Real Madrid vs Deportivo Betting Odds – Ailing Madrid fall flat at Deportivo
Soccer Odds: Pick Draw +225 |
Online betting players know that some teams just have problems at certain stadiums, and soccer may be the biggest example of that theory. Spanish giants Real Madrid head to Deportivo La Coruna this weekend, and this is a place that has given Madrid fits recently. With injuries and suspensions up front, Madrid will struggle to a draw against an offensively-inept Deportivo side.
| Real Madrid vs Deportivo Betting Odds: Madrid -110; Deportivo +265; Draw +225 |
| WHAT: Soccer odss |
| WHEN: Saturday, January 30, 4:00 PM ET |
| WHERE: Estadio Riazor, Galicia, Spain |
| KEY STAT: Madrid has lost five straight at Deportivo |
The Storyline: Real Madrid vs Deportivo Betting Odds
Madrid sits behind first-place Barcelona by five points, but to keep pace, they'll have improve their form away from home, as they lost at Athletic Bilbao on January 16th. However, they bounced back with a 2-0 home win over Malaga on Sunday. Deportivo are 10 points behind Madrid in fifth as they try to stay in position for a Champions League spot, and they dropped Bilbao 3-1 at home last weekend getting knocked out of the Copa Del Rey by Sevilla.
Offensive Matchup: Real Madrid vs Deportivo Betting Odds
With Madrid's firepower, they have no problems scoring, but they'll play this game without the services of Cristiano Ronaldo, who earned a two-match ban for an nose-breaking elbow on a Malaga player last weekend, and Gonzalo Higuain, who has a hamstring injury. This could mean a start for Raul, who could leave after this season, and Karim Benzema.
Betting Edge: Real Madrid
Defensive Matchup: Real Madrid vs Deportivo Betting Odds
Madrid is allowed to go forward only because they have Iker Casillas, one of the best keepers in the world, and it's hard to believe he's still just 28 years old. Marcelo is a very active left back that can move up to winger, while Raul Albiol can also move around the back since coming over from Valencia.
Felipe was one of two defenders to play all 19 league matches in front of keeper Daniel Aranzubia, and now the onus is on Alberto Lopo, Manuel Pablo and Diego Colotto to carry the team. The only reason to give Deportivo a chance in your sportsbook is their defense, which has allowed 19 goals, just five more than Madrid.
Betting Edge: Draw
Notable Injuries: Real Madrid vs Deportivo Betting Odds
It's getting bad for Madrid, as Higuain (thigh) joins Rafael van der Vaart (calf) on the sideline. Ronaldo (suspension) is out, and Madrid just let Ruud van Nistelrooy sign with Hamburg,
The injury to Felipe (ankle) just crushes Deportivo offensively and defensively, but they'll be better off at the back than going forward.
Betting Edge: Deportivo
Totals: Real Madrid vs Deportivo Betting Odds
Given the injuries up front for Madrid, along with Deportivo's lack of scoring and their emphasis on defense, the under is the smart play here.
Pick:Under 2.5 (-120)
Outlook and Pick: Real Madrid vs Deportivo Betting Odds
Each side has won five of their last 10 meetings, but it was Madrid who came away with a 3-2 victory in their season opener at home against a pesky Deportivo side. This won't be as wide open as Madrid are missing some important attacking players, and they'll have to focus on Deportivo's counterattack,, which isn't as strong without Felipe. However, they've had troubles at La Riazor, dropping their last five matches there. This won't be a loss, but Madrid won't take all three points.
Todd’s Pick: Draw +225
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