This is going to be a cracker of a match with plenty of football betting opportunities. The game will be played around the same time as the India-Pakistan match, so from a betting point of view, there is a lot to look forward to.
Barcelona may be heading for a revival of sorts after winning their last two matches although, the job is not done by any means.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid lost a couple of matches heading into the international break but bounced back this week in the Champions League.
El Clasicos are never easy to call but if we are to pick a winner in our Barcelona vs Real Madrid betting tips and predictions, it would have to be the Catalans. They have the home advantage and seem particularly inspired to turn things around.
Want daily updates for all big games sent straight to your mobile? Subscribe to Bet India’s Telegram Channel now!
Barcelona Recent Form
It is fair to say that FC Barcelona are undergoing a huge transition at the moment in the absence of Lionel Messi and all the surrounding issues. This may understandably be one of the reasons why things have been so shaky under Ronald Koeman.
Humiliating losses to Bayern Munich and Benfica in the Champions League, and a 2-0 rout against Atletico Madrid in Wanda Metropolitano – the Catalans incurred it all before the international break. And just when it seemed the Dutchman may be out of the managerial gig in Barcelona, the board retained the faith in him.
Coming off the break, Barcelona defeated Valencia 3-1 at home, courtesy of goals from Ansu Fati, Memphis Depay and Philippe Coutinho. That win set them up nicely for the European campaign against Dynamo Kyiv, in which they won 1-0 by the slimmest of margins, thanks to Gerard Pique’s winner.
With these wins, Barcelona have landed themselves at seventh place with 15 points, with a game in hand. What’s more impressive is that they are just two points behind Real Madrid.
We may be a bit harsh to Koeman but he picked up just one loss in the opening eight matches in Spain’s top football division. In his defence, it is no easy feat to take a club to its former glory when it is still reeling from some massive changes.
That said, they still need to do a lot of work. Barcelona have not looked in full control in quite some time. To make things a bit worse for them, they will be without Martin Braithwaite, Ousmane Dembele, Pedri, and Ronald Araujo. Jordi Alba also remains a doubt.
Barcelona Likely XI
Ter Stegen; Roberto, Pique, Garcia, Balde; Gavi, Busquets, De Jong; Dest, Depay, Fati
Real Madrid Recent Form
Real Madrid, under Carlo Ancelotti, were looking poised to maintain their dominance in the La Liga but right before the international break, they were humbled by unexpected teams. A 2-1 loss to Espanyol in Spain was preceded by an astonishing defeat to the Moldovian club FC Sheriff in the Champions League.
However, they came off the break in great style by blasting five goals against Shakhtar Donetsk in the European Cup. Vinícius Júnior and Karim Benzema continued their fine run by placing their names on the goal sheet.
But the fact remains that the defeat to Espanyol and a goalless stalemate to Villarreal have led the Los Galacticos to slip down to the third place with 17 points. Nonetheless, Osasuna and Real Sociedad – both leading Madrid at the moment – have played more matches. A win over Barcelona may very well propel them to the top of the table once again.
And that is quite possible – Real Madrid have no real crisis to deal with, except for the injuries. Gareth Bale and Dani Ceballos will be absent for this fixture; Luka Jovic, Isco, and Eden Hazard are doubtful. But apart from that, things are looking solid for the Madridistas.
The two sides share a fierce rivalry that spanning across decades.
In the 246 matches played, Barcelona trail Real Madrid 96-98 with the rest ending in a draw.
The visitors have also won their last three La Liga meetings and the Catalans will look to settle the score this time. Los Galacticos won the home leg in April by 2-1 and the away leg at Nou Camp in October by 3-1.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid Match Facts
Barcelona have not won their last four La Liga El Clasicos (3L, 1D)
Real Madrid have seen over 2.5 goals in four of their last five matches
The Catalans have seen over 2.5 goals in three of their last five
Barcelona have scored in 34 of their last 35 home matches in La Liga
Somehow after a torrid start, Barcelona have closed the gap between them and Real Madrid to just two points. There is also some optimism in Camp Nou after the contract renewals of Pedri and Ansu Fati. But the lack of inconsistency and form may spell some troubles against their arch-rivals.
Nonetheless, Barcelona have the home advantage and are bolstered by their recent victories. They have a capable squad and after losing to Madrid thrice, they will be keen on settling the score a bit. Fun fact – Barcelona lost this fixture by 3-1, exactly a year ago to date.
Yes, we are aware that Real Madrid have been tipped to win this fixture across the board but if there were a time to bet on the underdogs, this would be it. After all, Barcelona are available at an excellent price.
Also, read our Pure Win review to find out why we recommend betting on the La Liga here!
Ansu Fati is expected to follow Messi’s footsteps, especially with the No. 10 jersey. The youngster has impressed whenever he has taken the field and while he has ways to go, he has got the perfect opportunity to celebrate his contract renewal with a goal on Sunday.
Other prospective goalscorers from Barcelona may be Phillipe Coutinho and Kun Aguero if they take on the field.
This one is a no-brainer. Both sides have shown a strong tendency to leak goals and this being an El Clasico, goals from both sides are certainly on the cards. You can also be a bit brave in this market and back over 3.5 goals, especially in live betting.
