Barcelona VS Valencia Predictions
Barcelona have scored 52 goals in La Liga this season, the most in the league, but their defensive frailties have been exposed in recent matches.
Barcelona host relegation-threatened Valencia at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, seeking to end a four-match winless streak in La Liga, with the title race slipping away, Hansi Flick’s side needs a victory to keep their hopes alive, while Valencia fight to escape the drop zone.
Prediction:
Both teams to score, Barcelona to score over 1.5 goals, win any half and full time win
Data Analysis:
Barcelona have won just one of their last eight La Liga matches, dropping to third place, seven points behind leaders Real Madrid.
Valencia are unbeaten in their last four games across all competitions, including a vital 1-0 win over Real Sociedad.
Barcelona have scored 52 goals in La Liga this season, the most in the league, but their defensive frailties have been exposed in recent matches.
What’s at stake: Barcelona must win to stay within touching distance of Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in the title race. For Valencia, every point is crucial as they sit 19th, four points from safety.
Match decider: The battle between Barcelona’s creative midfielders and Valencia’s resilient defense will be pivotal. Raphinha’s form and Robert Lewandowski’s clinical finishing could prove decisive against a struggling Valencia backline.
Players to watch out for:
Barcelona:
Raphinha
He has been in sensational form with 22 goals and 11 assists this season.
Valencia:
Hugo Duro
He leads their attack with six league goals and will be key to any counterattacking opportunities.
Players out:
Barcelona:
Inigo Martinez, Marc Bernal, and Marc-André ter Stegen are injured. Dani Olmo remains a doubt due to a calf issue.
Valencia:
Cristhian Mosquera is suspended, while Mouctar Diakhaby and Thierry Correia are sidelined with injuries.
Probable line-ups:
Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Pena; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; Casado, Pedri; Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha; Lewandowski.
Valencia (4-2-3-1): Mamardashvili; Foulquier, Tarrega, Gasiorowski, Gaya; Guerra, Barrenechea; D Lopez, Almeida, Rioja; Duro.
Form:
Barcelona: W2 D2 L1 in their last five matches across all competitions but winless in their last four La Liga games.
Valencia: W3 D1 L1 in their last five matches across all competitions and unbeaten in four consecutive games.
Head to Head:
Barcelona have dominated recent meetings with seven wins in their last eight La Liga encounters against Valencia.
At home, Barcelona are unbeaten in their last 20 league games against Valencia, with the visitors’ last win at Camp Nou coming in April 2016.
Key stats:
Expected Goals Against (xGA): Barcelona’s defensive lapses have been costly despite their attacking prowess.
Average possession: Barcelona dominate possession with over 60% on average per game. Valencia play more conservatively but rely on quick transitions.
Touches in box: Barcelona consistently create chances inside the box through intricate passing and movement. Valencia struggle to maintain such penetration.
Attack and defensive stats: Barcelona lead La Liga in goals scored but have been vulnerable defensively. Valencia have struggled offensively but recently tightened up defensively.