La Liga preview and odds: Sporting Gijon vs Barcelona

Published on: 15/02/2016

La Liga preview and odds: Sporting Gijon vs Barcelona

February 17, 2016 17:30pm - El Molinón

La Liga

Barcelona can extend their lead at the top of La Liga when they travel to Asturias on Wednesday evening to play their game in hand against 16th-ranked Sporting Gijon.

Sporting unbeaten in four

After an awful run of eight defeats in ten games, Sporting Gijon have bounced back with a run of four games without defeat, including wins against Real Sociedad and Valencia, and back-to-back stalemates at home to Deportivo La Coruna and Rayo Vallecano.

As a result of their recent revival, Abelardo`s men have risen to 16th place in the table, two points clear of the relegation zone. If they can take anything from this game, it will be an added bonus for the young team from the North of Spain.

Second-half master class from Barca

Barcelona got sweet revenge for their 4-1 September defeat to Celta de Vigo when they put six goals past the Galician team at the weekend. The 6-1 victory was notable for a 30 minute spell in the second half in which Barcelona played some of their best football of the season.

The highlight of the game was an audacious penalty kick from Lionek Messi, who - rather than shoot - elected to pass the ball sideways to the incoming Luis Suarez, who subsequently tapped in for his hat-trick

The Blaugrana are currently three points clear at the top of La Liga, and will now play their game in hand (due to their involvement in the World Club Championships) against a team that has not beaten them in 22 years.

Team news

The home side will have to do without the injured Espinosa, while Arnaldo Sanabria is also a doubt. Meanwhile, Barca will have to cope without the services of Rafinha.

Recent form (League)

Sporting Gijon: DDWWL

Barcelona: WWWWW

Betting odds and tips

Sporting Gijon have scored in eight of their last nine home games, so may just grab a goal in this game.

You can back Both Teams to Score at 10/11, or Both Teams to Score and Barca to win at 5/4 - both with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 15/02/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (15/02/2016 19:18:28) but are subject to change.