The Catalan giants lost to Atletico Madrid both in the Champions League and in the Copa del Rey last season. As a result, they had to settle for beating Real Madrid in La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup. The new campaign began with a string of victories. In the latest round, they beat Levante 4-2. In the Champions League, they thrashed Feyenoord even more convincingly, winning 5-1.
The Santander club unexpectedly improved last season, becoming the outright leaders of the Segunda. They began the current campaign with a home draw against Villarreal, then beat Elche away from home after losing to Getafe. Moreover, their 2-3 away defeat to Rayo Vallecano was followed by a 2-1 victory over the fast-starting Alaves.
The champions of recent years, having failed to sign a direct replacement for Lewandowski, are scoring 4.2 goals per game this season while conceding just 0.8. The La Liga newcomers are averaging 1.8 goals scored and exactly the same number conceded per match.
Head to Head matches: Barcelona vs Racing
Since their last victory over the Catalans in 2004, the Santander club have managed just three draws against them.
The only question is how convincingly the champions will win at home. We are backing them with a -2.5-goal handicap (odds – 1.60).
Barcelona vs Racing: key statistics and trends
Barcelona have won every match this season
40% of Barcelona's matches have featured goals from both teams, with an average total of 5.0 goals per game
Racing have won two of their last three matches
80% of Racing's matches have featured goals from both teams, with an average total of 3.6 goals per game
Barcelona vs Racing: Possible starting lineups
Barcelona play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible lineup): Joan Garcia - Espart, Christensen, Cubarsi, Kounde - Pedri, Bernal - Gordon, Olmo, Yamal - Raphinha
Racing play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible lineup): Agirrezabala - Salinas, Gonzalez, Hernando, Mantilla - Puerta, Martin - Vicente, Canales, Martin - Zabiri