Ajax vs. Barcelona Betting Preview and Pick
By: Phil Kitromilides
Goal.com
Having suffered back-to-back league defeats for the first time since May 2009, Barcelona head to Amsterdam looking to get back on track against Ajax in Champions League action on Wednesday (2:45 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1).
The Blaugrana's 1-0 loss at home to Celta on Saturday was characterized by a combination of misfortune and lethargy, and despite hitting the woodwork four times, questions are already being asked about coach Luis Enrique's set up.
A victory is therefore vital not simply in the context of Group F but in Barcelona's season as a whole.
CG Technology in Las Vegas offers the La Liga side at -300 odds for the win, while Ajax can be backed at +775, and the draw is offered at +400. The total is 3.5 goals (UNDER -135).
The fact that Barca have lost their last two games and that they are away from home in a European tie means there is value offered in some of the markets backing them. Most eye-catching of all is the -110 price for the visitors to cover a 1.5-goal spread, which looks like being an excellent selection.
This bet has paid out in six of Barcelona's last seven victories in all competitions, and if we expect the Catalans to win, as most people do, then this is a logical way to back them at a superbly healthy looking price.
It is a more attractive option than backing Barca to win and OVER 2.5 goals at -125, as well as paying out considerably more than the price of -175 for both teams to score.
Luis Suarez will be hugely motivated to score on his return to his former club after drawing a blank in his opening two games for his current side, while Lionel Messi is two goals away from equaling Raul Gonzalez's scoring record of 71 goals in the Champions League.
Both of those players can help Barca to a win this evening and backing them to do so by at least two goals is the sensible option.
Goal.com best bet: Barcelona -1.5 goals (-110).