Barcelona vs Las Palmas prediction: SPAIN: LaLiga betting tips on match 2024-03-29 20:00.
[p]A clinical 3-0 win over Atlético Madrid kept Barcelona within eight points of La Liga leaders Real Madrid going into the international break. It was a third straight victory for the Catalans, who extended their unbeaten competitive run to ten matches (W7, D3) ahead of a crucial period that includes meeting Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. Europe remains a priority for winning silverware, but manager Xavi won’t be writing off his team’s league title chances just yet ahead of his departure this summer. [/p]
[p]The arrival of Las Palmas isn’t likely to play on their nerves, as Barcelona haven’t lost a top-flight H2H since February 1986 (W10, D5 since). In a further positive omen for the home fans, Barça’s defence has stepped up at the right time, picking up four consecutive La Liga clean sheets – a far cry from the side that conceded 12 goals across six league games prior to the current sequence.[/p]
[p]In sharp contrast to their hosts, mid-table Las Palmas have seen their form slacken, with no wins in their last five matches (D2, L3) – their joint-worst winless streak this campaign. But a shock result here would certainly be a proud result for manager GarcĂa Pimienta, who spent a large chunk of both his playing and coaching career with Barcelona across various age groups.[/p]
[p]Travelling to these parts hasn’t gone well though for the Canary Islanders, who haven’t won a top-flight fixture at Barcelona since September 1971 (D2, L17 since). Las Palmas’ recent three-game away form (D2, L1) raises hopes of them at least putting up a fight, but their defence could come under serious pressure, having conceded eight times across their last two road trips. Those defensive lapses seem to be an exception however, as they conceded two or more goals in an away league encounter only once in their previous 12 such outings. [/p]
[p]Players to watch: JoĂŁo FĂ©lix usually scores early, having netted the match opener with four of his last six La Liga goals, including against AtlĂ©tico earlier this month. Meanwhile, Munir El Haddadi would like his return to an old stomping ground to be a success, having previously seen his three H2H goals unable to prevent defeats – including in this season’s reverse (L 2-1). [/p]
[p]Hot stat: A Barcelona player was carded first in five of their last six games.[/p]