Barcelona V Deportivo
The pressure is really on Barcelona to take all 3 points after Real Madrids 1- 0 away win at Athletic Bilbao last night. They have not been as convincing in their displays this year but despite all the rumours and small talk concerning players unhappiness and that Rikjard is to get the boot, they still sit in 2nd place. Their away record might be what is stopping them from taking over in 1st place but theres no denying that their home form is as usual something special. 7 games played and 7 won, 20 goals scored and only 3 conceded and plenty of one sided convincing wins along the way. Samuel Eto’o is back from injury and now Rikjard has a selection headache as he has to try and fit Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto'o ,Lionel Messi and Thierry Henry into his starting 11. More importantly for me is news that Deco is fut again for selection and he is a massive boost for the team.
Deportivo have gone very far downhill in recent seasons. From top4 on a consistent basis they have dropped down to mid to low table mediocrity. Miguel Ángel Lotina took over in the summer but this week the board have admitted that the team performances are worrying, not a good sign.
On the field their away form has been average, with the exception of that exceptional 1 – 0 away win in Sevilla back in October. They have a few positional changes today but otherwise a fit squa to pick from.
Given that real gained 3 points last night, Barca really need to step up to the plate and convince the critics. Eto’o and Deco back are huge boosts and I can see a few goals in this one. Hopefully all for Barca.
Home win
Villareal V Real Betis
Villareal have dropped 4 points in their last two matches. Maybe a sign of complacency I think as otherwise they have been in terrific form all season. Their 5 – 0 drubbing at the hands of Real on Match day 2 seemed to wake them up and since then they have been playing well, especially at home where they have beaten the likes of Barcelona and Sevilla. January sees a tough month for them with some hard games so they should look to take as many points before then as possible.
Only one defeat at home this season and they are coming off the back of a comfortable midweek win in the Uefa cup over Elfsborg of Sweden.
Betis are really struggling this year. 2nd from bottom and the pack above them seems to be moving away slowly. If they are to get back up the table they need to improve their all around play. Hector Cuper was this week given the boot for the poor displays to date. They are still winless on the road scoring 4 and conceding 11. Pacy Odonkor is out which is a big blow.
I expect Villareal to get back to winning ways here today. They are pretty reliable at home, maybe not prolific winners and don’t give out to many hammerings to teams but nonetheless its hard to see Betis getting anything from this one.
Home win
PICK
Barcelona –1.75 asian hdcp (1.83 @ pinnacle) 4 points
Villareal –1 asian hdcp(2.17 @ mansion) 4 points
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Two losers unfortunately, Barca were dissapointing despite coming from behind to win 2 -1 and Villareal lose 1 - 0 despite having 8 shots on target. Betis have 1 measly shot on target which proves to be the winner.
- 8 points
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