La Liga - Should your money be on Real or Barca?

European Leagues / Alsy / 14 August 2007 / 1 Comments

Morgan in the driving seat

Barcelona are priced at 1.71 to win another Primera title. Under Rijkaard's direction the Catalans play the sexiest football in Europe while Thierry Henry's arrival can only mean more misery for La Liga's defenders.

Last season Barcelona scored the most goals (78) and conceded the fewest (33) illustrating that they have no obvious weaknesses. They've added the impressive France fullback Éric Abidal and Touré Yaya (brother to Arsenal's Kolo) while Eto, Messi, Ronaldinho, Gudjohnsen and Henry form a dream team of strikers. Few would best against them but I think they're worth a lay at that price.

Adding Henry to the most potent attack in football is like adding a fifth wheel to a Ferrari. In theory Eto, Messi, Ronaldinho and Henry could all play together but it could be a tactical disaster with little defensive cover.

Last year in-fighting cost Barcelona the title with Eto and Ronaldinho frequently airing grievences in front of a ferel press pack. Add the unassuming and humble Henry into the mix and the goals will certainly flow but when Barca's assualt on multiple fronts hits a snag the soap opera will resume afresh.

Despite welcoming a new manager and a host of new star players Real Madrid looks positively stable, and exceptionally tempting at 3.8, in comparison. Madrid thrive on drama (where else would a manager be sacked for winning the title?) while every signing seems excellent at face value.

The most important addition is new coach and former player (he controversially signed for Madrid from Barcelona in 1988) Bernd Schuster. He's never managed one of Europe's elite sides but boasts a well-earned reputation for free-flowing football. His teams are always excellently marshalled in defence with only one side matching Barcelona for goals conceded in La Liga last year... Schuster's Getafe.

His signings for Madrid have been equally impressive as centre backs, Christoph Metzelder and Pepe, will allow Ramos to play at right back. Ajax's inspirational captain Sneijder joins fellow Dutchman Drenthe in midfield. These signings are young and exceptionally talented; when added to Real's existing talent and La Liga Golden Boot Van Nistelrooy Madrid look well balanced and good value at 3.8 for the title.

Both Sevilla and Valencia are quoted at 19 but it's hard to imagine Sevilla matching last season's heroics at home and abroad. Sevilla look a poor bet at 19 when you consider that their best players have been linked with a host of clubs. Kanoute seems keen on a return to the Premiership while Alves is currently throwing every toy out of the pram in an effort to engineer a move to Chelsea.

Valencia added Helguera to their defence but they've managed the impressive feat of retaining star players David Villa and David Silva at the Mestalla. Factor in the talents of Baraja, Joaquin and Morientes and Valencia look the only team capable of splitting Real and Barcelona. It will not happen but they look a shoe-in for third at 19.

Finally Athletico Madrid, offered at 44 to win the thing, look a good bet at 3.7 for a top-three finish. They sold Torres for an obscene amount of cash and have spent the money very astutely bringing in Simao, Reyes, Forlan and Luis Garcia among others. Hanging on to Portuguese duo Costinha and Maniche as well as Argentina star Maxi Rodriguez will have done their chances no harm either. Every player is a top international making Athletico a formidable proposition and a great outside bet for a third place spot.

Alister Morgan

Comments (1)

1. willy willy bum bum | 25 October 2007

   barcelona for the tittle!