La Liga preview and odds: Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona

Published on: 24/02/2017

La Liga preview and odds: Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona

Feb 26, 2017 16:15pm - Estadio Vicente Calderón

La Liga

Atletico Madrid will look to close the gap on second-ranked Barcelona when the two teams meet at the Estadio Vicente Calderón on Sunday afternoon. The visitors can claim temporary ownership of top spot with a win.

One defeat in last 11 for Atleti

Atletico Madrid can extend their unbeaten run to nine games if they can avoid defeat against the reigning league champions on Sunday afternoon. What`s more, the Colchoneros will be aiming for their fifth-straight home win in the league.

Diego Simeone`s men come into this game on the back of a 4-2 Champions League win away to Bayer Leverkusen in midweek, which has given them a great chance of reaching the last eight.

Their last defeat came at home to Barcelona (1-2) in the Copa del Rey just a few weeks ago. However, they haven`t been beaten at home in the league since their 0-3 loss to city rivals Real Madrid back in November.

Meanwhile, Barcelona come into this match in patchy form, having edged past Leganes (2-1) in La Liga last weekend. Prior to that, they were thrashed 4-0 away to PSG in the Champions League Round of 16.

Despite that poor result, the Blaugrana are still unbeaten in their last 16 league games, with their last defeat coming away to Celta de Vigo (3-4) at the beginning of October.

Luis Enrique`s men have scored at least one goal in each of their last 11 matches, and have also found the net in all of their away matches. Just under 70% of their away goals have been scored in the second half.

Team news

The home side will have to make do without the injured trio of Juanfran (thigh), Tiago and Augusto Fernandez (ACL).

Meanwhile, Aleix Vidal (ankle) and Javier Macscherano (hamstring) are set to miss out for the visitors, while Arda Turan (groin) is a doubt.

Recent form (League)

Atletico Madrid: WWWDD

Barcelona: WWWDW

Betting odds and tips

Atletico Madrid have only won two of the last 23 meetings between the two sides and only one of the last 12. Barcelona have won on four of their last five trips to Estadio Vicente Calderón. As a result, the away side look good value at 11/8 with Bet365.

Taking into consideration the fiery nature of these clashes, the 13/8 on offer for a sending off, also looks like a decent wager.

You can back the away win at 11/8 with Bet365 or you can wager on a Sending Off in the Match at a best price of 13/8.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 24/02/2017

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (24/02/2017 20:30:45) but are subject to change.