This article contains affiliate links to advertisers. The analysis is our own. Play responsibly, 18+
This Tuesday's clash between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid is one of the most keenly anticipated matches of the La Liga season so far, with two inevitable challengers going head-to-head at the Camp Nou. Due to the Spanish Super Cup being played in Saudi Arabia in January, this fixture has been brought forward to December. Given how tight things currently are at the summit of the La Liga table, this fixture - which is always a key contest in any campaign - undoubtedly carries extra significance. Despite both teams having already endured some inconsistent spells in the early part of the campaign, Tuesday's opponents occupy two of the top four positions in the table.
As the two teams continue to navigate an intense fixture schedule, it's likely both managers will rotate their squads as they aim to maintain high performance levels on both domestic and continental fronts. Barça and Atléti currently find themselves outside the automatic qualification places in the Champions League ahead of gameweek six, and will therefore need to improve their form if they're to avoid a potentially tricky play-off tie in February. Skipping this additional round of fixtures could prove pivotal in keeping players fit and available for the latter stages of the title race, so both sides will be careful not to overly exert themselves on league duty.
Predictions for Barcelona v Atletico Madrid
Barcelona to win: 4/5 (bet365)
Both Teams to Score (BTTS): 4/9 (bet365)
Odds correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
Barça looking to keep winning at home
Barcelona have won in each of their seven La Liga home outings this term, despite playing six of these fixtures away from the Camp Nou. The Blaugrana's long-awaited return to their iconic stadium was marked with an emphatic victory over Athletic Bilbao, as the Spanish top-flight re-commenced following the third international break of the campaign.
Hansi Flick's men are still searching for their first statement victory of the season, having lost high-profile clashes to Real Madrid and Chelsea in recent weeks. A triumph over a potential title rival would certainly boost spirits in the Barça camp.
Atletico Madrid are always a difficult side to overcome, but their recent away form suggests the hosts are heavy favourites heading into this tie. Although they won both of their last two matches on the road, Los Colchoneros only managed to take three points from their previous four away clashes. Furthermore, Atleti have already been beaten twice at opposing venues in this season's Champions League, narrowly losing to Liverpool on matchday one before going down 4-0 at the Emirates on their return to England a month later. While they didn't lose in either of their two visits to the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Atletico failed to beat Barça in any of the previous seven meetings between these two teams in Catalonia.
Prediction - Barcelona to win: 4/5 (bet365)
Explanation: This bet lands if Barcelona win
Three goals or more
A colossal 12 of Barcelona's first 13 league matches have produced three goals or more, with only August's away draw against Rayo Vallecano bucking this overriding trend. No other team has been involved in as many high-scoring affairs, while the Blaugrana boast the best goals per match average in the division (3.9). Therefore, it's hardly surprising to note that Barça are La Liga's current top scorers having already found the net on a staggering 36 occasions this term. Los Rojiblancos are the Spanish top-flight's fourth-highest scorers, so we should expect plenty of goals at the Camp Nou on Tuesday evening.
Although only one of Atletico's six league away matches have witnessed more than two goals, four of the last five meetings between themselves and Tuesday's opponents eclipsed the three-goal threshold.
Prediction - Over 2.5 Goals: 4/9 (bet365)
Explanation: This bet lands if three or more goals are scored during the match, regardless of the full-time result.
Both teams to score
This looks to be a fairly safe prediction given each side's attacking capabilities. Both teams have also shown defensive frailties at times this season, although no La Liga team has conceded fewer goals than Atleti and Barcelona's net has only been breached on 15 occasions.
Furthermore, three of last season's four meetings between these two Spanish giants ended with both teams on the scoresheet.
Prediction - Both Teams to Score (BTTS): 4/9 (bet365)
Explanation: This bet lands if both teams score on at least one occasion.
Barça v Atléti odds
Atletico Madrid: 14/5 (bet365)
Odds correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
Discover the best betting bonuses
Looking for a place to bet on La Liga action this season? Let Flashscore help you in your quest. Upon visiting our dedicated betting bonuses page, you’ll gain access to some of the best promotions in the market. Click the link to get started.
Odds correct at the time of publication and subject to change.