Deportivo – Barcelona

With the Primera Division title being in real danger, FC Barcelona will be desperate to end the recent slump and they might be fortunate to meet a Deportivo team that has nothing left to fight for.

The hosts had a very poor 2016, winning just one game this year, barely defeating last placed Levante 2-1 at home a few weeks ago. However, they are safe from relegation due to an excellent first part of the season and this lack of motivation might be one of the reasons for Deportivo’s recent poor play. Nevertheless, Deportivo is on the back of a 1-1 draw at Sevilla – an excellent result, though they definitely did not deserve that point. For all of Depor’s struggles they remain a team that is not easy to defeat.

Barcelona’s demise is one of the stories of the year in World football. Seemingly invincible one month ago, Barcelona is in danger of losing everything in space of just a few weeks. Champions League is already gone and the Primera Division title is in massive danger after Barca lost three games in a row, winning just 1 point in the last 4 outings. The last round saw Barcelona lose 1-2 at home to Valencia and the Catalans have no choice but to bounce back and win this one, otherwise they will lose their status as title favorites. Barca is now tied in points with Atletico, while Real is just 1 point behind.

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Team news & lineups:

Lux, Fabricio, Arribas and Lopo are out for Depor, while Cartabia and Alberto are doubtful. Pique, Mathieu, Vermaelen, Ramirez and possibly Ramirez will not be in Barcelona’s lineup.

Deportivo: Manu – Laure, Navarro, Sidnei, Pablo – Mosquera, Borges – Juanfran, Fajr, Cani – Perez

Barcelona: Bravo – Alves, Mascherano, Bartra, Alba – Rakitic, Busquets, Iniesta – Suarez, Messi, Neymar

Barca has some problems in defense and will have to improvise a big with Bartra set to start along Mascherano, but Deportivo has injuries and suspensions as well.

Barca has clearly suffered a mental block lately, but on the other hand they did have their fair share of bad luck. They could have easily won at least 2 of the last 4 La Liga matches and they were also denied a clear penalties in the tie against Atletico Madrid. With Messi finally scoring last round, I believe Barca has more than enough left in the tank to defeat this Deportivo La Coruna team.

The hosts are an honest side, they also held Barcelona to a 2-2 draw at Camp Nou earlier this season, but they are not too impressive this year – and with nothing left to fight for, I doubt they can virtually snatch the title away from an ultra motivated Barcelona team. My tip is Barcelona to win and cover the 1,5 goal handicap, I believe they do not even need to be at their absolute best to do it. Simple bet with medium – high stakes, odds are going down. Prediction: Deportivo La Coruna – FC Barcelona 1-3.

Pick: Barcelona -1,5
Odds: 1.61 @ Unibet
Stake: 7
Possible profit: 4.27
Event date: 20 April