With the World Cup concluded, the European soccer season is underway as both the Premier League and La Liga launched their campaigns in mid-to-late August.
Two-time defending La Liga champions FC Barcelona take center stage again as they gear up to face Elche on Sunday before a crowd of nearly 32,000 fans at Estadio Martínez Valero in Alicante, Spain.
There is no surprise that Barca has the lowest odds at +400 to secure both La Liga and Copa del Rey titles on bet365 Sportsbook.
In this opener, they are also decisive -334 moneyline favorites.
Elche vs. Barcelona prediction, best bet
Elche enters the match following a 15th-place finish last season and the appointment of new management after Eder Sarabia resigned in May.
Argentine Martin Anselmi signed a one-year contract to take over, and his first task is to challenge the back-to-back league champions.
History is not on Elche’s side, as they have not defeated Barcelona in 12 straight matches, a streak dating back to 1974.
Hansi Flick and Barça recorded 19 home wins en route to their second consecutive La Liga title under the German manager. Their lineup boasts talented returners Lamine Yamal and Pedri, along with the transfer addition of their fellow Spain teammate and World Cup winner Rodri.
Yamal will undoubtedly draw the most attention from Elche, and deservedly so. The international star is fresh off a breakout season, for which he received player of the season honors.
The teenager lived up to the hype by scoring 16 goals and providing 12 assists, stepping up during high-pressure moments when the Catalan giants needed him the most.
During the last meeting between Barcelona and Elche, it took the young winger only six minutes to strike.
Now that he has moved past the hamstring issues that plagued his fitness, seeing Yamal at +110 to score is a price too good to pass on.
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With Yamal spearheading a potent Barça front line featuring Raphinha and Fermín López, expect the giants to open their championship defense with a definitive win.
The Play: Lamine Yamal to score (+110, bet365)
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