Barcelona vs Valencia Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Barcelona have somehow drifted to seven points behind the league leaders ahead of this match day with the Catalans now taking on relegation battling Valencia in Catalonia this week.
Kick-off date/time: Sunday 26th January, 2025: UK – 8:00pm / US ET – 3:00pm / US PT – 12:00pm
How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN have the exclusive rights to La Liga games in the USA, so Barcelona vs Valencia may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
How to watch online: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN+
Barcelona Team News: Dani Olmo a doubt
There is a reliance on the wingers, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, for Barcelona and their creative spark, Dani Olmo, is a doubt for this one. They also definite long-term absentees such as Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Marc Bernal, whilst Inigo Martinez is now unavailable.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Inaki Pena; Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, Alex Balde; Marc Casado, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha; Lewandowski
Unavailable: Ter Stegen (Injured), Inigo Martinez (Injured), Marc Bernal (Injured)
Questionable: Dani Olmo (Injured)
Valencia Team News: Cristhian Mosquera suspension
Umar Sadiq joined Valencia on loan from Real Sociedad this month but he is now an injury doubt due to a knee issue. They have defensive injury issues, such as Thierry Correia and Mouctar Diakhaby, whilst Cristhian Mosquera is missing through suspension.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Mamardashvili; Foulquier, Carlos Tarrega, Hugo Guillamon, Jose Luis Gaya; Javi Guerra, Barrenechea; Diego Lopez, Almeida, Luis Rioja; Hugo Duro
Unavailable: Correia (Injured), Diakhaby (Injured), Cristhian Mosquera (Suspended)
Questionable: Rafa Mir (Injured), Sadiq (Injured)
Barcelona vs Valencia Prediction
Hansi Flick’s Barcelona were rampant in the opening few months of the campaign but have massively drifted in the last couple of months. However, in 2025, they have won the Spanish Supercopa with convincing victories of Athletic Club and Real Madrid in Saudi Arabia before a thrashing of Real Betis in the Copa del Rey. The last week has produced, though, a 1-1 draw with Getafe at the Coliseum to mean they begin this weekend’s round of fixtures sitting seven points behind league leaders Real Madrid before having to come from 4-2 down to defeat Benfica by five goals to four in a ridiculous clash at Estadio da Luz in the UEFA Champions League in midweek. Valencia, now under the management of former West Bromwich Albion boss Carlos Corberan, have enjoyed improved performances in the last month and earned themselves a vital 1-0 win against Real Sociedad at Mestalla last weekend. The Valencians, though, who have been relegated just once in their history, remain firmly in the bottom three and the relegation places. Carlos Corberan will believe he is smart enough to get his Valencia side to spring Barca’s high-line but the hosts must surely be expected to outscore the struggling giants at Estadi Olympic Lluis Companys.
Barcelona vs Valencia Tip: Barcelona to win & both teams to score
