El Clasico: Trailblazing Barca good bet to beat rivals Real

In his last three matches, the 23-year-old has dispatched five goals, bagging braces in two of those games. To score two or more against Real, his 6/1 price might be good value. Luis Suarez, meanwhile, who struck in the reverse last term, is on offer at 5/1 to open the scoring.

Should Messi make an appearance, he is 5/1 to notch two or more goals and Suarez has claimed that his teammate has looked good since returning to training.

“Whether he plays or not is down to the coach, the medics and how he feels but he has been looking sharp in training,” Suarez said on Wednesday. “However, it is the type of injury where there are risks for the future.

“Messi is a player that makes a difference in all games and in clásicos he has always made a big impact but we will have to see if he is ready.”

Internal Madrid mutiny could have effect

Having recorded their first defeat of the season across all competitions last time out, there has been a real backlash from players against gaffer Rafa Benitez, apparently led by Cristiano Ronaldo, who has questioned the Spaniard’s strategies.

With eight La Liga goals this season, Ronaldo is priced at 3/1 to strike first and netted in both matches last term. In the 3-2 loss to Sevilla previously, James Rodriguez and Sergio Ramos were on the scoresheet and the latter dispatched in this fixture three years ago. At 7/1 in the anytime market, this could be good value and is a credible threat from set pieces.

Gareth Bale will also be hoping to make an impact in ‘El Clasico’. His remarkable goal in the Copa del Rey final two seasons ago won Real Madrid the cup and as a result, the Welsh winger is on offer at a tempting 2/1 in the anytime market.

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Coral’s top tip: Back Neymar @ 9/1 with Coral to continue his fine scoring form and score first