Barcelona Looks To Maintain Lead at Top of La Liga With Win
Published on January 1st, 2016 3:38 pm ESTLa Liga will head into the New Year on Saturday with three games, including a clash between Espanyol and Barcelona.
Barcelona currently has a stranglehold on the top of the La Liga table, as they are currently sitting with 38 points (12-2-2). They have the same number of points as Atletico Madrid, though Barcelona has a crucial game-in-hand. With an expected victory over Espanyol on Saturday, Barcelona should move into sole possession of the lead, at least until Atletico Madrid plays a few short hours later.
Espanyol, on the other hand, is languishing in the lower half of the table, having compiling a record of 6-2-9 (20 points) so far this season. Espanyol could potentially move into the upper half of the table with a win, so they will likely come out on Saturday with an enthusiastic effort in front of their home fans.
Barcelona has been uneven away from home this season, managing just 13 points over a total of 7 games. Espanyol, on the other hand, has been underwhelming at home, as they have compiled just 14 points over a total of 8 home games so far this season.
Barcelona has a long unbeaten streak going, as they have not lost in their last eight matches. Espanyol, on the other hand, is looking to rebound following a 2-0 defeat on the road against FC Sevilla.
FC Barcelona won the last game between these two teams 2-0. The match took place on April 25th, 2015. Espanyol hasn't managed even a point against Barcelona since the two teams playing on January 8th, 2012, when the contest ended in a 1-1 draw.
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Here are the odds for Saturday's clash between the two sides:
Espanyol, 13.00
Draw, 6.00
Barcelona, 1.22
As you can see, despite the fact that Espanyol will be playing at home, Barcelona is the clear favourite to win on Saturday. A successful $100 wager on Barcelona would yield a total return of just $22, while a successful $100 bet on Espanyol would return a total of $1,200.
