[X]

La Liga: FC Barcelona vs. Valencia Preview

February 16, 2012 by agent

FC Barcelona will try to start making a late charge toward the La Liga title when they host Valencia. America's Bookie has FC Barcelona -400, Valencia at +850 and a draw at +425 and the total for this game is set at 3.

These two teams have already met three times during the current campaign, with Barça winning once, 2-0 for the Copa del Rey on February 8 and the other two games finishing in draws (one in La Liga and one for the Copa del Rey).

FC Barcelona currently trails Real Madrid by 10 points following a shocking 3-2 loss to Osasuna last Saturday. Valencia on the other hand is in third place, eight points behind FC Barcelona and eight points over Levante, which means that a UEFA Champions League berth for next season is practically assured.

The key matchup in this game will be Lionel Messi against the Valencia defense. Messi has scored just one goal in his last six games, which is a major slump for a player like him. That slump includes the two Copa del Rey games against Valencia. Messi's recent lack of offensive punch is a major reason why Real Madrid has begun to pull away in the La Liga standings.

What teams like Valencia have started doing is not letting Messi dominate the game, if somebody else is going to step up and score key goals, so be it, but Messi has to be contained. It will be more of the same in this game but I still think that FC Barcelona will find a way to win in front of their home crowd. I'm taking the under because Valencia can defend well.

Check out the latest SOCCER Betting news.
Want to bet on this game?

Exchange your ATB Points for an exclusive FreePlay by following these
3 easy steps:

Game information
Date: 3:30 PM ET, February 19
Venue: Camp Nou
Coverage: ESPN3.com

Leave a Reply

AskTheBookie is a popular online sports betting forum where you can find sports betting odds, sportsbook reviews sports handicapping news and much more.

What is Pay per head?

We have been getting a few emails asking us what is pay per head and questions on how to become a bookie.

Answer

Pay per head is a term that is used in the sportsbook industry. Pay per head is a service that allows bookies to outsource their business at minimal cost.

Pay Per Head