Eibar host La Liga leaders Barcelona this weekend, with the home side looking to extend their run of good form in what would undoubtedly be their biggest win of the season to date. However, with their opponents currently sitting seven points clear at the top of the standings, it promises to be a tough 90 minutes for José Luis Mendilibar’s players.
Spanish La Liga – Eibar v Barcelona – Ipurua Municipal Stadium, Eibar – Saturday 17th February – 15:15 UK Time
|
Draw Best Odd of: 15/4 William Hill |
|
Eibar
FC BarcelonaMatch Preview
Eibar take on Spanish giants Barcelona at the Ipurua Municipal Stadium on Saturday afternoon, with a win for the home side potentially seeing them move into the top six in the La Liga table for the first time. However, the visitors will be looking to return to winning ways following a surprise home draw with Getafe last time around. Managers Mendilibar and Ernesto Valverde will both be hoping to come out on top at the end of the 90 minutes in Eibar. 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 the home team.
Eibar Team News & Form
Eibar made it two consecutive wins in La Liga with an away win over Leganes, as well as making it four matches unbeaten in the Spanish top-flight. The hosts are now within just a point of a European qualifying position, despite having a -2 goal difference from their 23 encounters to date. The likes of Bebe, Takashi Inui and Charles are among the biggest attacking threat for the hosts, while goalkeeper Asier Riesgo could well be in for a busy 90 minutes.
Barcelona Team News & Form
Barcelona were held to a goalless draw by Getafe at the Camp Nou over the weekend, however Valverde’s men remain on course to reclaim the La Liga title. The visitors have gone the entirety of the campaign unbeaten so far, scoring 60 goals in the process, whilst conceding just 11. Lionel Messi has 20 goals to his name already, while Luis Suarez has backed him up well with 16 goals. New signing Philippe Coutinho recently scored his first goal for the club and will be hoping to start this weekend, while Ousmane Dembele is set to continue on the bench following a disappointing cameo against Getafe.
Head to Head
The two teams have met seven times in the past, with Barcelona having won on each occasion, meaning that Eibar are still yet to earn a point. Barcelona won 6-1 when the two teams met at the Camp Nou earlier in the season.
Eibar v Barcelona – Betting Odds and Predictions
Despite being the home side this weekend, it is Eibar who are unsurprisingly the underdogs for victory when they take on champions elect, Barcelona. The hosts can be backed for victory at best odds of 10/3 with bookmaker PaddyPower, while Barcelona are available at 1 with Coral.
Top Betting Tip Eibar v Barcelona
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet on there being over 2.5 goals during the 90 minutes this weekend, which is available at odds of 13/20 with Ladbrokes.