Barcelona will close gap on Real Madrid
It's not been the best couple of weeks for Barcelona. First they suffer an almost unthinkable defeat at the hands of Hercules, and then Lionel Messi is ruled out for two weeks after a horrible looking challenge from Atletico Madrid defender Tomas Ujfalusi. But things should get better for them tonight against Sporting Gijon...
Barcelona v Sporting Gijon (Kick-off: 7pm, Live on Sky Sports 3)
Even without Messi, Barcelona should still walk this one, and their odds of [1.16] reflect just how big the gulf in class is. In all fairness to Gijon, there aren't many teams who can be considered in the same league as the defending La Liga champions, and no-one would have predicted a win for Hércules at the Nou Camp earlier this month. However, Gijon have only won once in their last 17 away games in La Liga, and have kept just one clean sheet on their previous 21 away days. They got hammered 3-0 in this fixture last season so back the Barca win at [1.16] and over 3.5 goals at [2.18].
Valencia v Atletico Madrid (Kick-off: 9pm, Live on Sky Sports 3)
Despite losing David's Villa and Silva over the summer, Valencia have got off to a brilliant start in La Liga. They have won their opening three games and are the only side in the division with a one hundred per cent record - they will face a tougher test against Atletico Madrid tonight though. The visitors have scored seven goals in their opening three games this season, and have not lost in their last two away games in the league. With Valencia winning their last six home games - and only conceding one goal in the process - we can see them emerging victorious at [2.14].
Almeria v Levante
Newly-promoted Levante head to Almeria looking to pick up their first points of the season. They have suffered defeats against Sevilla, Getafe, and Villarreal so far this term, and Almeria should make it another loss tonight. It hasn't been the most inspiring of starts for Almeria, although draws against Osasuna and Real Sociedad show they are not to be taken lightly. Back the home win at [1.79].
Real Zaragoza v Hercules
It looks as though Hercules' 2-0 win against Barcelona was just a flash in the pan. They have already lost to Athletic Bilbao and Valencia this season, and Zaragoza should see them off tonight. Zaragoza flirted with relegation from La Liga last season and have got off to a poor start this time around, losing two and drawing one. But with only four defeats in their last 13 home games, Zaragoza should come out of this game with all three points at [2.06].
Reckon we're right? Surely Barcelona can't lose again? Let us know below...
Published: 22 Sep 2010
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