La Liga preview and odds: Barcelona vs. Eibar

Published on: 24/10/2015

La Liga preview and odds: Barcelona vs. Eibar

October 25, 2015 18:15pm Camp Nou

La Liga

By the time Barcelona face Eibar on Sunday afternoon, their current rivals for top spot, Celta de Vigo and Real Madrid will have already played out their Saturday La Liga clash, making the implications for this game clearer.

Barca set for Basque challenge

A win against their opponents form the Basque Country could lift the Catalans to the top of the table if Celta and Madrid draws in their game on Saturday. However, if either of those teams win, Barcelona will need a win just to keep in touch with their rivals.

Barcelona are coming into this game on the back of a solid Champions League win in Belarus which has put them in pole position for a place in the knockout stages. They will now be looking to build some momentum in the league where they have not performed at their best but remain level on points with their arch rivals from the capital.

Having already led his side to two defeats in their last four league games, another slip up would not look good for Coach Luis Enrique who is still adapting to life without the injured Lionel Messi.

So far this season, the Blaugrana have a perfect record at home having won four out of four games played at the Camp Nou. Last time out they triumphed in an entertaining game against Rayo Vallecano of Madrid. The undoubted star of that encounter was Neymar who recorded a tally of four goals and one assist.

Eibar still unbeaten on the road

Eibar continue to impress in La Liga and seem determined to make the most of last seasons relegation reprieve. They currently sit in seventh place after a solid run of results during which they have only been beaten once. That defeat was a 2-0 reverse at home to title contenders Atlético Madrid.

Under the guidance of experienced Coach Jose Luis Mendilibar, the league minnows are currently on a four-game unbeaten run which included an away win at Las Palmas and draws against Sevilla and Celta de Vigo.

Much of their success can be attributed to the astute loan signing of Atletico striker Borja Baston. The 23-year-old was formidable for Real Zaragoza in the Segunda Division last season and has successfully transferred that form into the top flight with Eibar.

The Armeros are unbeaten on the road this season thanks to their sold defensive record. So far, they have conceded just three goals on their travels and will be looking to frustrate the Barcelona strike force on Sunday. In their last game they held Europa League champions Sevilla to a 1-1 draw at the the Estadio Municipal de Ipurua.

Team news

As well as being without Rafinha and Lionel Messi, the home side will also be missing Sergi Roberto who has joined them in the treatment room after picking up a groin injury. Andres Iniesta is back in training but is unlikely to feature at the weekend.

Meanwhile, the visitors will be without Ivan Ramis, Antonio Luna and Adrian for the journey west to Catalonia.

Recent form (League)

Barcelona: WLWLW

Eibar: DWDDL

Betting odds and tips

As can be expected, the odds on a Barca home win are very short indeed with a best price of 1/7 available with William Hill. Even with Eibars good away record, it is hard to see any other result than a home win.

However, with some long odds available, it could be worth placing a speculative bet against the home side. A good option could be the Eibar-Draw Double Chance at 6/1 with Bet365.

Eibar striker Borja Baston already has five goals to his name this season and can be backed at 13/2 with Betfred to score anytime at the Camp Nou.

Published on: 24/10/2015

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (24/10/2015 10:48:40) but are subject to change.