Barcelona - Malaga Betting Preview: Back Barca to lead at the half-hour mark

16 Jan 2013 12:00:00

After another Copa del Rey winner last night, our Spanish expert Phil Kitromilides believes the Catalans should be backed to take an early advantage and has an 11/4 value tip

It has been a little over three years since Barcelona last lost a Copa del Rey game at home and given the way the Blaugrana cursorily dismissed Malaga in their league meeting at the weekend, that run looks unlikely to end this evening.

Paddy Power price another win tonight in the first leg of this Cup quarter final at 1/6 (1.17), while Malaga can be backed at 15/1 (16.00) with the draw available at 6/1 (7.00).

Yet once again there is no reason to go against Tito Vilanova's side, with their performance against Malaga at La Rosaleda on Sunday one of their most impressive showings of the season.

Both teams to score was the selection for that game and it paid out, albeit with just a few minutes to go as Malaga netted a late consolation strike.

A repeat is offered for Wednesday's clash at 5/6 (1.83) - a price of real interest.

However, perhaps a better bet is backing Barca to be ahead at 30 minutes offered at the same price of 5/6 (1.83). The Catalans were so dominant against Malaga on Sunday that it is hard to see them struggling to break down the Andalusians this time around, particularly at home.

Furthermore this bet has paid out already on 15 occasions this season and looks to be the option offering most value tonight.

For a value bet, the 11/4 (3.75) offered on midfield maestro Xavi to score at any time is appealing, with the Spain international having netted twice in his last three matches.