Liverpool vs. Real Madrid Betting Preview and Pick
By: Phil Kitromilides
Goal.com
The front cover of Monday's edition of Madrid's best-selling sports daily said it all. Or rather it said nothing. Two days before Real Madrid traveled to Anfield to face Liverpool in the Champions League, Marca's entire front page was taken up by a headline focusing on Saturday's forthcoming La Liga Clasico.
It would be incorrect of course to suggest that there is no excitement about the European clash against one of the continent's most iconic sides, yet the feeling among Madrid fans is that they would sacrifice a result at Anfield for success against their eternal rivals on Saturday.
However, they might not have to. While Los Blancos have been devastating in recent weeks recording seven blistering wins in a row, Liverpool have been utterly unconvincing, and it is unsurprising to find them at +340 at the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook to overcome Madrid on Wednesday (2:45 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1).
The visitors meanwhile are offered at -135, and given the respective form of the two sides that looks to be generous. A draw can be backed at +300 at the SuperBook.
Liverpool is also offered at plus a half-goal for +115, while the posted total at the Westgate is 3 goals (OVER +105, UNDER -125).
That Carlo Ancelotti's men are such clear favorites is understandable particularly when considering Liverpool's defensive record, with the Reds failing to keep a clean sheet in any competition since the end of August. Madrid meanwhile with a rampant Cristiano Ronaldo have been in staggering scoring form, with their 30 goals in eight La Liga matches the highest total of any side in Europe's five major leagues.
While Gareth Bale is likely to miss out, the diminutive precision of Isco is likely to expertly fill the void vacated by the Welshman, with Madrid's strength in depth highlighted by Liverpool coach Brendan Rodgers who suggested he could see very few flaws in his opponents.
Bolder gamblers may well snap up the price of +200 for Madrid to net over 2.5 goals (that prop can be found outside of Las Vegas), a selection which has paid out five times in their last seven matches in all competitions. But in terms of a searching for a solid selection, the price for a Real Madrid victory is well worthy of investment.
Goal.com best bet: Real Madrid to win at -135