The Catalans visit the Spanish capital on Saturday and we think the biggest La Liga game of the weekend will spark into life in the second half
Atletico Madrid welcome La Liga champions Barcelona to the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on Saturday evening aiming to end one of the longest winless streaks in their history.
Los Rojiblancos have failed to record a victory in their last 16 league meetings with the Catalans, with their last top flight success coming back in February 2010.
Barca meanwhile, come into the game off the back of 4-3 home defeat at the hands of Real Betis, and despite leading the La Liga table there have been plenty of questions asked of the Blaugrana in recent weeks.
Latest odds
Atletico have won 12 of their last 16 home league games and bet365 price them at 21/10 (3.10) to pick up another three points.
Barca needed two goals in the last three minutes to record a 3-2 win at Rayo Vallecano in their previous away game. They have also drawn 1-1 at Valencia and lost 2-1 at Leganes this season. As such, the Catalans are offered at 6/5 (2.20) with the draw available at 5/2 (3.50).
Watch and bet live on Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona
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Team news
Atletico Madrid will be without captain Diego Godin, who picked up an injury in their last game against Athletic Bilbao. The hosts could be boosted in defence by the return of Stefan Savic and Lucas Hernandez. Diego Costa should also return up front for Diego Simeone’s side.
Barcelona could have Philippe Coutinho back after the Brazilian returned to training this week following an injury picked up against Inter Milan. Ivan Rakitic is suspended for the visitors after a red card against Betis last time out with Arturo Vidal or Sergi Roberto likely to replace him in midfield.
Preview
In terms of the title race this looks like being a key fixture, with Atleti just a point behind Barca at the top of the table and both teams will feel it is important to not lose this match.
Neither side have been firing on all cylinders recently and in this most competitive of La Liga seasons, the division’s bigger side have been dropping points in the most unexpected of places.
In their respective matches prior to the international break, both sides were much more dangerous in the second half, and there are plenty of reasons for punters to invest in a cagey opening to this game.
Tips and predictions
No goal before 31 minutes is offered at 5/6 (1.83), while for higher odds back the second half to be the highest scoring half at 21/20 (2.05).
This selection has paid out in each of Barca’s last four league games and in four of Atletico’s last five top flight clashes. Furthermore, the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano has seen 14 goals scored in La Liga this term, but only five of those goals have come in the first half.
Prices correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
Second half to be highest scoring half at 21/20 (2.05) for a 2.5pt stake with bet365
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