No surprises as Messi’s the bet to down Racing

Lionel Messi already has 18 La Liga goals this season and his fine recent record against Racing Santander means that he should be backed to score first against them this season at 7/4.

Messi has six goals in his last five league appearances against Racing and comes into the game in scoring form following his strike in the Copa del Rey quarter final second leg defeat to Real Betis.

Barcelona’s betting odds are 1/14 to beat Racing, which would mean a 14th successive victory in La Liga this season.

Managing to score may prove hard enough for Racing, let alone winning, as they have netted just two goals in their last seven trips to the Nou Camp.

However, there are grounds for optimism as they have lost only one of their last five league outings.

Racing are 25/1 to beat Barcelona, but this is understandable bearing in mind they have left with the three points in just one of their last 34 league away games against the opposition.

Malaga’s away record against Valencia is not much better and based on the current form of the two teams, it is likely that they will leave empty handed again.

Valencia are on a roll with four successive victories, while Malaga have lost seven of their last eight fixtures on the road.

Meanwhile, in their 29 visits to Valencia in La Liga, Malaga’s only win was back in 1955.

Valencia are 4/9 to beat Malaga, with the visitors 13/2 to claim victory.

However, with Valencia having a tendency to leave it late to secure their recent victories, it may prove prudent to take the 4/11 that they score the last goal of the game.

A £25 stake on Barcelona beating Racing 3-0 would return £150. New customers can sign up here for a free £25 bet.