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Verdict: Barcelona draw no bet
Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker: Unibet
In what is a heavyweight showdown from La Liga on Sunday night, Barcelona will make the trip to the Estadio Metropolitano when they meet Atletico Madrid.
Atletico Madrid
Starting with the hosts, while Atletico Madrid might have marked their La Liga return on December 29th with a 2-0 victory at home against Elche, the former Spanish champions have come under real scrutiny this season. Facing what could be a tough battle in 2023 as they look to claim a much-needed top-four finish, Diego Simeone’s men are seeking some stability in the New Year. Suffering a public Champions League nightmare as they came crashing out of all European competitions, Los Colchoneros have won just a pair of their previous six La Liga showdowns on either side of the World Cup break. Likewise, despite claiming that deserved 2-0 win against Elche last week, it should be noted that Atletico have gained a reputation for their inconsistencies on home soil. In fact, it should be highlighted, Sunday’s hosts have bagged just three wins from their last seven top-flight battles at the Estadio Metropolitano.
Team News
After returning to training earlier in the week, Atletico Madrid will be boosted by the return of defender Stefan Savic on Sunday night.
However, Simeone’s side have a real headache over the fitness of both Sergio Reguilon and Mario Hermoso this weekend.
Barcelona
As for the visitors, while Barcelona might have been dealing with some public financial issues over recent times, Xavi’s side are enjoying what has been an eye-catching domestic flurry this season. Although the Spanish icons might have signed off 2022 with a 1-1 draw at home against Espanyol, the Catalonia-based giants have suffered just a single La Liga defeat this year. Opening up this weekend’s fixtures leading the chase at the top of the table and smelling the chance to lay down a real marker on Sunday night, Barca have also continued to impress with their displays away from the Nou Camp. Last seen on their travels claiming a 2-1 victory against Osasuna, it should be highlighted that Xavi’s men have collected 18 points from their seven La Liga away fixtures this season. Landing an action-packed 4-2 victory when they last faced off against Atletico 11 months ago, Barca will be desperate for a repeat display in the capital.
Team News
Barcelona will be unable to call upon both Robert Lewandowski and Jordi Alba on Sunday night as the duo serve a suspension.
However, Xavi’s side have otherwise been handed a full bill of health ahead of their trip to the Spanish capital this weekend.
Key Factors to Consider
- When the two sides last faced off back in February 2022, Barcelona picked up an action-packed 4-2 victory at the Nou Camp.
- Sunday’s guests have collected 18 points from their seven La Liga away fixtures this season.
- Atletico Madrid have claimed just a pair of La Liga victories from their previous six attempts.
- Likewise, Los Colchoneros have also won just a trio of their last seven La Liga contests at the Estadio Metropolitano.
- Barcelona have lost just two of their last 24 straight La Liga meetings against Atletico – a run that stems all the way back to February 2010.
Conclusion
While Barcelona might have been disappointed after signing off 2022 with a 1-1 draw at home against Espanyol, the mood in their camp should remain at a real high. Opening this weekend’s fixtures leading the chase at the top of the La Liga table, Xavi’s side have suffered just a sole top-flight defeat this season. Looking to cash in on an Atletico squad who have shown some extended issues over recent months, Sunday’s guests should also be excited by their eye-catching record against Los Colchoneros. In fact, including an action-packed 4-2 victory when they welcomed Simeone’s men to the Nou Camp 11 months ago, Barca have lost just a pair of their previous 24 top-flight meetings. Looking to lay down a real marker in the capital, we’re backing an away draw no bet here.
Verdict: Barcelona draw no bet
Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker: Unibet
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