Prediction: Real Oviedo vs Barcelona – Betting Tips, Team News, Key Facts – Soccer News

Verdict: Ferran Torres to score anytime

Best Odds: 7/5

Bookmaker: Luckster

Smelling the chance to extend on their bright start to proceedings, Barcelona will travel to Asturias when they meet Real Oviedo on Thursday night.

Real Oviedo

Starting with the hosts, after making their iconic La Liga return this season, it is no secret that Real Oviedo’s sole focus is on painting their top-flight status this time around. However, despite heading into September’s international break with a 1-0 victory against Real Sociedad, it appears that might have been just a minor boost for Veljiko Paunovic’s camp. Last seen falling to a toothless 1-0 loss at the hands of Elche, the Asturias-based outfit have lost four of their first five La Liga appearances. Getting their famous top-flight adventure underway with a 2-0 defeat away at Villarreal, Oviedo have also shown some glaring attacking issues. In fact, Thursday’s hosts have registered just a single strike in any of their opening five La Liga showdowns.

Real Oviedo Team News

Still dealing with a long-term knee injury and yet to make a single appearance this season, ex-Las Palmas defender Alvaro Lemos remains on the sidelines. Likewise, missing out against Elche over the weekend, one-time Liverpool youngster Oviemuno Ejaria remains a major doubt here.

However, missing out on Sunday after serving a one-match domestic suspension, Federico Vinas will return to Paunovic’s squad. Despite turning 36 earlier in the month, former Everton striker Salomon Rondon should keep his spot leading the line.

Barcelona

As for the visitors, reclaiming their La Liga crown last season, Barcelona have embarked on a sensational rise since Hansi Flick’s arrival in Catalonia last summer. Putting in another thumping performance over the weekend as they cruised their way to a 3-0 victory at home against Getafe, the former Bayern Munich boss has seen his superstar squad come flying out of the traps. Getting their Champions League adventure underway with a 2-1 win away at Newcastle last week, the reigning Spanish champions will be smelling another golden opportunity here. Marking their return from September’s international break with a sensational 6-0 romp against Valencia, Barca have also gained a reputation for their clinical performances in the final third. In fact, Flick’s side have registered 18 goals in their first six matchups across all competitions.

Barcelona Team News

Still dealing with a recent groin issue, Barcelona are once again sweating over the fitness of Spanish superstar Lamine Yamal on Thursday night. Likewise, Flick’s side have already confirmed that Spanish defender Alejandro Balde will miss out through a hamstring injury.

Bagging a brace against Getafe over the weekend and now recording five goals for club and country so far this season, former Manchester City star Ferran Torres will lead the line here. Making an immediate impact after arriving from Manchester United on a season-long loan deal, Marcus Rashford should join Torres in the final third.

Real Oviedo vs Barcelona Key Factors to Consider

When Real Oviedo and Barcelona last met way back in June 2001, Thursday’s hosts collected a famous 1-0 victory in Asturias.
Barcelona have registered 16 points from their first six appearances across all competitions.
The reigning Spanish champions have also notched 18 goals in those six consecutive appearances
Real Oviedo have lost four of their first five La Liga appearances.
The top-flight newcomers have also registered just a single strike in those five consecutive top-flight matchups.

Conclusion

Cruising their way to a routine 3-0 victory at home against Valencia over the weekend, Barcelona should be smelling a golden opportunity here. Mustering 16 points from their first six appearances across all competitions, Flick’s defending champions will be excited by a trip to the La Liga newcomers on Thursday night. Really gaining a fearsome reputation for their free-scoring performances in the final third, Barca are rightfully installed as a landslide contender at the Estadio Carlos Tartiere. Last seen outside of Catalonia getting their Champions League adventure underway with a 2-1 victory away at Newcastle, the reigning Spanish champions will be looking to make another statement on the road.

Verdict: Ferran Torres to score anytime

Best Odds: 7/5

Bookmaker: Luckster