Verdict: Lamine Yamal over 1.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 1/1
Bookmaker: Luckster
Turning their attention back to La Liga duties this weekend, Barcelona will welcome Real Oviedo to Catalonia on Sunday afternoon.
Barcelona
Starting with the hosts, claiming an immediate response earlier in the week as they secured a thrilling 4-2 Champions League victory away at Slavia Prague, Barcelona will be hoping for smoother sailing here. Despite missing out on the chance to widen their buffer at the top of the La Liga table last weekend as they fell to a 2-1 loss against Real Sociedad, it appears that downbeat display in the Basque Country was nothing more than a minor blip. With their sights firmly set on defending their domestic crown this season, the former Bayern Munich boss has seen his superstar squad win each of their other 12 appearances across all competitions. Crowned Super Cup champions earlier in the month as they clinched a 3-2 win against arch-rivals Real Madrid over in Saudi Arabia, Barca should be smelling a golden opportunity this weekend.
Barcelona Team News
Both still dealing with respective long-term knee injuries, Barcelona will once again be without Andreas Christensen and Spanish international Gavi. However, serving a one-match Champions League suspension in midweek, 18-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal should make a full return here.
Completing a loan switch from Al-Hilal earlier in the month, former Manchester City star Joao Cancelo should make a first La Liga start of the season. Bagging a first European strike of the season on Wednesday night, ex-RB Leipzig ace Dani Olmo could be handed a full recall.
Real Oviedo
As for the visitors, while Real Oviedo might have only made their shock La Liga return this season, the Blues sit rock-bottom of the table and are almost universally regarded as a standout relegation contender in 2026. Last seen falling to an action-packed 3-2 loss away at Osasuna, Guillermo Almada’s men couldn’t have asked for a tougher challenge when they travel to Catalonia this weekend. Including a nightmare 4-0 drumming at the hands of Sevilla on December 14th, Oviedo have failed to win any of their previous 14 consecutive appearances across all competitions. Likewise, Almada’s side slumped to a routine 3-1 defeat when they welcomed Barcelona to Asturias for their reverse La Liga meeting on September 25th.
Real Oviedo Team News
Dealing with a recent ankle issue and only making five La Liga appearances since arriving in Asturias over the summer, former Manchester United defender Eric Bailly remains a major doubt. Not featuring since the start of December, ex-Reading midfielder Oviemuno Ejaria is not expected to play any part in Catalonia.
Serving a one-match domestic suspension last time out, former Olympiacos defender David Carmo will be handed a full recall at the back. Finding the net in back-to-back La Liga appearances, Uruguayan international Federico Vinas will lead the line here.
Barcelona vs Real Oviedo Key Factors to Consider
- When Barcelona and Real Oviedo met for their reverse La Liga showdown on September 25th, the reigning Spanish champions claimed a 3-1 victory in Asturias.
- Despite falling to a 2-1 loss away at Real Sociedad last weekend, Barca have won each of their other 12 appearances across all competitions.
- Oviedo have failed to win any of their previous 14 consecutive appearances across all competitions.
- Barcelona have registered 54 goals in their 20 La Liga appearances this season and comfortably hold the best-attacking return among Spain’s elite.
- Flick’s side have recorded 27 points from their nine La Liga showdowns in Catalonia so far this season.
Conclusion
Claiming an immediate response earlier in the week as they secured a thrilling 4-2 Champions League victory away at Slavia Prague, Barcelona will be looking to make a domestic statement when they return to Catalonia. Hoping to extend their stay at the top of the La Liga table on Sunday afternoon, Flick’s defending champions have certainly been handed a golden opportunity here. Mustering 27 points from their nine top-flight showdowns in front of their own supporters so far this season, Barca are unsurprisingly installed as a landslide contender on home soil.
Verdict: Lamine Yamal over 1.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 1/1
Bookmaker: Luckster
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