‘Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona are the best team in European football.

That isn’t really an opinion.  It’s as close to a “fact” as you are ever likely to get with respect to something as subjective and emotive as the game of football.

Albeit assisted by some rather “lively” refereeing at Stamford Bridge, they cantered to a domestic and European treble last season and although their Copa del ray campaign was cut short by Sevilla this term, they are strong favourites to retain La Liga and could well be the first team to retain the Champions League in its current format.

And this certainly hasn’t been handed to them.  This is not a case of being a bloody big fish is a pond full of algae.

It is important to recognise that Real Madrid went “all Britney Spears” on us and spunked circa £200 million of King Juan Carlos’ finest Pesetas to acquire every scrap of talent, available of not, in world football.

Unlike Jamie Redknapp, the Real Madrid board are definitely not Xenophobes.  I can only imagine the board meetings last summer…

“This Barcelona situation is becoming a problem.  They are making us look silly now.  What can we do about it?”

“I know, how about we buy the best player from the English, Italian AND French Leagues?”

“Nice idea Hector.  That should do it.  I’m game.”

“And in case that doesn’t work let’s also buy Xabi Alonso, just for a laugh!”

In spite of this spending spree, Barcelona have opened up a 5 point gap at the top of La Liga and are playing some amazing stuff.

For those who are Premier League purists, Theirry Henry probably wouldn’t make it into their “top 5 players” list… And he is a shoo-in as one of the top 5 Premier League players of all time, even to the staunchest of Man United/Chelsea/Tottenham fans… Wow.

Now, more interestingly, who do we all think are the second best team in Europe?

Well lets look at this relatively, rather than absolutely.

I am going to throw Newport County out there as a possible contender.

Managed by the living legend that is Dean Holdsworth, The Exiles are charging their way into the Blue Square Premier next season.

Barcelona currently possess a line for the season of 16/4/0/+40 cumulating in an astronomical mean average of 2.60 points per game.

Newport County have recorded a line of 19/5/1/+41 so far this season, good for 2.48 points per game. You’ll struggle to find too much better around the established European Leagues.

Coincidently, Newport and Barcelona face very similar opposition this weekend.  Let’s play a quick game of spot the difference.

Barcelona (16/4/0/+40) are hosting Getafe (10/1/9/+3) at “Camp Nyaouw” on Saturday night.

Newport County (19/5/1/+41) are at home to Welling United (11/5/10/+2) tomorrow.

Now even Horatio Nelson could see that those two fixtures aren’t too dissimilar.

The interesting thing is Barcelona are 1/9 on with Victor Chandler, and a best priced 1/6 market wide. Pretty damn skinny.

Newport County are 1/2 on.  So whereas ‘Pep Guardiola’s men are supposedly an 88% chance tomorrow, Big Dean’s men are only a 67% chance.  Hmmm.

Now I am more than aware of the naturally increased variance of betting on non league football, and I am also very aware that Welling have been much improved under Jamie Day in recent months, but I am confident Newport will be far too strong for The Wings tomorrow.

I expect them to run out comfortable winners and 1/2 is too big of a price.

Get stuck in for a trio.  And, for once, don’t put your winnings on Barca.

BOTW: 3pts on Newport County to beat Welling United @ 1/2