Real Madrid v Barcelona Tip

The best two footballing sides on the planet clash for the first time this season with Jose Mourinho’s side currently holding the upper hand. Madrid are three points clear at the top of the table, with a game in hand, having won their last 10 La Liga games, 15 in all competitions. They are 6/4 (PaddyPower) to extend that run. Standing in their way are the so-called ‘team of the generation.’ Barcelona have only lost one of their last 11 meeting with their arch rivals; indeed they are unbeaten under Pep Guardiola at the Bernabeu. The away win is 2/1 (WilliamHill), with the draw at 13/5 (VictorChandler).

I’ve come to the conclusion that this one is simply too close to call, and I favour a player tip instead. Lionel Messi is odds against in the ‘anytime goalscorer’ market , and that should be something to grab any punter’s attention! The best player in the world has scored on his last five visits to the Bernabeu, and claimed a total of seven in that period. He saves his best for the biggest, most intimidating occasions; at 11/8 (Betfred) we should be very interested.

Messi has a sensational 27 goals in 23 appearances this season. He may end up surpassing his mammoth total of 53 in 2010-11. At 24-years-old, one of the greatest players the world has ever seen is at the peak of his powers. When we get some rare value on him scoring, we should be all over it!