Barcelona v Real Madrid

In one of the most eagerly awaited El Clasico clashes ever, Barcelona have the chance to close the gap at the top of La Liga to just one point with four matches to go after this one. By common consent, the two best sides in Europe, there seems little point listing the outstanding records of both; instead let’s focus on the difference - namely that Guardiola’s team tend to win the head-to-heads.

The statistic that must make the most painful reading for Jose Mourinho must be that Barcelona have won six and drawn one of the last seven league encounters between the Spanish giants. It’s little wonder that the reigning champions are nothing longer than 4/6 (Coral) to win yet again on home soil.

Indeed, Messi and co have been particularly dominant in these summit meetings at the Nou Camp. The hosts have emerged victorious in each of their last three league games against ‘the merengues,’ scoring eight times and conceding none whatsoever in the process. It’s with that in mind that I recommend taking Barcelona to win and keep a clean sheet at best odds of 21/10 with WilliamHill.

The Champions League holders have won 11 on the bounce in La Liga to close the gap on their rivals that once stood at 10 points, to just four. Messi has scored in 10 league matches in a row; he and they know how to find something extra when they really need it.