The season goes on: best football in Spain and Portugal
A derby between a total outsider and the tournament leader. In the current Primera Espanyol is 20th, last, and Barcelona is 1st, with 29 points between the rivals. The Parrots will most likely be leaving the top division. But even that is something the fans will be able to forgive if the Pericos manage to beat the decorated rival.
In the history of matches between the teams, Espanyol has never defeated Barça in the Spanish championship since 2016. But there was one victory over the Catalans in a friendly and one match in the Copa del Rey. The maximum Espanyol can hope for in this home game is a draw. Since 2016, as part of the national championship, 2 matches between the teams within the national championship ended in a draw.
These events could happen again only as long as the team manages to keep up the defense through the match. Otherwise Barça will find its way to the rival’s goal and score heavily. Since 2015, the Blue-Garnet team defeated the parrots with a difference of 3 or more goals in 6 out of 15 matches (including friendlies, the Copa del Rey and the Copa Catalunya). Handicap Team 2: -2.5 with 3.78 odds in 22Bet line.
The advantage of the visiting team lies in the lineup. Messi, Luis Suarez and Griezmann can secure the victory of Barça relying on their skill alone, while Ter Stegen can keep the goal safe. In their turn, the hosting team will do their best to make a nice exit from the tournament, coming out on the field with a hope for a draw.
Sporting - Porto
Lions vs. Dragons - a match between two Portuguese legends. Sporting (3rd in the standings) is behind Porto (2nd ) by 9 points, with rivals breathing down on their necks. The circumstances are forcing the Lions to be fiercely defending their tournament position, which offers a chance to progress to the Europa League if not fight for championship.
The last time Sporting became the champion of Primeira was in 2002, since then having to settle for 2nd or 3rd place. In the current tournament, the aristocrats are third not only in the standings, but also by the number of victories (8) and points scored (26). However, in matches with the most powerful of rivals, such as Porto and Benfica, the Lions always make their finest effort. Since February 28, 2010, Sporting has never lost to the Dragons in their home stadium, José Alvalade, at the end of last season defeating Porto on penalties in the Portuguese Cup final.
The Blue and white are behind the leading Benfica by 4 points. Overall, the team of Sérgio Conceição is successful in the current tournament, 2nd by the goals scored (an average of 2 goals per game) and goals conceded (0.43 goals per match), having a real shot at winning the championship. The last time Porto won the title was in the 2018 Portuguese Championship. Now, to catch up with the leader, the Dragons need to defeat the rebellious lions in their home arena.
It’s likely that in the upcoming match, both teams will bet on proper defense, rather than furious attack. Out of the 13 matches between Sporting and Porto since 2016, two goals and more were scored in 7. Low efficiency can be often observed in matches between the two. Total under 2.5 with excellent odds of 1.885 in 22Bet line.
