Barcelona vs Valencia Preview: Team News & Prediction
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This match is being played at Estadi Johan Cruyff this weekend as a result of Camp Nou still not yet being ready to go.
Kick-off date/time:
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 preview: Slow-ish start
The disorganisation and failed promises of Barcelona off the pitch were put to one side last season as Hansi Flick produced a simply magnificent Blaugrana that broke goal scoring records on their way to a domestic double and a UEFA Champions League semi-final appearance.
Everything remains intact this year but that could be the issue, with stagnation and complacency their biggest enemy. They were outplayed in their most recent outing, sharing a 1-1 draw with Rayo Vallecano at Vallecas after beginning their season with unconvincing performances in victories on the road against Real Mallorca and then Levante.
Valencia preview: Carlos Corberan's Los Che
Valencia were destined for the drop mid-way through last season before the appointment of Carlos Corberan. The former West Bromwich Albion has certainly majorly improved things on the pitch, but they remain disorganised and a club in crisis and at war with owner Peter Lim off it.
Los Che have started their season with the slim hope of defying their ownership and mounting a push for the European spots. After a defeat and a draw in their opening two games, Valencia then enjoyed a 3-0 annihilation of Getafe at Mestalla before the international break, showing the potential that they do have this season.
Barcelona team news: De Jong a doubt
Netherlands international midfielder Frenkie de Jong missed the international break due to a leg injury, but he is expected to be fit and available in the coming days ahead of the start of the UEFA Champions League.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Joan Garcia; Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Christensen, Gerard Martin; De Jong, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Raphinha; Ferran Torres
Unavailable: Ter Stegen (Injured), Marc Bernal (Injured), Gavi (Injured)
Questionable: Alex Balde (Injured), De Jong (Injured), Dani Rodriguez (Ineligible)
Valencia team news: A few doubts
As they make the trip to Catalonia, Valencia have a few doubts with new signing Filip Ugrinic potentially sidelined alongside both defender Thierry Correia and versatile midfielder Andre Almeida.
Predicted XI (4-4-2): Julen Agirrezabala; Foulquier, Carlos Tarrega, Copete, Jose Luis Gaya; Luis Rioja, Javi Guerra, Pepelu, Diego Lopez; Danjuma, Dani Raba
Unavailable:
Questionable: Correia (Injured), Ugrinic (Injured), Almeida (Injured)
Barcelona vs Valencia prediction
Even during the improved spell under Carlos Corberan in the second-half of last season, Valencia still suffered a couple of hammerings against Barca. Valencia will be expected to take the game to their opposition in Catalonia and it may be good to watch, but Barca are the firm favourites to return from the break with the bit between their teeth, especially after being called out a bit by Flick in the aftermath of that draw with Rayo.
Barcelona vs Valencia tip: Barcelona to win
