Preview: CD Guadalajara vs Barcelona - prediction, team news, lineups

[(CD Guadalajara) Strength]:
1. Currently sitting 17th in the Spanish Primera RFEF Grupo A, CD Guadalajara's league form has been far from ideal. Facing La Liga giants FC Barcelona, CD Guadalajara are brimming with fighting spirit, hoping to leverage their home field advantage to pull off a miracle.
2. CD Guadalajara won 3 of their last 4 games in AH, and won both of their last 2 home games in AH.

[(CD Guadalajara) Weakness]:
1. CD Guadalajara have achieved a record of 2 wins, 1 draw and 3 losses in their last 6 official matches, with inconsistent form. In the last round, they even lost 1-3 away to Real Madrid Castilla, ending their three-game unbeaten run.
2. CD Guadalajara's recent home league performance has been mediocre. So far, in 8 matches, they have only achieved 2 wins, 2 draws and 4 losses, with a win rate of less than 30%.
3. CD Guadalajara's defense has been lacking stability. In the past six league matches, they have conceded 11 goals, averaging nearly two goals per game.
4. CD Guadalajara's recent offensive performance has been mediocre. They have scored only six goals in the past six league matches, averaging just one goal per game. In this game against FC Barcelona's defense, they are unlikely to have any good chances.

[(FC Barcelona) Strength]:
1. FC Barcelona are currently at the top of the La Liga standings. As the team with the most Spanish Copa Del Rey titles, FC Barcelona have always taken this competition seriously and have their sights set on lifting the trophy once again. FC Barcelona are determinated to maintain their winning momentum and secure a strong start on the path to defending their crown.
2. FC Barcelona are expected to make significant rotations to their lineup for this match. However, players like Lewandowski, Ter Stegen, De Jong and Casado, who were on the bench in the last league game, are all likely to feature. The team‘s squad depth remains strong, and their firepower is not reduced.
3. FC Barcelona won 2-0 at home against CA Osasuna in the last round, achieving a 5-game winning streak in all competitions and an impressive 7-game winning streak in the league. They are in top form.
4. FC Barcelona were the champions of the Spanish Copa Del Rey last season. They achieved a record of 4 wins and 2 draws in their last 6 domestic cup matches and eventually defeated Real Madrid CF in extra time of the final to claim the championship.
5. FC Barcelona's recent offensive firepower in official matches has been explosive, scoring 15 goals in the last 6 games, averaging more than 2 goals per game.

[(FC Barcelona) Weakness]:
1. FC Barcelona's recent away performance has been inconsistent. They have only won two of their last six away games across all competitions, and their ability to play away from home urgently needs improvement.
2. FC Barcelona lost their last 2 games in AH, and lost 4 of their last 6 away games in AH.

[Tips]:
FC Barcelona's overall strength far exceeds that of CD Guadalajara. The team are in high spirits and have been in excellent form recently, with outstanding performance in both attack and defense.

Despite enjoying home field advantage, CD Guadalajara have shown inconsistent form recently, with a noticeable gap in both attack and defence compared to their opponents.

As powerhouses in the Spanish Copa Del Rey, FC Barcelona often hold a clear upper hand when facing lower-tier opponents. They will need to leverage their overall strength, utilizing the individual quality of players like Lewandowski to break down the opponents' defense.

CD Guadalajara will need to execute a flawless defensive counter-attacking game to have any chance of taking points. However, against in-form FC Barcelona, it will be extremely difficult for CD Guadalajara to win at home.

FC Barcelona are more likely to win by more than three goals away from home.

[Recommended]:
FC Barcelona (-2.5/3)