Barcelona vs Las Palmas Prediction & Betting Tips

Barcelona host Las Palmas in this La Liga clash which could have important implications for the top of the league table and the title race.

Date: 30/03/24

Kick-off time: 20:00

Venue: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys

With nine games to go, Barcelona are hanging on in the title race by a thread. They are currently second, but are eight points behind Real Madrid, who are showing little signs of slowing down. Three points will be vital in keeping their hopes alive, as anything but would most likely all but end the chase. They also have to contend with Girona who are breathing down their necks, the surprise team of the season are just two points behind with a similar goal difference.

Las Palmas are in mid-table, occupying 11th place, not threating a European spot, nor are they in immediate threat of relegation. Therefore, there is little pressure on them coming into this one, but they are winless in five.

During that stretch, Las Palmas conceded 12 goals, meaning there should be plenty of opportunities for Barca to get on the scoresheet. This will likely be through Robert Lewandowski, who is the club’s top scorer with 13. Sixteen-year old sensation Lamine Yamal is also one to watch, and he has found the back of the net four times so far. If the visitors are to threaten, they will look to Kirian Rodriguez, who has bagged six goals.

Since 2017, the two sides have met five times, and unsurprisingly Barcelona have dominated with four wins. In fact, Las Palmas have never got the better of their opponents. The reverse fixture earlier this season ended 2-1. Munir El Haddadi opened the scoring as the hosts threatened an upset. They managed to hold this lead until the 55th minute when Ferran Torres equalised. Hearts were broken as Ilkay Gundogan converted a winning penalty late in stoppage time.

Barcelona

Pedri and Frenkie De Jong have injuries that are expected to sideline them until next month. Pedri has a quad injury, whilst De Jong has an ankle sprain. Gavi, Alex Balde and Andreas Christensen are long-term absentees, with Joao Cancelo’s and Ferran Torres’ availability in question.

Las Palmas

Daley Sinkgraven and Cristian Herrera have injuries that are expected to keep them out until April. They have no new injury concerns otherwise.

Barcelona

In their last five games, Barcelona have won four and drawn one. Barca have played themselves into some good form during this unbeaten stretch. It began with a thumping 4-0 rout of Getafe in which Raphinha, Joao Felix, Frenkie de Jong and Fermin Lopez were all on the scoresheet. This preceded a goalless draw at Athletic Bilbao. It was an even game in terms of chance creation with the teams identical in shots and shots on target, though Barcelona enjoyed much more possession.

Mallorca were the next opponents, who they narrowly beat 1-0. With all the talent and experience in the home side, it was 16-year old Lamine Yamal who stepped up and scored in the 73rd minute.

Attention shifted to Europe and the Champions League as they faced Napoli with the tie in the balance. The first leg in Naples ended honours even at 1-1. At home, Barcelona won 3-1 to advance to the quarter-finals of the tournament. They quickly raced into a two-goal lead with strikes from Lopez and Joao Cancelo to give them a bit of comfort. Amir Rrahmani pulled one back for the visitors to make it nervy, but Robert Lewandowski bagged a third to put the game to bed. Their most recent game was a dominant 3-0 win away at rivals Atletico Madrid. Felix opened the scoring against his parent club shortly before half-time. The lead was doubled by Lewandowski just after the restart, before Lopez scored another.

Las Palmas

In their last five games, Las Palmas have drawn two and lost three. They have found wins very hard to come by as of late as they languish in mid-table. This run began with a crushing 5-0 loss at Atletico Madrid. The hosts were two up by 20 minutes and added a third immediately after the break. Angel Correa converted his second goal from the spot, before Memphis Depay completed the rout late on.

They then played out a 1-1 draw at home to Osasuna in which they enjoyed 73% possession but could not get the better of their opponents. Osasuna were the ones to break the deadlock shortly into the second half, but could only hold on to this lead for a total of three minutes when Kirian Rodriguez scored the equaliser. Another point followed, though this one more thrilling. A 3-3 draw at Getafe started with a Jaime Mata opener early on, with the lead doubled by Mason Greenwood minutes later. The visitors threatened to come back with a strike from Sandro Ramirez, but Getafe restored the cushion on the stroke of half-time. Las Palmas came back from the break strong, and responded almost immediately through Sergi Cardona. Munir El Haddadi netted the equaliser not too long after to ensure they left with a hard earned point.

Against Athletic Bilbao, they dominated another game which they failed to win. This time it was in a loss, as they fell to a 2-0 defeat. They allowed Bilbao to score with one of their two shots on target, as Gorka Guruzeta found the back of the net. The second was an own goal by Saul Coco. Their most recent game was a 1-0 home loss to bottom side Almeria, which sums up their struggles. Leo Baptistao’s 14th minute winner proved to be the difference between the two sides.

Barcelona have played themselves into some good form, and this should continue against a team who have not won in five games. At home they have been strong, therefore we expect a comfortable victory for the giants – Barcelona 3-0 Las Palmas

Barcelona vs Las Palmas will be available to watch on LaLigaTV and Viaplay Sports Online.

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