Against All Odds: Parakeets to fly in Barcelona derby

The Espanyol fans will be in full voice this evening

It's the Derbi Barceloni in Spain this evening and while Barcelona are the worthy favourites, Paul Robinson thinks their odds are just too short for the clash that's live on Sky Sports Xtra at 19:00.

It's been a mixed week with a couple of good winners and some disappointing losers. If the result goes our way today though it will be the fourth profitable week in a row for Against All Odds.

Espanyol have dropped to 11th after taking just one point from a possible 12 and it seems that the players have gone into holiday mode now that they're top flight status has been secured for next year. If there's one game that can get them 'off the beach' though it's Barcelona at home and I expect a much higher intensity than what's been on display lately.

Javier Aguirre has done an excellent job since taking over from Mauricio Pochettino in November. The club were bottom of the league with just nine points from 13 fixtures. They've lost only one of their last 11 at home and while they've not won any of the last five, they have held the likes of Real Sociedad, Valencia and Real Madrid.  

Barcelona need two more victories to reach the magic 100 point mark for the campaign but they will have to do it without the services of Lionel Messi. The Argentine forward is still suffering from a hamstring injury and it is likely that Cesc Fabregas will continue in the 'false 9' role.

Tito Vilanova's side haven't exactly been impressive on the road of late though. Barca have won just three of their last eight in La Liga away from the Nou Camp and they lost at Celtic, AC Milan and Bayern Munich in the Champions League this term.

Clearly Barcelona are the rightful favourites but the absence of Messi can't be ignored, nor can their form away from home. The Parakeets will surely raise their game for the visit of their local rivals and a lay of Barca at 1.664/6 could have us all chirping come full time.  

Recommended Bet
Lay Barcelona v Espanyol @ 1.664/6 

2013 P/L (1pt each bet)

Wagered: 145 pts
Returned: 133.04 pts
P/L – 11.96 pts (after commission)
(2012 P/L: + 9.60 pts)