La Liga Betting - Matchday 8 Preview
18th Oct 2007, 19:26
Real Madrid and Barcelona remain the only unbeaten sides in Spain’s La Liga, but with both sides facing tough away fixtures this weekend that could be about to change. Their multi-national squads will have been spread around the four corners of the globe, during the recent international break, so bettors check for significant injury news, before taking advantage of up to 60% better La Liga betting odds at PinnacleSports.com.
Real Madrid Face Stern Test at Espanyol
Espanyol may suffer in the shadow of their more illustrious Catalan neighbours, Barcelona, but the quality of their side was shown in Spain’s recent win away to Denmark. The Parakeets captain and striker, Raul Tamudo, scored the first and assisted for the second, while midfielder, Albert Riera, chipped in with the third. The side are currently fifth looking to regain entry to Europe, having lost to Sevilla in last season’s UEFA Cup final.
Espanyol host Real Madrid on Saturday evening at the Estadio Olimpic Lluis Companys, looking to inflict the first defeat on the Primera division champions. The Galacticos returned to training from international duties around the globe, with Wesley Sneijder continuing his excellent form, scoring an important goal in Holland’s win over Slovenia, while defender Sergio Ramos was on target for Spain. Coach, Bernd Schuster, has shown his fondness for rotation, and he may shuffle the pack again, depending on the condition of his returning players. PinnacleSports.com make Real Madrid slight favourites 2.100 (-0.5) with Espanyol 1.833 (+0.5).
Henry & Messi Key to Barca’s Away Day Blues
The biggest game in this weekend’s La Liga schedule is arguably between Villarreal and Barcelona, at the Madrigal Stadium. Barca are unbeaten on the road, while the Yellow Submarine have won four of their last five league games, lifting them to third in the table, immediately behind, the Catalans. Ex-Man Utd striker, Giuseppe Rossi, has made quite an impact in his first season in Spain, with five goals already to his name, one of several successful summer signings.
Lionel Messi and Thierry Henry continued their fantastic recent club form while on international duty. Henry became France’s all-time top-scorer, while Messi – La Liga’s top marksman – was also on target for Argentina in their 2-0 win in Venezuela. The pair’s developing partnership will be crucial to their chances of regaining the title. Barca lost this fixture 2-0 last season, and though unbeaten on the road this term, Frank Rijkaard’s side have already dropped four points from a possible nine. PinnacleSports.com make Barcelona favourites 1.862 (-0.5) with Villarreal 2.07 (+0.5).