although went down 5-0 in the Nou Camp.
Espanyol moved to the RCDE in 2009 but it was not until their 10thmeeting with their neighbours at their new arena that they were able to win a derby fixture (three draws, six defeats), winning 1–0 in last season’s Copa quarter-final first leg tie.
However, Valverde’s men overturned it 2–0 the following week to go through in the tie.
Betting Tip
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Barcelona vs RCD Espanyol | Total goal 2-3 @ 2.48 |
| March 30, 23:15 (GMT+8) |
It would take a daring punter to even opt for the draw in this one, given the 1X2 odds of draw are available @ 6.80 and RCD Espanyol @ 13.00.
Barcelona @ 1.18 are in stark contrast.
Even Asian Handicap odds back the Catalan hosts to win with something to spare. You can get odds of -2.00 Barcelona @ 1.83 and -2.25 @ 2.06. In contrast, Espanyol +2.00 @ 2.11 tells its own story.
First Half Asian Handicap Barcelona -1.00 @ 2.09 is about as attractive as it gets in that regard.
Goals are most definitely expected and I can’t remember the last time I saw odds of over 3.75 goals @ 1.99.
A repeat of Barca’s 4-0 success earlier in the season is available with correct score @ 11.00.
I fully expect Barcelona to prevail yet my betting tip for the Catalonia derby may surprise you.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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|---|---|---|---|
 = €20 (Highly confident) |
= €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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