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Osasuna is trying to build on their 1-0 win against Malaga last round in order to get out of the relegation zone. The Pamplona side has been horrific this season, losing 6 out of 7 matches and winning (barely) only against lowly Elche at home until last round. They got a surprising 1-0 success at Malaga but Malaga played the worst game of the season. Osasuna is in all kinds of trouble after basically selling their entire starting 11 over the transfer window. The replacements were of poor quality, and this is reflected in the standings. Furthermore, Osasuna are decimated by horrible team news, with injuries and suspensions for Cejudo, Loe, Torres, Echaide, Flano and Nino – they are all set to miss the match, even though 1 of the last 4 could maybe recover. Big blow for a team that already lacked depth big-time.
Osasuna lineup:
Andres – Damia, Arribas, Loties, Bertran – Lolo, Silva, Sisi, De las Cuevas – Armenteros, Riera
Barcelona has been flawless so far this season. Aside for two draws against Atletico Madrid in the Supercup (which they won anyway), Barca has won 10 out of 10 overall. Six of those wins have come by 2 goals or more, while 5 of them have come by 3 goals or more. Neymar has blended in just perfect in the squad and he is set to start today after two strong performances in friendlies for Brazil. Team news are kind with Barca: Messi returns, Mascherano as well, possibly Puyol too. Affelay, Cuenca and Jordi Alba will be absent for the visitors.
Barcelona lineup:
Valdes – Alves, Pique, Bartra, Adriano – Song, Xavi, Fabregas – Pedro, Neymar, Sanchez
Osasuna has been just horrible in the first part of the season and I was not impressed by their win at Malaga. Malaga was just horrible in defense and still should have came up with at least a point. Osasuna has scored 6 goals so far in La Liga so you can`t expect them to be too dangerous in front of goal. At the same time, they conceded goals in the last 10 games played before the Malaga win.
Barca plays Champions League on tuesday against AC Milan but as you can see above, Gerardo Martino plans to send the strongest team on the pitch. They are safe in the UCL so the game against Osasuna is the priority now. Martino said that Messi will play at least in the second half. The facts are clearly saying that Barca should comfortably win this one and I for one am not scared to back them at handicap. I know what the hosts are capable of, having bet a couple of times on their games this season, and I really am pretty sure they are not capable to trouble Barcelona under any circumstances. Barca should have a field day versus a poor Osasuna team that looks doomed to relegate. Osasuna Barcelona 0-3.
Pick: Barcelona (-1,75 Asian Handicap)
Odds: 1.96 @ Sbobet
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 7.68
Event date: 19 October
Editor Facts
- Ocean won 4 of his last 5 picks
