Barcelona - Deportivo Quito

Ecuador Serie A, Primera Etapa

The opening odds were suggesting that Barcelona should have a rather easy match here, and only the margin of their victory is in doubt. But I disagree with that, and I think that these odds are just an overreaction after Barcelona's win against Emelec, and due to Deportivo Quito's internal problems and their threats of not traveling for the game. But this crisis is close to a solution, as Deportivo's players have received some of the postponed payments. And besides, these issues have been ever present for at least 3 months, and this never stopped them from taking on each game with professionalism (they have lost a single game this season). Full team is expected for Deportivo Quito, with the only absent being midfielder Luis Romero (14/1). Otherwise, all the big names are set to start, including striker Nieto (13 goals in 14 games) and winger Colon (14/8). Same story with Barcelona, as they will also have a full squad at their disposal, with the exception of midfielder Matias Oyola (14/1). They may have improved lately in the league, but I'm still not convinced that they will be able to fight at the top. And besides, Deportivo is traditionally a team that poses a lot of problems: in the last 15 direct games played in Guayaquil, Barcelona did manage to win the majority, but only 3 of them have been by more than a one-goal advantage. And if we look at the teams now, Deportivo looks better. I'd go for a draw here, but the handicap is the safer solution. GL!

Deportivo (+0.75 AH) @ 1.82, 3/10
Result: 1-0, HALF-LOST