24-09-2007 La Liga Betting - Matchday 5 Preview

Barcelona celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Nou Camp stadium on Saturday with a special ceremony and 2-1 win over Sevilla. Argentine striker, Lionel Messi, scored both goals with Ronaldinho looking on from the stands. The 300 million euro redevelopment of the iconic venue will start in 2009 and be part funded by the sale of the Mini Estadi, Barca’s mini-stadium.

Barca Adapting Without Eto’o & Ronaldinho

Another potential source of funds could be the sale of Ronny. The Brazilian is at the centre of controversy surrounding his partying lifestyle and lack of form. It seems unlikely he will start on Wednesday as Barca host Real Zaragoza, in the first midweek schedule of fixtures. Messi and Henry showed signs against Sevilla of developing an understanding, all the more important with Samuel Eto’o also side-lined for several weeks.

The victory would have given Rijkaard some relief, given the spectre of Jose Mourinho, who has ruled out another job in Premier League. The Dutchman will be encourage by the fact that Zaragoza have taken five points from four Primera Liga games this term, without keeping a clean sheet. They have faced Barcelona eight times in the last two seasons, including meetings in the Copa Del Rey. Zaragoza shocked the Catalans with a 1-0 win at the Nou Camp in that competition last term, before losing 2-1 at home, but have never won a league game there. PinnacleSports.com make Barca favourites 2.15 (-1.5), with Zaragoza 1.80 (+1.5).

Madrid on Top But Not at Ease

Real Madrid dropped their 100% record on the weekend, salvaging a draw at Vallladolid having fallen behind to a 71st minute Pedro Lopez strike. Though the Galacticos top the Primera Division there appears to be an unusual air of instability in the camp, with much being made of comments made by new manager, Bernd Schuster. Apparently all is not as the German had expected, and his suggestions that he would review his position at the end of the season has been ceased by the Spanish media as a sign he is unsettled. With Jose Mourinho on the market, that appraisal could happen much sooner.

Madrid host Betis at the Bernabeu in a rare Thursday night fixture. The visitors are yet to record a victory this term, drawing two and losing two. This follows on from last term when the Beticos finished just one point above the drop zone, but they seem to save their best for this fixture drawing on the last three visits, including consecutive 0-0 league draws. The sides have played eight times in the last two seasons (including Copa del Rey) with four draws and four draws for Madrid, but an average of less than one goal per game. PinnacleSports.com make Real Madrid favourites 2.04 (-1.5), with Zaragoza 1.893 (+1.5).

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