Las Palmas vs Barcelona Betting Tips and Predictions: Team News and Lineups Preview - bettingexpert
It’s 17th vs the new league leaders in Spain this weekend and our expert Nathan Joyes has provided his Las Palmas vs Barcelona Best Bet, team news, lineups and fixtures preview.
Barcelona’s narrow victory over Rayo Vallecano on Monday night – once again thanks to Robert Lewandowski – saw them replace Real Madrid at the top of the table on goal difference.
With Real Madrid dropping points against Osasuna, and having to deal with their Champions League play-off, Hansi Flick may have an opportunity to extend their lead on Saturday evening.
The hosts head into this clash winless in their last seven, and have failed to win in front of their fans this year from three attempts.
Yet having won the reverse fixture, can they pull off the unthinkable double? Nathan has his say.
Las Palmas vs Barcelona Prediction: A frustrating first 45 for the visitors
Spain, La Liga, Saturday, February 22nd, 20:00 (UK)
Barcelona are back on top. With 14 games to go, and with the two Madrid’s breathing down their backs, there’s sure to be a few more twists and turns before the eventual winner is decided.
Will one of those twists happen this weekend? It’s difficult to defend Las Palmas heading into this match, having picked up just one point from their last five matches, and are now winless in seven.
This had led them to an unwanted 17th, keeping their heads above water on goal difference with both Valencia and Alaves close in behind. Results are required – and fast.
But before diving into how brilliant Barcelona have been in recent weeks, it’s worth reminding ourselves that Las Palmas did win the reverse fixture 2-1. It was their first win against the Spanish giants in their entire history, but the old saying “does lightning strike twice?” comes to mind.
Where there’s hope is Las Palmas’ first half resilience at home. They’ve only won two of their last six matches at Estadio de Gran Canaria, but all of those matches were level at half-time. In fact, five were 0-0.
Despite having the third worst home record, Las Palmas have only lost four – and all have come by a single goal margin. Rarely do they get walked over.
And recent history between Las Palmas and Barcelona at this ground backs that up. Of the six meetings between the two clubs, the visitors have only won by more than one goal on one occasion back in 2017.
Admittedly, Barcelona enter this fixture in fine form having won eight of their last ten across all competitions (W8 D2). Yet five of those were level at half-time, including against Sevilla and Alaves in La Liga.
When Flick’s side have had to break down a low-block this season, they’ve struggled. Las Palmas will set up to pounce – but sparingly – and this could see them replicate their infamous 0-0 scorelines they keep on producing at the break.
Eventually, the hosts are likely to be worn down by Barcelona’s attacking talent, but don’t be fooled into thinking Barcelona to be leading at half-time at just 1.66 is a banker.
- Las Palmas vs Barcelona Prediction: Half Time Draw
- Best Odds: 3.0
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 5/10
Las Palmas vs Barcelona Prediction odds via bet365 as at 11:00, February 18th, 2025. Odds may now differ.
Las Palmas vs Barcelona Injuries, Team News and Possible Lineups
Las Palmas welcomes back forward Sandro Ramirez to their matchday squad after serving a one match suspension in their 3-1 defeat against Mallorca. Dario Essugo also returns after his three-match suspension has come to an end.
Barcelona will be without Fermin Lopez who picked up a red card against Sevilla, but will still have their prolific attacking trio leading the line. Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski can threaten anyone, and Las Palmas will have their work cut out if they are to get anything out of the game.
Las Palmas possible starting lineup:
Cillessen; Marmol, McKenna, Suarez, Viti, Moleiro, Fuster, Bajcetic, Loiodice, Munoz, McBurnie
Barcelona possible starting lineup:
Pena; Balde, Cubarsi, Araujo, Kounde, Pedri, Casado, Raphinha, Gavi, Yamal, Lewandowski
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