LiontipsAthletic - Barcelona. Predictions and Betting Tips for Copa del Rey
Command Analysis
For Athletic this year started with a win in Spanish Super Cup, where they defeated both Real Madrid (2:1) and their today opposition, Barcelona (3:2 in extra time).
Then Athletic participated in another final - of the Copa's previous year edition, where they were beaten by Real Sociedad (0:1). Basques advanced to the final of this year edition pretty easily - they coast past Ibiza (2:1), Alcoyano (2:1), Betis (2:1 on pen) and finally defeated Levante in the semi-finals (3:2 on aggregate).
In La Liga The Lions didn't get a single win since March 10. In 30 games red-whites have 9 victories and 10 draws, which gave them 37 points and only 11th place.
After loss to Atletico (1:2) on 10 March hosts had a run of peaceful results - Celta (0:0), Eibar (1:1), Real Sociedad (1:1) and finally got one point from a game against Alaves (0:0).
Athletic will play the final without Alvarez, Berchiche, Nolaskoain and Zarraga, who injured his knee.
Barcelona won their last trophy a year ago so this match is the last chance to win a silverware after team's elimination from the Champions League.
In Europe's main club competition Catalonians eased past the group stage, but lost the first place to Juventus only because of head-to-head results. In first play-off round Blaugranas played against Paris Saint-Germain and lost the place in the quarter-finals with an aggregate score 2:5.
On the road to the final Ronald Koeman's side beat Cornella (2:0 e.t.), Rayo Vallecano (2:1), Granada (5:2 e.t.) and in a semi-finals Barca lost first match to Sevilla, but managed to pull a comeback and won 3:2 on aggregate.
In La Liga Barca is currently on the 3rd place. In 30 games Blaugranas have 20 victories and 5 draws. They have 65 points, two points away from the leader. In three last games nominal guests trashed Real Sociedad (6:1), defeated Valladolid (1:0) and lost away El Classico to Real Madrid (1:2).
Barcelona will have to do without Fati, Neto and Coutinho, who have a knee injury.
Trends
СтавкаExact score - 2:1
In three last head-to-head matches both teams scored
СтавкаGoals In Both Halves - Yes
In three last head-to-head matches teams scored in both halves
СтавкаCorners: Total under 8.5
In 2 of 3 last head-to-head matches this bet has won
СтавкаPenalty: Yes
On every third head-to-head match penalty was given
Tip and bets
Both teams will be highly motivated for this match and we expect a competitive free-flowing game. Athletic will give it all, but in current condition they have very little chance against Barcelona especially since the match will take place on the neutral field so the nominal hosts will play without the advantage of the home ground.
Our prediction - Barcelona will win with handicap (-1). You can place this bet at 1.89
Matches between Athletic and Barcelona had been high-scoring before and this one should be as well.
Our second bet - total over 3 goals at 1.91
