Atletico Madrid v Barcelona
Football: Spain, Primera Division
Sunday, 1st March 2009 - Kickoff 18:00

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Barcelona will go into today’s clash with Atletico Madrid winless in their last two. Last weekend’s defeat at the hands of Espanyol was their first defeat since the opening day of the season and Pep Guardiola would want to bounce back immediately.

Many are concerned over the confidence of this Barcelona side as well as their fitness as they played away to Lyon in midweek.

But Barcelona have already beaten Atletico Madrid three times this season and I do expect another Barca win today as Eto, Messi and Henry is expected to start. Barcelona will be without Ineista but Keita might yet feature in this fixture as his red card appeal was successful.

Atletico Madrid are having all sorts of problem among themselves with just one win in their last eight Primera Divison games.

Sergio Aguero is the star man in the side but his poor form of late has made fans unhappy with him. In return, Sergio Aguero was unhappy himself after being substituted against Porto in midweek.

When a player is not a 100% focused, their performance level with definitely drop and hence, I cant see how Aguero will play anywhere near his best.

Betting Statistic :

Under the asian handicap line this season, Atletico Madrid have won six from the possible eleven games, losing the remaining five.

Atletico tend to lose on odds whenever they play against the “Big Boys”. They have so far lost to both Sevilla and Real Madrid at home this season.

On the other hand, Barcelona have a decent away record based on the AH line. Out of the eleven away games, Barcelona have won six of it losing only three. Two of their three AH betting losses came in the last three weeks.

The Betting Verdict

I do expect Barcelona to bounce back after being winless in their last two games. Pep Guardiola knows that any more slip ups would mean that Barcelona are only giving chance to Real Madrid to catch them at the top of the La Liga.

Bank on Barcelona to win this game as Samuel Eto is on red hot form and I would not be surprised at all to see his name on the score sheet.

In addition, Lional Messi is a player that could open up any defense. He has been playing below average lately and I believe this would be the game that he will step up his game.

The Statistics :

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Barcelona to win the game.

Consider trying over 2.5 goals as I do see goals in this game.

HANDICAP BETTING :

Barcelona to give -0.5 goal headstart.