The playing status of Lionel Messi will have a drastic impact on Saturday’s outcome. (Getty)
Editor’s note: The odds below are courtesy of Heavy’s partners at OddsShark. Click here for more odds and betting info at OddsShark.com.
Is there ever really a favorite when Real Madrid and Barcelona meet?
Maybe Real Madrid has the edge, because of home-field advantage. Ronaldo and Bale are undefeated at the Bernabeu this season, and the host team has won four of the previous five Clasicos.
On the other hand, Barcelona is in much better form. They sit three points above Madrid in the table, and are winners of their four previous matches. The last time we saw Madrid, they were being carved by Sevilla during a 3-2 loss.
If any single player can tip the scales, it’s Lionel Messi. The Argentinian has trained this week and is in consideration for the lineup for the first time in two months. But in his absence Neymar and Suarez have found a groove, scoring 19 of Barca’s 22 goals since Messi went down. Luis Enrique has a choice to make whether he should risk the health of his diminutive dynamo, or stay the course and deal with the backlash of benching Messi.
For all the pundits pitching a draw, these teams have proven they’re hardly capable. There hasn’t been a draw in El Clasico since 2012, and in only two of the previous ten meetings.
The odds for Saturday are as follows: Barcelona +200, Real Madrid +105, and Draw +270.
While Barcelona has had the better form, they haven’t had many Real Madrids on their schedule. Cristiano Ronaldo attended his own film premiere instead of playing international friendlies over the break, so look for him to put on a show at the Bernabeu today. It’ll be close, and a Madrid set piece will make the difference.
Real Madrid vs. Barcelona pick: 2-1 Real Madrid
Find out how to watch this game in Spanish at AhoraMismo.com:
