Despite conceding early goal in 13th minute and losing till the very end of the first halftime, Barcelona managed to get a 5:1 victory in local derby over Espanyol at home, mostly thanks to a great night from Messi who scored three out of five goals for the hosts. The team is now on a run of seven consecutive victories in all competitions, working especially well in attack – they have scored nine goals in last two matches. Tonight, they need a victory over the French side in order to get the first position, while any other result would leave them at the second position – progressing ticket for next stage is already secured almost a month ago. Home side will miss right back Dani Alves (16/0) and offensive midfielder Rafinha (10/0) who are both suspended for this game. Defender Thomas Vermaelen is injured and a long term absentee, who probably won’t be playing for Barcelona this season.
PSG had many problems last weekend in a home game against Nantes, but still managed to get a precious 2:1 three pointer. Visitors took the lead in eight minute, while the hosts replied with two quick goals from Ibrahimovic in 34th and 48th minute. With this victory they continued their title race with Marseille, still being a point below their biggest rival this season. As said, the team currently stands at first position and can’t afford to lose tonight in case they want to remain at the first position. Edison Cavani started from the bench last weekend, but will probably be employed here from the first minute. Marco Verratti is also expected to start here, while the visitors only have substitute forward Jean-Christophe Bahebeck (12/2) as absentee here.
Barcelona will surely enter the game strongly in order to win. Quality difference should be seen on the field, as the players of Barca look much more creative and concrete in the offense than the French side which generally struggled in attack in recent weeks, with or without Ibrahimovic.
Bet: Barcelona -1.25 Asian handicap
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