Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 1/2
Bookmaker: Luckster
Signing off their historic La Liga campaign on Saturday night, Barcelona will travel to the Mestalla when they meet Valencia.
Valencia
Starting with the hosts, while Valencia might be seeking a final weekend miracle in the race to book a lucrative European return in the midst dramatic of circumstances, Los Ches will take plenty of positives away from an eye-catching campaign at the Mestalla. Mounting what was a sensational last-gasp comeback away at Real Sociedad last weekend as they eventually left the Basque Country with a rollercoaster 4-3 victory, Carlos Corberan’s men should find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Bouncing back from their blip on either side of March’s international break, the former West Brom boss has seen his squad register seven points from their previous three straight La Liga outings. However, hit with a woeful 6-0 drumming when they travelled to Catalonia for their reverse top-flight battle against the Spanish champions on September 14th, Valencia will be more than aware that they have an almighty job on their hands here.
Valencia Team News
Shown a straight red card during last weekend’s thrilling 4-3 win away at Real Sociedad, Switzerland international Eray Comert will miss out through suspension here. Dealing with respective knee injuries, Valencia will be unable to call upon the duo of Lucas Beltran and one-time Watford defender Dimitri Foulquier.
Missing out last weekend with a reported muscle issue, influential skipper Jose Gaya is not expected to play any part on Saturday night. Proving to be Valencia’s hero in the Basque Country last week and notching a dramatic La Liga brace, academy graduate Javi Guerra will keep his spot leading the line.
Barcelona
As for the visitors, embarking on what has been another domestic fairytale this season and successfully defending their La Liga crown at a canter, Barcelona have reestablished themselves as Spain’s ultimate poster boy. Although Hansi Flick’s side might be unable to pass the 100-point barrier this year, they have shattered a string of long-standing records and have rightfully received a fearsome reputation from across the continent. Last seen making an immediate return to winning ways as they secured a thumping 3-1 victory at home against Real Betis, the former Bayern Munich boss has seen his superstar squad win seven of their previous eight appearances across all competitions and they are riding a major wave of momentum. Likewise, remarkably notching 94 goals in their 37 La Liga showdowns this season, Barcelona will travel to the Mestalla on Saturday night looking to put on one final show.
Barcelona Team News
Dealing with a recent thigh injury and not featuring over the past month, Barcelona have already confirmed that 18-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal won’t play any part here. Likewise, missing out against Real Betis last weekend with a reported muscle issue, fellow Spanish international Ferran Torres remains a doubt on Saturday night.
Bidding an emotional farewell to Catalonia last week, Polish record-breaker Robert Lewandowski should keep his spot leading the line. Enjoying a sensational maiden campaign among Spain’s elite and desperate to make his move to a permanent one this summer, Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford could be handed a full recall.
Valencia vs Barcelona Key Factors to Consider
- When Valencia and Barcelona met for their reverse La Liga showdown back on September 14th, the Spanish champions cruised their way to an empathic 6-0 romp in Catalonia.
- In fact, Barca have astonishingly won all of their previous five straight meetings against Valencia by an aggregate score of 24-3.
- Flick’s superstar squad have also notched a staggering 18 goals in just their previous three La Liga showdowns against Saturday’s hosts.
- Valencia have registered seven points from their previous three La Liga appearances.
- However, the Bats have clinched just a single clean sheet in front of their own supporters from any of their previous 12 straight attempts.
Conclusion
Already successfully defending their La Liga crown at a canter, Barcelona will simply be looking to make one final domestic statement when they travel to the Mestalla on Saturday night. Landing a stunning 6-0 romp when they welcomed Valencia to Catalonia for their reverse showdown back in September, Flick’s side hold a remarkable dominant record. In fact, winning their previous five meetings by an aggregate score of 24-3, we could be treated to a final weekend thriller here.
Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 1/2
Bookmaker: Luckster
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