La Liga Betting - Matchday 13 Preview
20th Nov 2007, 18:51
After a poor start to their Euro 2008 campaign, Spain have ensured their place at next summer’s European Championship, giving Spanish football a huge shot in the arm. While Serie A is struggling with severe crowd problems, La Liga’s global popularity continues to grow, particularly with bettors. Go to PinnacleSports.com and get up to 60% better La Liga betting odds.
Barca Looking to Maintain Perfect Home Record
This weekend Barcelona have an opportunity to forget about their poor form on the road in La Liga, which has reaped just one point from their last three away games. The Catalans host Recreativo Huelva at the Nou Camp where they boast a 100% record this season, and last lost a league game in February 2006. Whatever the problems are away from home, Frank Rijkaards’ attacking 4-3-3 formation clearly works with territorial advantage. Ronaldinho, Messi and Henry have helped Barca to ten goals in the last four games at the Nou Camp, while across those 360 minutes the backline conceded none.
Despite an encouraging start to their campaign, Huelva have won just one of their six away fixtures this term, losing their last three on the road without even scoring. Recre currently occupy one of the relegation spots, and are likely candidates for a return to the Segunda Division, having been promoted in 2006. Recent meetings of the clubs certainly underline Barcelona’s favouritism, with a 13-1 aggregate score-line in their favour, over four recent encounters. PinnacleSports.com price Barcelona 2.040 (-2) with Recreativo Huelva 1.893 (+2).
Real Madrid Looking for Upturn In Away Form
In common with rivals, Barcelona, Real Madrid have taken maximum points at home this season, while on the road they have proved far more fallible – losing two of their last three away outings. Their record at the Bernabeu was severely tested most recently by Mallorca who came from behind to hold a 3-2 advantage before Real saved themselves to win 4-3. Robinho was inspirational, while Ruud Van Nostelrooy chipped in with his sixth goal of the season. The Dutchman has however, returned from international duty with a hamstring problem and is therefore doubtful for the trip to Murcia.
To their credit Real Murcia have conceded fewer at La Nueva Condomina, than Madrid have allowed at the Bernabeu. The problem for manager, Lucas Alcaraz, is at the other end. The Paprika-Men have failed to find the net in five of their last six league games, which is a very worrying statistic to take into a game against the best offensive team on the road. In April 2004, the last time these teams met in Murcia, the home side ran out 2-1 winners, which along with Real’s questionable recent away form, may cast some doubt in bettors minds over the Galactico’s chances. Nevertheless, PinnacleSports.com price Real Madrid favourites 1.840 (-0.5 & -1) with Real Murcia 2.090 (+0.5 & +1).