League leaders Barcelona face a tough test on Saturday as they are visited by in-form Valencia. Barcelona have recorded a convincing 3-1 Champions League win at Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday but now they have to focus back on the domestic league and keep Real Madrid away from the top spot. The reverse fixture was won by Barcelona but it wasn't easy, the Catalan giants needed a stoppage-time goal from Sergio Busquets to claim the three points. Valencia have won the last meeting at Camp Nou, Paco Alcacer scored the decisive goal in a 3-2 success last season.
In 2009 Barcelona became the first Spanish team to win a treble, this season they can repeat that achievement as they are close to winning the league title, they will play the Copa del Rey final and have almost made the Champions League semi-finals. Nothing is won yet though, as Real Madrid are just two points behind them in the league table. Barcelona are on an eight-match unbeaten run on the domestic front. Andres Iniesta might be unavailable due to an injury he picked up in Paris but the formidable attacking trio of Messi, Neymar and Suarez should be ready to strike.
Valencia are unbeaten in their last ten matches, they have won seven and drawn three. That good streak took them close to third spot, they are just one point behind Atletico Madrid with seven games left in the season. They have Sevilla on their tails though, so they might lose the fourth spot if they don't keep up the pace. Last Monday Valencia secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Levante, with Paco Alcacer,Sofiane Feghouli and Alvaro Negredo finding the back of the net. Pablo Piatti and left-back Jose Luis Gaya are injured but defender Nicolas Otamendi will make his return from suspension.
Probable line-ups:
Barcelona: Bravo - Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba - Busquets, Xavi, Rakitic - Neymar, Suarez, Messi
Valencia: Diego Alves - Cancelo, Mustafi, Otamendi, Vezo - Feghouli, Parejo, Fuego, Andre Gomes - Alcacer, Rodrigo
My prediction: Barcelona to win 3-2.
Here are the odds for the match at Bet365:
Barcelona win - 1.22 Draw - 7.00 Valencia win - 12.00
kruno1414 8 years ago
It was a real Spanish derby , Valencia did play very well whole match especially in the first half , even if they conceded that goal in first minute they didnt surrender , they created a lot of good oportunities but didnt managed to score . I can surely say that they deserve a place in Champions League , thats a good team...
It was a real Spanish derby , Valencia did play very well whole match especially in the first half , even if they conceded that goal in first minute they didnt surrender , they created a lot of good oportunities but didnt managed to score . I can surely say that they deserve a place in Champions League , thats a good team over there !
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Johnajax 8 years ago
This win means a lot to Barcelona, now they have a clear path to the title in Spain. They are also win against PSG in champions league last night and now they have a lot of confidence, they are in great form and I think that nobody can stop them. Messi is not in a great form he had problems in last few games but I am sure...
This win means a lot to Barcelona, now they have a clear path to the title in Spain. They are also win against PSG in champions league last night and now they have a lot of confidence, they are in great form and I think that nobody can stop them. Messi is not in a great form he had problems in last few games but I am sure that he will be great when Barcelona need it most.
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galata86 8 years ago
I agree with you guys, Barcelona didn't played well as they can but they controlled match and most important for them is new three points. This was important match and after this match Barcelona doesn't have a lot of hard games and they should win all the rest games in this season. So I think that with this victory Barca...
I agree with you guys, Barcelona didn't played well as they can but they controlled match and most important for them is new three points. This was important match and after this match Barcelona doesn't have a lot of hard games and they should win all the rest games in this season. So I think that with this victory Barca secured the title.
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Armage 8 years ago
I agree with rikimartin, Barcelona could play better, but nice match anyway.
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rikimartin4444_115925 8 years ago
I saw this game, and i can say that Barcelona didn't play well, especially in first half. Every Valencia attack were dangerous and they should score at least one goal. They even miss a penalty. On the other side, Barca scored in first and last minute of the game, and that was enough to win another three points. I hope...
I saw this game, and i can say that Barcelona didn't play well, especially in first half. Every Valencia attack were dangerous and they should score at least one goal. They even miss a penalty. On the other side, Barca scored in first and last minute of the game, and that was enough to win another three points. I hope that they will win league this year.
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sharpe 8 years ago
I expect a win for Barcelona in this one, don't know if will be easy or not but I think they will get the three points from it. I'm not very sure that Valencia have the strength to be an equal at Barcelona force up front. But I hope that I'm wrong and Valencia still can make this game interesting.
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seculla 8 years ago
It will be very interesting match. Valencia have one of the best seasons lately and Barcelona are constantly the best team in Spain. Barca have lead over Real Madrid of just two points and they can't let themselves to loose points on Camp Nou. On the other side Valencia want to play in Champions League next season and they...
It will be very interesting match. Valencia have one of the best seasons lately and Barcelona are constantly the best team in Spain. Barca have lead over Real Madrid of just two points and they can't let themselves to loose points on Camp Nou. On the other side Valencia want to play in Champions League next season and they are on a good way to do that, but they must to keep playing like they are so far. It will be very interesting match, and I expect match with at least four goals.
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rikimartin4444_115925 9 years ago
A great match between the team of gorgeous awaits us. Barcelona is in great shape, finally playing at the top level and I think that three points are out of the question. Suarez finally showed why he is one of the best strikers in the world and expect to continue in this rhythm. Barcelona secured passing in the Champions...
A great match between the team of gorgeous awaits us. Barcelona is in great shape, finally playing at the top level and I think that three points are out of the question. Suarez finally showed why he is one of the best strikers in the world and expect to continue in this rhythm. Barcelona secured passing in the Champions League, and I expect them to do same in the domestic championship. My prediction 4-1 win Barcelona.
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