The first of what’s likely to be many El Clasico’s kicks off
tonight with Barcelona already in the driving seat for the La Liga title race
over their city rivals. However with just three points separating the two
enemies and La Liga weaker than ever – barring Atletico Madrid’s storming start
to the season – this has the feel of a potential early title decider already.
What used to be a series of one sided routs has been changed
into a nailbiter by Jose Mournihio’s arrival – despite the legendary 5-0 rout
for his first Clasico in charge – but the Special One’s need for control of
Madrid turned ugly last season and Carlo Ancelotti is now facing Gerardo
Martino after several changes on the benches recently.
Both sides have made satisfactory starts to the season, with
Real Madrid set to qualify easily in their Champions League group and sitting
three points of the Catalans in third and Barcelona reaping the benefits of
Neymar’s arrival from Santos, a transfer working out considerably better than
Real Madrid’s ill thought out and expensive decision to break their – or the
Spanish taxpayers if you wanted to look at it that way – bank for Gareth Bale looking
more foolish by the week, especially given Angel Di Maria’s recent
performances.
Given the persistent away day blues under Jose in his last season, Barcelona are pretty strong favourites with Paddy Power’s 4/5 a
standout but there was a feeling that coming towards the end of his time at the
Bernabeu that Jose had finally learned how to combat Barcelona and with only
one home win in their last four Nou Camp El Clasicos the stats back that up,
but Madrid have been laboured on the road so far and look to be badly missing
Mesut Ozil’s intuitive playmaking and Gonazlo Higuain’s movement upfront
despite the presence of Isco at the head of their midfield.
With Barcelona’s two most laboured performance of the season
having come in their last two games there’s reason for some cautiousness with
odds on quotes but they were both on the road and they’ve scored 18 goals at
the Camp Nou in Spain alone in just four games. However on three of those
occasions they let in a goal and with both sides having netted in 15 of the
last 17 Clasicos, that option should form the basis of any bets taken on the
match result today. Barcelona are 2/1 to win with both teams on the scoresheet
while Madrid are 11/2 to do likewise – both more than fair prices even if
dismissing the option of a 1-1.
 |
| Angel Di Maria has been in exceptional form of late |
For a first, anytime, or more interestingly last, goalscorer
option, look no further than Cristiano Ronaldo, who has notched on his last 6
visits here and had the last goalscoring laugh 4 times in La Liga and on
Tuesday in the CL; Similar comments would have applied to Angel Di Maria had he
started, but 6’s is interesting enough for someone who’s played some of the
best football he’s produced since arriving at Madrid, and against potential
tiring opposition or playing on the break is sure to be a huge help to him when
he makes his appearance.
Advice
1 pt Barcelona to win & both teams to score (2/1
Boylesports)
1 pt Real Madrid to win and both teams to score (11/2
general)
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