2016-17 La Liga: Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona Betting Tips
The 2016-17 Spanish La Liga action will come to life when Barcelona welcome Atletico Madrid to the Camp Nou on Wednesday night. Irrespective of it coming so early in the season, the encounter is bound to attract attention.
Season so far
Barcelona had a lackluster start to the new season with the shocking 2-1 loss to Alaves annoying the home supporters. Luis Enrique’s men rallied from that defeat and rattled twelve goals past their next two opponents. The Blaugrana are currently second in the table with nine points from four matches.
Atletico also haven’t had a great start to their season and are fourth in the table with eight points. They have dropped points against promoted sides Leganes and Alves but like Barca have bounced back in their last two fixtures by scoring ten goals unanswered.
History favors Barcelona
Notwithstanding their struggles this season, Barca have a great record against Atletico Madrid. They have won 26 games in their 52 encounters against their opponents from the capital which is a good return. Atletico have failed to beat Barca in 13 straight league encounters and the hosts are unbeaten in their 15 previous encounters against Atletico at the Camp Nou.
Can Simeone spring a surprise?
Clashes between these two sides have always been fiery and well-contested in the last five seasons – thanks to the presence of Simeone. The Argentine has made Atletico a cultured side under his tutelage though he has failed to crack the Barca puzzle.
This season could be his chance to go the distance and beat the Champions although Barca look formidable with MSN (Messi, Suarez and Neymar) back in the mix. At odds of $5.5 at Sportsbet, Atletico is a fair bet to emerge victorious. The odds on a Barca win are too low to even think of a punt.
Tip: Atletico Madrid to win – $5.50 at Sportsbet
High scoring match on the anvil
Both teams are on a scoring spree in the last couple of matches. Barca are the top scoring side of the league so far while Atletico has conceded the least. But, it is highly tempting to go for over 3.5 goals at odds of $2 – this is a punt for the aggressive bettors, though.
Perhaps back Neymar to be anytime goal scorer, with the Brazilian looking as strong as ever.
Tip: Neymar to be ‘Any Time Goal Scorer’ – $2.40 at Sportsbet
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