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Barcelona will visit Nicosia as a 1.25 favorite, low odds but clearly justified as the difference between the two sides is massive. APOEL is one point behind Ajax in the race for the third place, while Barcelona also need to erase a one point deficit if they want to finish first over PSG (which they will host in the last Champions League group stage round).
APOEL has been decent so far in the competition despite gaining a single point in a 1-1 home draw with Ajax (when they also scored their only goal). An analysis will say that the Cypriots are a defensive team, very good tactically and they managed to lose more than respectably against Barcelona (0-1) and PSG (0-1, 0-1). Even in the weak Cyprus league they are struggling to score, being on the back of two 0-0 draws – but they are dominating the championship and conceded just 2 goals in 10 rounds! Clearly defense will be the focus again for APOEL, looking to maybe escape with a 0-0 draw, or even to lose respectably again.
Barcelona has not forced things too much so far in the Champions League, resting players at times (especially in their home match with APOEL) and pushing just enough in order to assure an easy qualification, which they already obtained. However, today Luis Enrique will field a star filled lineup in his quest to dethrone PSG from the first place. Barca has now won 3 in a row, including 5-1 over Sevilla over the weekend with Messi as a record breaking hero.
Bet on APOEL Nicosia vs. Barcelona with top Champions League odds at Ladbrokes.
Team news & lineups
The hosts will have to do Charalambides and possibly Vincius, being much healthier than usual. Barcelona will not be able to count on Iniesta and Vermaelen, while Mascherano and Bravo might be rested.
APOEL: Pardo – Sergio, Leme, Da Cruz, Ioannou – Gomes, Morais, Franco, Efrem, De Vincenti – Djebbour
Barcelona: Ter Stegen – Alves, Mathieu, Pique, Alba – Rakitic, Busquets, Xavi – Suarez, Messi, Neymar
I`m not the biggest fan of betting on heavy favorites but when the analysis asks for it, I will be the first one to jump on them – this is the case, as I simply can`t look past Barcelona in this game. The visitors need a win and they will treat the game with focus, the best players will be on the pitch and we should expect to see a much more determined Barca side than in the early matches of this group. APOEL must be respected, but they pose absolutely zero offensive threat and it`s very unlikely they can contain Messi, Neymar and Suarez, even if they are a good defensive side. Barcelona should win to nil and cover the handicap as well.
I prefer to tip Barcelona to win to nil, the bet is at least as safe as the 1 goal handicap and it has better odds as well. Prediction: APOEL Nicosia – FC Barcelona 0-2.
Pick: Barcelona to win to nil
Odds: 2.00 @ Ladbrokes
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 8
Event date: 25 November
