Barcelona Election Betting: A battle between Bartomeu and Laporta for the presidency

The man who oversaw last season's treble is the clear favourite to win the re-election but do not discount the charismatic former president who is also in the running

While the Barcelona presidential election is officially a four horse race, in reality there are only two men in it, and one of those is way out in the lead.

The previous incumbent Josep Maria Bartomeu, who had to stand down from his position in order for the elections to take place has the enormous advantage of having just delivered an historic treble, with the Bluagrana sweeping all before them.

The coach he appointed, Luis Enrique, weathered a turbulent start to his tenure to deliver on all fronts and it is no surprise to find him out in front in terms of support and also in Paddy Power's special market on the election. Bartomeu is priced at 8/11 (1.73) to win a second term having only taken over from Sandro Rosell in January of last year.
 However, before rushing to put money on the favourite, it is worth considering who his main rival is, former president Joan Laporta. The charismatic former member of the Catalan parliament also knows what it is like to deliver a treble having overseen the first haul of three trophies in a season back in 2009. When he first won the Barcelona presidency in 2003 he promised to bring David Beckham to the Camp Nou. He failed in that but managed to lure Ronaldinho to Catalonia.

This time around Laporta is promising an emphasis on Catalan values, as well as revealing his admiration for Juventus' Paul Pogba, and even suggesting that Pep Guardiola could return as manager if he is elected. Laporta is offered at 6/4 (2.50) in the betting and it is worth remembering he was not the favourite when he won 12 years ago

 The other two runners in the race are Catalan business Agusti Benedito at 6/1 (7.00) who has promised midfield Marco Verratti if he wins and Toni Freixa a former board member under both Laporta and Bartomeu at 14/1 (15.00).

Ultimately though this is a straight battle between Bartomeu and Laporta, with Barcelona members having to chose between two very different men; the former being the safe option, the latter being the maverick.