2016-17 La Liga: Athlietico Madrid vs Barcelona Betting Tips

Barcelona were handed a boost in the race to La Liga with Real Madrid slipping to a rare defeat against Valencia. But to take full advantage of that, Barca will have to overcome a stubborn and in-form Atletico Madrid on the morning of Monday, 27th February at the Vicente Calderon.

Athlietico Madrid vs Barcelona Betting Tips

Season so far
It’s been a season of ups and downs for the visitors. They have not been at their usual best with doubts over coach Luis Enrique’s future at the club casting doubts over their campaign. Barca have 51 points from 23 games and are just one point off the top – although leaders Real have played one game lesser.

Atletico’s season hasn’t been any better. They have started slow and lost ground to title rivals. Although in the recent matches they picked their form up and are trying to gatecrash the top three, they still have a lot do. With 45 points in their kitty, they are fourth in the standings but a long way off in the title race.

Can Barca take advantage of Real’s slip-up?
Barca come into this game on the back of a scratchy form. After the heavy loss to PSG in Champions League the Blaugrana were unconvincing in their 2-1 win over Leganes. The Catalan club have been given a lifeline by leaders Real who still have a game in hand. They aren’t in their best form to take advantage of the situation, though!

Atletico have had their struggles in their campaign but are slowly picking their form. Although they have no hopes of winning the La Liga title, they can hope to play party poopers. And then there is the incentive of finishing in the Champions League qualification places.

Tips
Atletico gave Barcelona a scare in the King’s Cup semi-finals although they lost 3-2 on aggregate. Diego Simeone’s men have picked up momentum with high-scoring wins over Bayer Leverkusen and Sporting Gijon. Barcelona’s win is offered at odds of $2.50 (William Hill) while Atletico are tipped to win at odds of $2.87 (Ladbrokes). The hosts Atletico should start as favorites ahead of the struggling Barca.

Simeone has the advantage of his strikers being in top form – Fernando Torres, Antoine Griezmann and Kevin Gameiro. With a hat-trick in last Sunday’s game against Gijon, Gameiro should start confidently and should be a pick for scoring in this match. At odds of $3.50 (Sportsbet), Gameiro looks a safe punt to score anytime.

TIP: Gameiro to score anytime $3.50 at Sportsbet

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NOTE: TIPS IN THIS ARTICLE ARE SIMPLY THE AUTHOR’S OPINION. ALWAYS GAMBLE RESPONSIBLY