Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the La Liga match.
Newly promoted Real Oviedo are still adjusting to life in the top flight, but their lack of attacking threat has already become a serious concern. Barcelona, meanwhile, are playing some of the most entertaining and prolific football in Spain as they chase down Real Madrid.
Real Oviedo
Veljko Paunović has set his side up cautiously, but the approach is not yielding results. Real Oviedo have scored just once in five rounds – the worst record in La Liga. Their 0:1 defeat to Elche again exposed their lack of creativity, with plenty of midfield battles but very few real chances. On average they manage just seven shots per game. Even with numbers behind the ball, mistakes are creeping in: Real Oviedo have conceded in four of their five matches, including a heavy 0:3 home defeat to Real Madrid.
Barcelona
Under Hansi Flick, Barcelona are thriving with a bold attacking philosophy. They’ve already netted 16 goals in five games, the highest tally in the league. Their most recent outing was a 3:0 win over Getafe, where they created 1.97 xG and finished clinically. Even with Pedro López sidelined, Flick has plenty of depth: Raphinha Belloli, Marcus Rashford, Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski have all been decisive in front of goal.
Real Oviedo vs Barcelona Prediction
Barcelona’s attacking power should prove far too much for Oviedo, whose blunt forward line and fragile defence leave them exposed. Expect the Catalans to take control and win convincingly, by at least a two-goal margin.
