Barcelona take on Levante in the Spanish top-flight this weekend, with the home side looking to maintain their unbeaten record in La Liga so far this season. With their opponents having failed to win in their last five outings, it could well be a long night for Juan Ramón López Muñiz and his players at the Camp Nou.
Spanish La Liga – Camp Nou, Barcelona – Sunday 7th January – 15:15 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 18 at Betfair |
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Barcelona
LevanteMatch Preview
La Liga leaders Barcelona kick-start their 2018 campaign with a home tie against Levante on Sunday afternoon, with the hosts currently sitting nine points clear of their closest rival in the standings. With the likes of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez likely to line-up for Ernesto Valverde’s team, it comes as little surprise that it is Barcelona who are the firm favourites for victory. However, with Levante having not lost in their last two outings, it could be closer than expected at the Camp Nou. For those still unsure of who to back, be sure to check out our top betting tip below. However, let’s first take a closer look at the two teams, starting with Barcelona.
Barcelona Team News & Form
Barcelona won comfortably against rivals Real Madrid last time around, with Valverde’s men now in an extremely strong position to remain at the top of the pile for the remainder of the season. Record signing Ousmane Dembele could start his first game since a four month injury layoff after coming off the bench in the Copa del Ray during the week, with both Messi and Suarez almost certain to start in attack. Barca have scored 47 goals so far this season, while conceding just seven goals in the process. The home side have not lost a single match this season, with Valverde hopeful of ensuring that this run continues.
Levante Team News & Form
Levante registered successive goalless draws against Sevilla and Leganes at the end of 2017, with manager Muniz looking to make it three matches unbeaten in La Liga this weekend in Barcelona. Experienced midfielder Coke should line up in midfield for the visitors, while forward Roger Marti could lead the line in attack. The visitors have scored just 15 goals in their 17 La Liga matches to date, conceding 22 in the process.
Head to Head
The two teams have met 22 times in the past, with Barcelona having won 17 of such meetings, as well as recording four draws. Barcelona earned six points from last season’s two clashes with Levante, including a 4-1 win at home.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Given their position in the standings as well as their status as the home team, it comes as little surprise that Barcelona are the firm favourites for victory with the majority of bookmakers. The home side can be backed at odds of 1/20 at Ladbrokes, while those looking to bet on an away win for Levante can take advantage of 33/1 odds from the same bookmaker.
Top Betting Tip
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet on there being over 3.5 goals during the 90 minutes, which is available at odds of 4/9 with Paddy Power.