Las Palmas vs Barcelona, Prediction, Odds and Betting Tips 04/01/2024
Calendar icon Updated 03 Jan 14:28

Las Palmas vs Barcelona, Prediction, Odds and Betting Tips 04/01/2024

Kai Edvard Iliev Kai Edvard Iliev

Odds via Tonybet

Las Palmas vs FC BarcelonaJanuary 4 2024, 3:30 PM ET
Las Palmas odds+480
FC Barcelona odds-176
Draw+340
Over\Under2.5 -136\+116

Las Palmas vs Barcelona. Shape of the Teams

Since García Pimienta took over Las Palmas, the team has not only earned promotion but also evolved into a major force in Spanish football. 

For Pimienta, this role marks a return to his roots, as he previously spent 19 years coaching at Barcelona, first with La Masia and then with Barcelona ‘B’ (now known as Atlétic). During his tenure, he oversaw the development of key players like Gavi, Ronald Araújo, and Alejandro Balde. 

After his contract with Barcelona was not renewed, Pimienta joined Las Palmas, tasked primarily with achieving promotion. 

However, his impact has been such that Las Palmas is now much more than just a newly promoted team, Currently ranked 10th in La Liga, they are showing signs that they have not yet reached their full potential. 

Assessing Las Palmas based solely on results can be misleading. The team lacks a reliable goal-scorer up front, which belies the quality of their play. 

While they have experienced losses to teams like Real Betis and Athletic Club, they’ve also secured impressive results, such as a 2-1 win against Atlético de Madrid while holding Real Sociedad to a goalless draw.

The primary issue for Las Palmas remains their low goalscoring rate, which explains why the team has never scored more than two goals in the league —a worrying figure in comparison to the chances the team regularly creates.

Barcelona’s decision to part ways with García Pimienta might be seen in retrospect as a missed opportunity, especially in the context of developing Xavi Hernández’s coaching methodology. 

While Rafa Marquez is doing commendable work with Barcelona Atlétic and Xavi Hernández is leading the first team effectively, García Pimienta’s expertise in player development could have been an invaluable asset for a coach like Xavi, who was relatively new to his role at the time.

García Pimienta has since demonstrated his tactical acumen at Las Palmas, crafting one of the most challenging defences in La Liga. 

His approach is not only effective but also entails a high level of risk, which could pose a significant challenge for Barcelona. It’s a potential trap that Barcelona must navigate carefully, and they should not assume victory is guaranteed. 

Instead, Barcelona’s strategy should be focused on capitalizing on any mistakes made by Las Palmas. Opportunities might be scarce, so making the most of them will be crucial. 

With Barcelona likely well-rested for now, securing the three points becomes even more critical to keep pace with Atlético Madrid, who are currently on par with points but ahead in the standings due to other factors.

With Barcelona trailing Real Madrid, the league leaders, by seven points, this match against Las Palmas is a must-win for Xavi and his team to maintain their title aspirations.

La Liga Standings

  1. Real Madrid — 45 points
  2. Girona — 45 points
  3. Atlético de Madrid — 38 points
  4. Barcelona — 38 points
  5. Athletic Club — 35 points

Las Palmas vs Barcelona Main Match Info

Las Palmas vs Barcelona Prediction, Odds

Las Palmas, with their well-structured team, certainly has the capability to challenge Barcelona and potentially prevent them from taking three points back from the Canary Islands. However, what Las Palmas lacks in comparison to Barcelona is star power. 

Despite injuries to key players like Pedri and Gavi, Barcelona’s lineup still boasts significant talent, including Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, and Robert Lewandowski. These players have the quality and ability to bring the three points back home. 

The match against Real Madrid highlighted Las Palmas’ lack of experience and difficulty in managing momentum, which could be a decisive factor against a seasoned team like Barcelona. Nonetheless, the match won’t be straightforward for the Catalan side. 

Barcelona will face familiar faces in the Las Palmas squad, such as Julian Araujo, Mika Marmol, and Munir El-Haddadi, all of whom have ties to Barcelona, either through loans or their time at La Masia. 

Besides that, Alex Valles has emerged as one of the top shot-stopping goalkeepers in Spain, which also explains Las Palmas’ ability to keep the goal tally low.

Las Palmas vs Barcelona Betting Tip

This choice is highly influenced by the absence of Alberto Moleiro due to injury, one of Las Palmas’ most threatening players advancing forwards across the pitch.

Without him, Las Palmas might adopt a more conservative approach, not pressing as high up the pitch. This tactical shift could provide Barcelona with more opportunities to advance and control the game.

This scenario could be particularly advantageous for João Félix. His tendency to lose possession might pose less of a risk against a less aggressive Las Palmas midfield and defence. Given more space to operate, João Félix is likely to become the focal point of Barcelona’s creative efforts in the attack.

As the primary creative force upfront, João will likely see a lot of the ball, placing much of the playmaking responsibility on his shoulders. 

This match presents an ideal opportunity for him to demonstrate his value and make a case for his continued stay at Barcelona beyond the summer.

With the support of Ilkay Gündogan behind him, a skilled midfielder known for his vision and passing ability, João Félix has the necessary backing to potentially be the most valuable player on the pitch in this encounter.

Disclaimer: Odds are accurate at the time of posting and subject to change. Please verify the latest odds on our platform before betting

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