Match preview

This Sunday’s fixture happens to be the last game before the international break sets in and its sure promises to be an interesting affair. Both teams are fresh off the champion’s league with excellent results in the bag. Nevertheless, both teams are yet to show their supremacy in the La Liga this season.

Barcelona

Although still on top of the log heading into matchday 8 and they still look like the major contender. They have now gone 3 matches without a win. Barcelona headed to Wembley under pressure but did beat an unimpressive Tottenham with Messi scoring twice in a 4-2 thriller. This was the best result Barca has gotten away in the champions league for quite some years now. The win helped reduce the pressure on Ernesto Valverde as a result of his squad selection. The manager would be relieved to see his team do him pride with his big players giving their best on the night. Despite the win, it is worthy of mention that Barca has had a very slow start this season.

The visitor’s recent league woes are as a result of a continuous squad rotation which clearly hasn’t yielded the desired result. But with the international breakfast approaching, Valverde will surely be fielding his strongest team. Lionel Messi who has repeatedly been a messiah to the team would be available likewise brilliant players like Phillipe Coutinho. Barcelona should have enough in their arsenal to take home maximum points

Valencia

They got a deserved draw at Old Trafford during the week. Such a result could boost their chances of finishing in second place in the champions’ league group stage. That being said such a performance hasn’t been reciprocated in the Spanish La Liga.
They have only won once so far and no side in the Spanish league has fewer wins in the top flight this season. In terms of goal scoring form, they are joint worst goal scoring team in La Liga at the moment. This is a real source of concern for Marcelino as he heads into this fixture. On paper, they look like a side that can get goals. With Mitchy Batshuayi and Kevin Gameiro who were great additions in the summer. Rodrigo has also been a great player for the team as he has shown for the past 18months or thereabouts.

The hosts have however not been able to find a rhythm in opposition territory this season. Against Manchester United who is currently not in the greatest of forms, they did look less of a dangerous side.

Head to Head

In the last 6 meetings, Barcelona has recorded 5 wins. Valencia was only victorious in just one of their last eight matches against Barcelona (drawing 2 and losing 5).

Key Stats

Barcelona has scored the most goals against Valencia in La Liga history. They also have the most away wins against the same opponent in the competition.
Valencia has drawn more matches than any other team in Europe’s big five leagues this season.
Barcelona is winless in their last three La Liga games.
Barcelona has won more points from a losing position than any other team in the La Liga this season.

PICK

Away win