Real Sociedad-Barcelona Betting Preview: Why neither side will keep a clean sheet

19 Jan 2013 08:00:00

Our Spanish expert Phil Kitromilides believes the Blaugrana's tendency to concede away from home will see both teams finding the back of the net on Saturday

Having suffered something of a wobble by drawing 2-2 at home against Malaga in the first leg of their Copa del Rey quarter-final on Wednesday, Barcelona will be keen to get back to winning ways this weekend.

With such a comfortable lead at the top of the table, Saturday's trip to Real Sociedad is far from a must-win game, which is fortunate as the Anoeta Stadium has proved a difficult place for the Catalans to visit in recent years.

Indeed Barca have won just two of their last seven games there and Bet365 price them at 2/7 (1.28) to claim three points on Saturday.

La Real, meanwhile, can be backed at 9/1 (10.00), with the draw offered at 9/2 (5.50).

The best bet however looks to be backing both teams to score which is offered at 33/50 (1.66). La Real have scored in six of their last seven games, including three times at the Bernabeu.

Barcelona meanwhile have conceded in eight of the 10 away matches they have played in the league so far this season.

This bet has also paid out in each of the last four meetings between the sides and while it may not be the biggest price in the world it is well worth considering as a stand alone bet or as part of an accumulator.

For higher odds the price of 11/4 (3.75) for the home side to score over 1.5 goals is eye catching.

This bet has paid out in each of the last two meetings between the sides at the Anoeta and with Barca conceding two or more goals against the likes of strugglers Mallorca and Deportivo away from home the season, a decent Real Sociedad outfit has good chance of netting two or more.