Betdistrict.com
Barcelona is tied for the first place in La Liga with Atletico Madrid. The Blau Grana side has 4 wins in 4 games, 14-4 goal difference and had an easy game midweek in the Champions League, drubbing Ajax 4-0 on the back of another brilliant Messi performance. Barca looks good under new manager Gerardo Martino, they won the supercup and are yet to taste defeat this season in all competitions. The catalans had no problems scoring, but they were a little rusty at the back, conceding 2 goals from both Valencia and Sevilla. Nevertheless, the 14 goals scored in 4 rounds were enough to see them comfortably winning all matches.
I have to say that I am surprised by the odds Barca is getting here. They do have some bad news in the team, with Gerardo Martino`s father passing away and Pique, Affelay and Jordi Alba missing this game. But the manager will be on the bench and Barca has adequate cover for the absences. The players will surely try to win this for Martino.
Probable lineup: Valdes – Alves, Bartra, Mascherano, Adriano – Busquets, Xavi (Fabregas) – Iniesta, Sanchez, Messi, Neymar
Rayo Vallecano played some of the worst football in Primera Division until now, and it`s no surprise, since their squad is not exactly first class. Rayo only has three points, winning against newly promoted Elche in the first round, and lost the last three games with a goal difference of 12-1 !!! This team is in a bad spot right now and recovering against Barcelona is a tough task for them.
Like there are not enough problems for the hosts, they have 5 players missing/questionable: Falque, Bangoura and Jose Carlos are out, Seba Fernandez and Nery Castillo are doubtful.
Probable lineup: Ruben – Tito, Galvez, Galeano, Nacho – Viera, Trashorras, Saul, Bueno – Fernandez, Larrivey
Rayo will try to park the bus and hope for a point but their defense is abysmal and the visitors will break them down rather easily. Messi is in fantastic form, Neymar is better adjusted and I reckon Barca can score at least three goals here and their absences in defense should not count against a team that will have no attacking intentions. The visitors are motivated and will not accept anything else then a victory to dedicate to the manager. Again, the odds are surprisingly good taking into account how often big teams are overestimated, so maximum stakes for me on a Barcelona clear win. At least a 3-0 score in Barca’s favor!
Pick: Barcelona (-2 Asian Handicap)
Odds: 1.89 @ Pinnacle
Stake: 10
Possible profit: 9.70
Event date: 18 September
Editor Facts
- Ocean lost the last four 10 units picks
