Spanish La Liga (Photo : Getty Images)
Barcelona will try to address their losing skid and more importantly keep their La Liga championship bid alive as they take on Deportivo at Riazor. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid will have an opportunity to clinch a solo lead on the La Liga table when they play Athletic Bilbao at San Mames.
Barcelona vs. Deportivo at 2:45 p.m US ET: Live Stream on beIn Sports Connect USA, Sky Go Sports Extra (UK), beIn Sports Connect Canada, Sports Stream / Radio Barca / Starting Lineup & Stats on ESPN FC
On the line: Barcelona (24-4-5, 76 points) suddenly found their backs against the wall after absorbing three consecutive domestic league losses. The air of invincibility that was once prevailing at Camp Nou is replaced with smog of vulnerability as Lionel Messi and company enters the final four games of their La Liga season. If they want to secure the top of the La Liga standings, they would have to collect three points in their match against Deportivo (7-17-9, 38 points), who is also in a fight to stay above the relegation line.
Prediction & Predicted Winner: Barcelona entered Wednesday's clash with Deportivo on a three-game losing skid, bowing out to Real Madrid 1-2, Real Sociedad 0-1, and Valencia 1-2. The only consolation for them is they are still in the thick of a three-way race for the La Liga championship, but obviously no longer the favorite.
In their match against Deportivo, expect Luis Enrique to put emphasis on their defense that has betrayed the past three weeks. The trio of Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez isn't longer spectacular, though anyone is capable of taking over a match anytime. Having said that, Barca will be a more committed team on defense this time around, with Dani Alvez taking the lead role.
My apology for losing my bet on Barca the last three games, but again my money will still be on Barcelona, 3-1. (please don't fail me Barca!).
Atletico Madrid vs. Athletic Bilbao: Live Stream on beIn Sports Connect USA, Sky Go Sports Extra (UK), beIn Sports Connect Canada, Sports Stream / Starting Lineup & Stats on ESPN FC
On the line: Among the great match-ups slated on Wednesday, this is probably the most intriguing one. Atletico Madrid (24-4-5, 76 points) is setting their sight on the top of spot of the La Liga standing (in case Barcelona loses to Deportivo). Meanwhile, Athletic Bilbao (16-6-11, 54 points) wants to keep their bid for next year's UEFA Champions League qualification alive if they snatched a win from Diego Simeone's men.
Prediction & Predicted Winner: In a match that features teams with contrasting styles, I am predicting an upset victory by a more defensive oriented Athletic Bilbao squad over highly explosive Atletico Madrid. The Colchoneros last lost a La Liga match against Sporting in which they struggled to get through their defense the entire game. Atheltic Bilbao has way better defense than Sporting and I expect them to utilize it on Wednesday.
