Barcelona took a loss and a draw from their first two fixtures this season, but since then they have won their last 8 league games in a row, scoring an incredible 33 goals in that time and they lead La Liga by one point from Villarreal; things could hardly be more contrasting at Recreativo.

Recre won their opening game of the season at Betis (1-0), but have not won since, drawing 4 and losing 5, scoring only 5 goals in those 9 games.

They are without a win at home and though they have improved slightly to draw their last two home games (against Getafe and Valencia both 1-1), bookies are not giving them much of a chance against in-form Barca, who are priced at a best $1.37 to win.

Barcelona have won 5 and drawn 1 of these sides’ 6 meetings since 2003 and all of their wins were by 2 goals or more; also, 4 of Barca’s last 5 league wins have been by more than one goal.

An upset is unlikely as Barca look much stronger away from home this season, compared to last season, and Recre, on current form, will struggle to stay in the Primera Liga; the Barca handicap win (Recre +1 goal) looks decent value at $2.05 from Bet365.

BETZINE UK TIP *****

Bet: Handicap (Recre +1 goal) Barcelona to win Odds: $2.05 Stake: 6.5pts Bookies: Bet365

Match Betting Previews 15-16 November 2008 >>> Premiership: Arsenal v Aston Villa - Blackburn v Sunderland - Bolton v Liverpool - Fulham v Spurs - Man United v Stoke - Newcastle v Wigan - WBA v Chelsea - West Ham v Portsmouth - Everton v Middlesbrough - Hull v Man City La Liga: Valencia v Gijon - Atletico v Deportivo - Recreativo v Barcelona Serie A: Palermo v Inter - Milan v Chievo - Roma v Lazio Ligue 1: Lyon v Bordeaux - Rennes v Monaco Bundesliga: Leverkusen v Schalke - Hertha v Hamburg