Spain La Liga:
Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid - OVER 2.5 GOALS @ 2.00
Bet365 - 1unit
Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid +0.5 @ 2.07
Pinnacle - 1unit
Two seemingly public plays. Probability of various people looking to fade Real Madrid, and take the overs particularly after that embarassing 5-3 defeat to Sevilla in the King's Cup where their new defender Pepe cited it as a nightmare debut.
Real have signed alot of new players but as usual, there doesn't seem to be a plan. The squad looks completely unbalanced. They've looked to reinforce the left side with the signings of Heinze, Robben, and Drenthe. But, the right has been completely neglected. Robben and Heinze will not be in the squad meaning Real will have to make do with a narrow midfield four featuring Diarra in the defensive role, with Guti (who is inconsistent), new signing Sneijder, and Robinho taking the places. Schuster will face a big decision up front. Nistelrooy is a guaranteed starter, but will it be Saviola or Raul or Higuain alongside him?
If the attack/midfield seems unbalanced then the defence is too. Casillas is in an injury doubt. He's the single most important player Madrid have. The amount of times he has come up with absolutely crucial saves over the past few seasons, is the likely reason they weren't suffering in midtable mediocrity. His likely replacement would be Jerzy Dudek who is a mistake waiting to happen. Cannavaro didn't seem to settle in the defence last year, often making many errors. Metzelder isn't a spectacular defender. Pepe is largely unknown outside of Portugal, and judging by his Kings Cup debut, he's got alot of to improve on. On top of all that, there is a huge burden of expectation. Not because Real Madrid are reigning champions but because the appointment of new coach Bernd Schuster is meant to signal a reversion to an attacking philosophy. Pretty odd, considering his great spell at Getafe was renowned for defensive solidity, and stubborness at home often with 1-0 victories.
Atletico, by contrast, have signed very well. Very often the joke of Spanish football. Best summarised as the only team in the world capable of always 'snatching defeat from the jaws of victory'. There have been numerous false dawns. However, the sale of their star player Fernano Torres has led to a huge spending spree. They've recruited wisely in the shape of Diego Forlan up front, creative midfielder Luis Garcia, wingers Simao and Reyes, and probably the most underrated signing of the lot Raul Garcia from Osasuna. They've rectified one of the biggest problems they had last year, which was a lack of ingenuity and cretaivity from midfield, but with both Garcia's, Simao, Reyes, and Maxi Rodriguez back from injury, they have excellent attacking options. The defence remains solid, and they also have midfield solidity in Luccin and Maniche. Confidence is apparently high amongst the players and managers, who've been making alot of comments about having an excellent season, and making a good first impression in the derby.
It could prove too good to be true. So expect Real Madrid to win 1-0...
Racing Santander vs. Barcelona - OVER 2.5 GOALS @ 1.96
Pinnacle - 1unit
Barca missing Puyol (injury) and new signing Milito (suspension) at centreback. They'll have to pair Marquez with either the poor Oleguer or Thuram (who seemed to lack concentration/focus last season). This could be at least an incentive for Santander to attack. Their new coach Marcelinho, former manager of Recreativo, has already shown he possesses a positive style of play. Unfortunately they've had a big loss with their star striker Zigic leaving to Valencia. He formed the perfect little/large partnership with Pedro Munitis.
Obviously expect Barcelona to come out an attack, and look to get on a roll. Too much attacking talent, a rejuvenated Ronaldinho and Eto'o, with Messi looking to continue his amazing form, and Henry looking to come off the bench. Has to be a few goals in this.