Juventus v Barcelona Betting: Bianconeri can punish Catalan insecurities

Barcelona head to Turin after one of their most frustrating domestic weekends of the season. The Blaugrana were unable to capitalise on Real Madrid dropping points against Atletico as Barca slumped to a 2-0 defeat at Malaga, leaving them three points behind Los Blancos at the top of the table.

Luis Enrique was not happy about the refeering in the game which saw Neymar sent off for two bookable offences but he also would have been unhappy at his side's inability to find the back of the net.

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Barcelona have only failed to score twice in the last 12 months, both times against Malaga and the Andalusians have become something of a bogey side. It is with that sense of frustration therefore that Barca head to northern Italy to face a Juve side with no such domestic preocupations.

The Italian champions beat Chievo 2-0 on Saturday to stay six points clear at the top as Gonzalo Higuain returned to goalscoring form with a brace. The former Real Madrid striker netted three teams against Barcelona during his seven seasons in the Spanish capital and he will be hoping to lead Juve to a first leg win which is priced at 6/4 (2.50) by Paddy Power.

Juve's home record is one of the most impressive across the continent with the Old Lady unbeaten in their own stadium in any competition since August 2015. That said, Barcelona did beat Juve the last time they met, in the final of the Champions League 2015, and another win for the Blaugrana is offered at 15/8 (2.88) with the draw available at 23/10 (3.30). 

Goal

Barcelona's recent away record does not inspire much confidence with their defeat at Malaga on Saturday the third in their last five matches in the road in all competitions. The price of evens (2.00) for Juve to be ahead at half time or full time looks tempting with this selection paying out in their last three home games in the Champions League.

Furthermore, Barca have been trailing at half or full time in four of their last five away games in the tournament making this a highly appealing selection.