This is without doubt Tottenham’s biggest game of the season when they travel to the Camp Nou to take on Barcelona in the final game of the Champions League group stages. The Catalan giants have already qualified and are guaranteed top spot in Group B, however with Spurs and Inter locked on seven points each, there is much at stake for Pochettino’s team. Form Labs bring you their betting preview and tips for the clash and if you are after some more value then check out our enhanced odds for the game.
FansBet ambassador Paul Robinson previews Barcelona v Spurs
Plenty Of Goals Last Time Out
These two played out a 4-2 epic in the reverse fixture as Leo Messi turned on the style, with the game containing four second half goals as Spurs wouldn’t accept their fate lightly. There’s also good reason to back goals in this encounter, though there’s a smarter play than just the over/under market. The longer this game wears on, either Barca will have entered party mode, or Spurs will be in with a chance at qualification still.
The first scenario could see the hosts put up any number, but the second will necessitate an increasingly adventurous strategy from the visitors. Spurs must throw caution to the wind, whether it’s a glorious boom or bust, and that encourages us that the second half will prove more profitable for goals.
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Indeed, six of Spurs’ last nine outings have seen a higher output during the second period, with 19 of the 30 goals plundered after the break, as none of these games saw a greater number in the first half than the second.
Meanwhile, four of Barcelona’s five Champions League matches this term have seen more goals in the second half than the first, with 13 of the 17 in total coming after the interval. When playing top-seven teams domestically, they’ve witnessed 18 second half efforts compared to just six first half strikes, as all five these games saw the second period as the highest scoring half.
The Messi Factor
Inevitably, Messi takes virtually all the limelight ahead of this fixture, with an impressive record of 22 goals in 29 games against English outfits. That of course includes his brace in the reverse fixture, while it’s 10 more than Cristiano Ronaldo (the next nearest) has managed against English sides in this competition. He might only have finished fifth in the recent Ballon d’Or, but he responded to the affront with two goals and an assist versus Espanyol as Barcelona geared up for this clash with a 4-0 trouncing of their local rivals.
Barcelona v Tottenham Betting Tips
It may well be the case that the group is done and dusted as far as the Catalans are concerned, with six points separating them from both Spurs and Inter, but there’s been little suggestion that Ernesto Valverde will play a weakened team. Indeed, the Spanish giants only have another two fixtures after this before the winter break commences, unlike their visitors, who have more than that before Christmas let alone the New Year.
Messi’s currently the Champions League joint-top scorer this season with Bayern’s Robert Lewandowski on six strikes, and given he usually competes in the final group game, completing the full 90 minutes in three of the past four seasons, it seems unlikely that Spurs will be spared the ordeal of containing him.
Lionel Messi To Score Anytime at 1.62
Half With Most Goals 2nd Half At 1.86
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