Barcelona won't thrash in-form Real Betis
Both hosts are favourites in Wednesday's Copa del Rey quarter-final collisions yet while both are worthy of their status, we've found another above-evens bet worth considering in each clash...
Barcelona v Real Betis (9pm, Sky Sports 3)
Pep Guardiola set his stall out in his first season as a coach that likes to win every piece of silverware his club are in contention for so it's a hell of a task that the only surviving lower league side in the competition, Real Betis, face in trying to stop them.
The Andalusian team narrowly missed out on an instant return to La Liga last year but top the Segunda table by four points and have supplemented that form with a cup run.
They've knocked out Real Zaragoza and Getafe to get this far, encouragingly defeating both away, and while Barcelona are unbeaten in 26 games, Betis can take confidence from the fact that the champions haven't been quite as dominant of late, needing away goals to see off Athletic Bilbao in the last round after two draws and a narrow 2-1 win over Levante.
Real Betis haven't lost by more than one goal all season and on these occasions, bets on the Asian Handicap appeal. Odds of [2.01] are offered on Betis +2.0&+2.5, a wager that guarantees a profit provided Barcelona don't triumph by three or more goals.
Villarreal v Sevilla (7pm)
Perhaps concerned that the league table isn't enough to convince some that they are currently the third-best team in Spain, Villarreal went about dumping out local rivals Valencia in the last round of the Copa del Rey, further enhancing their impressive home record.
Holders Sevilla are next to visit El Madrigal and as the Yellow Submarine have won 14 and drawn one of 15 in front of their own fans - overcoming Sevilla 1-0 in La Liga in that time - they have to be fancied to claim the first-leg victory at [2.1].
The Rojiblancos have scored an incredible 18 goals in four Copa del Rey matches this season though so over 2.5 goals is hugely tempted at [2.08].
Got any punts lined up for this encounter? Share them in the box below...
Published: 12 Jan 2011
vincentdimolero (January 12, 2011 2:12 PM) said:
Was happen at barcelona? everyone is trying to steal there young players.
Now i read that Messi is goin to Arsebnal in summer for deal worth 75 mil in money and player swap (Arsharvin an Denlson)