Barcelona v Cadiz – Betting Preview
Barcelona Summary
Barcelona’s spirits and confidence on the pitch are excellent. They were slightly humbled however when needing some luck to avoid a defeat against 3rd placed EPL side on Thursday, drawing 2-2 with Manchester United.
They now fear the English giant and as a result and will have one eye on the return leg on Thursday.
Domestically no Spanish side has been able to lay a glove on them of late, so they will go into this game trying to conserve legs. Even this way Barcelona expect to win and at least maintain their lead at the top of La Liga 2022/23.
Barcelona remains without Dembele, but the big and new absences here create huge weakening in the XI. Arguably their most important man, the sensationally good centre-back Araujo along with the magic man Pedri are out.
It is worth noting that it appeared that Ronald Araujo intentionally picked up a 5th yellow last weekend to select this opponent as the one that he serves his suspension. Either way, he has been crucial to so many clean sheets across their league games.
Pedri is also a key man for the Catalan giants, he is in danger of missing the second leg of the UEL in Manchester.
Busquets is back in the squad but almost no chance of him starting this match. Xavi has admitted he will make many rotations for this match.
Cadiz Summary
Cadiz comes into the game in a very good mood and with nothing to lose. In fact, they will have some belief of causing a shock based on Barcelona’s team news and the timing of the game.
The southerners start the weekend in 16th place and have won two from their last three matches, including an impressive win against a highly-rated Girona last weekend.
The away form is not so promising and so Sergio the boss has taken the pressure off the team for this meeting at the Camp Nou.
Sergio González can recall veteran striker Negredo from a knock but there is an important absence in the left-back spot, with Santiago Arzamendia Expected to sit at full-back, replacing Alfonso Epsino who is out with a suspension.
Numerous absences remain for Cadiz including Jon Ander Garrido, Joseba Zaldua, Jose Mari, Juan Cala, and Víctor Chust are missing with injuries. Of these Zaluda and Chust are noted as definite starters when available.
Betting Analysis
Looking at the 1×2 market first. With big absences and plenty of rotations, Barcelona remains a major favourite here. Barcelona is @ 1.22 to win which I would avoid. Cadiz will have nothing to lose and certainly be the better-motivated side, they are @ 14.00 to win while the draw is @ 7.00.
Moving onto the Asian handicap betting for this contest. Barcelona has been brushing aside Spanish opponents but with an eye on Manchester and several key absences (especially that of Araujo), they will go into this game weaker, complacently, and likely in low gear. For this reason, I would not recommend Barcelona -2 @ 2.02 and by default, have a small interest in Cadiz +2 @ 1.82.
Looking lastly at the Over/Under betting market where, as detailed above, this outcome will be greatly affected by lack of focus and key men missing for the massive jolly. Over 3 is @ 1.90 and Under is @ 1.92. I would not go with the Under as Cadiz may find a goal themselves with Barcelona not as strong in defence as normal, plus probably playing in a relaxed attitude.
