Why Barca should be backed for the victory in Pamplona
They may not have too many good memories of playing Osasuna away, but the Blaugrana should be too strong for them.
Barcelona’s failure to defend their Primera Division title last season can be put down largely to their form away from Camp Nou. While the Catalans retained an imperious home record they managed just 11 wins on the road, compared with eventual champions Real Madrid’s total of 16 away victories.
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The Reyno de Navarra stadium has long been one of the toughest places
to visit in the Spanish top flight, although Barca will be grateful that today’s trip to Pamplona has been scheduled for August, rather than in the depths of winter when the ground becomes an even more inhospitable environment.
It’s worth noting that Barca were 4-1 up against Sociedad at half time and with the likes of Pedro and David Villa regaining form and fitness, more early goals can be expected tonight.
Last season saw Osasuna defeat Barca 3-2 at home, underlining just how uncomfortable the side from Catalonia are when they visit Pamplona and illustrating the Blaugrana’s unpredictability on the road in the previous campaign. They have only won two of their last six league games at Osasuna, and this evening’s clash could well be a tight affair. Barca are priced at 11/50 to claim a win, while Osasuna can be backed at 10/1 and the draw is offered at 21/4.
| Primera Division | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Espanyol win | £115.00 | (19/4) | ||
| Draw | £80.00 | (3/1) | ||
| Barcelona win | £31.00 | (11/20) | ||
| Espanyol | 0-0 | Barcelona | £290.00 | (27/2) |
| Espanyol | 1-0 | Barcelona | £460.00 | (22/1) |
| Espanyol | 1-1 | Barcelona | £150.00 | (13/2) |
However, despite all the statistics and records this is a match that Barcelona should win. It may not be a comfortable trip or indeed match, but punters looking for something to seriously invest in could do worse than take the price of 31/50 offered on Barcelona to be ahead at half time and full time.
The Catalans have started the season in imperious fashion, demolishing an accomplished Real Sociedad outfit 5-1 in their opening league match before outplaying Real Madrid for large parts of their Spanish Super Cup 3-2 first leg victory.
It’s worth noting that Barca were 4-1 up against Sociedad at half time and with the likes of Pedro and David Villa regaining form and fitness, more goals can be expected tonight, and early ones at that.
With that in mind, the price of 9/10 for Barcelona to score three goals or more also looks like holding significant value.
Recommended bet: Barca to be winning at halt time and full time @ 31/50
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