Valencia vs Barcelona Preview: Team News & Prediction
by Alex Lawes ·
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Valencia have started the season slowly and could well be in a relegation battle as they welcome defending champions Barcelona to Mestalla.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / USA – ESPN have the exclusive rights to La Liga games in the USA, so any game may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
How to watch online: UK – Premier Player / USA – ESPN+
Valencia preview: Struggling Valencians
Former West Bromwich Albion boss Carlos Corberan is under immense pressure in charge of a Valencia side with major off-field issues and relegation has seemed a real possibility for the last few years – and especially this year.
After a goalless draw against still winless Celta Vigo in their opener, Los Che have since endured back-to-back defeats against Real Betis and then newly-promoted Deportivo La Coruna at Riazor.
Barcelona preview: Impressive defending champions
Barcelona are seeking to win their third successive La Liga title with the Blaugrana again looking ominous this time around, having won three from three and scored 12 goals in the process so far this season.
The Catalans were given a bit of a game by Rayo Vallecano at Camp Nou last week but they still ran out 5-2 winners with a brace of goals from both Raphinha and Lamine Yamal.
Valencia team news: Several absentees
Valencia are dealing with several injury absentees for this weekend with Jose Manuel Copete still sidelined now alongside fresh issues Guido Rodriguez and Umar Sadiq.
Predicted XI (3-5-1-1): Dimitrievski; Arnau Martinez, Diakhaby, Cesar Tarrega; Luis Rioja, Ugrinic, Pepelu, Sato, Jesus Vasquez; Javi Guerra; Hugo Duro
Unavailable: Copete (Injured), De Haas (Injured), Sergi Canos (Injured), Rodriguez (Injured), Diego Lopez (Injured), Sadiq (Injured)
Questionable:
Barcelona team news: Gordon starting
Anthony Gordon came into the starting eleven against Rayo last week and has seemingly already struck up a good relationship with fellow key attackers Raphinha and Lamine Yamal.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Joan Garcia; Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Christensen, Xavi Espart; Pedri, Marc Bernal; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Gordon; Raphinha
Unavailable: De Jong (Injured), Bardghji (Injured)
Questionable: Gavi (Injured)
Valencia vs Barcelona prediction
Valencia are playing their final season at Mestalla before moving to Nou Mestalla. There are concerns they may be opening their long-awaited new ground in the second-tier. They welcome Barcelona to the old Mestalla in a bit of a mess at the moment and seemingly well set to suffer an annihilation at the hands of the already relentless and ruthless looking Barca this weekend.
Valencia vs Barcelona tip: Barcelona to win -1 handicap
