After a tough midweek European fest, the La Liga returns with a cracking fixture as the Catalan giants, Football Club Barcelona pay their visits to the Mestalla Stadium to face Valencia FC. This will be a interesting match that will change the course of the league.
Barcelona vs Valencia has always been a interesting fixture as both these teams have developed a lot in the recent years. With sharing the league stage and fellow players, both teams have been in the Spanish Liga for many years.
Ferran Torres, the new Barca signing was a key player in the Valencia system and Barca’s ex-keeper, Jasper Cillisen now plays for Valencia.
Both teams want to improve their positions in the league, thus are expected to play their best squads. It will also be a tactical battle between the two managers, Xavi Hernandez and José Bordalás who are at the pinaccle of their careers.
What does it mean for both teams to win?
Being at the sixth place with two games in hand, it is vital for Barcelona to win these games with a healthy margin. This will improve the chances of finishing fourth in the league and earning a UCL qualification.
Valencia on the other hand are struggling. Being twelfth in the league, Valencia is far from their standards. Debt in the recent times and losing players to big resulted in this downfall.
Winning this match against Barcelona will increase the players confidence and also help improving their position in the league.
Current Form
With a mid-week match against Napoli, Barca’s squad is expected to be tired and might be advantageous for Valencia.
Barca has been playing decent but lack proper finishing. Inorder to win this match, finishing has to be top notch.
FC Barcelona’s last five matches: D D W W L
Valencia on the other-hand haven’t been playing the best football and are hoping for some improved tactics from their manager.
Valencia FC’s last five matches: L D D W L
Predicted Lineups
Being a match with such history, both teams are expected to play their best line-ups. This will help winning the match and change their position in the league table.
Barcelona possible starting lineup:
Ter Stegen; Dest, Mingueza, E Garcia, Alba; F de Jong, Busquets, Pedri; Traore, Torres, Gavi
Valencia possible starting lineup:
Mamardashvili; Correia, Comert, Diakhaby, Gaya; Foulquier, Soler, Moriba, Gil; Guedes, Duro
Match Predictions
This match will be difficult to predict as both teams are struggling. The online poll results for this one says.
FC Barcelona Win: 48%
Draw: 26%
Valencia FC Win: 26%
Whatever the result might be, the game will be cracking as two La liga heavy weights collide. Neutral can enjoy this fixure and hope for a good game of football.
