Valencia was for a long time the first companion to Barcelona, but in time the “Bats” fell in shape and are no longer second, but third on the table and the Catalans continued at the same pace, so the difference is now 18 points. They also met in the Cup and in the first duel Barcelona did not succeed in getting the advantage they wanted, but they have 1-0 and the aggravating circumstance for Valencia is that they have not scored. They did not score also in the first qualifying round and they were defeated again with 1-0, which was their fifth defeat in the series, while Barcelona played a draw in the city derby with Espanyol.
Five consecutive defeats clearly show that Valencia is in crisis and they can only find consolation that the four defeats were minimal and only Real defeated them with 4-1. It is a bit of a relief and that defeat in the last round of the Cup against Alaves did not cost them the elimination from this competition, because Valencia is missing the victories they are awaiting in the championship for almost a month.
The previous three games were played against the strongest possible opponents and it is interesting that they played better as guests against Barcelona and Atletico than against Real in their home field. They have managed to resist for quite some time at Nou Camp and then received a goal in the middle of the second half. The same thing happened in the championship match against Atletico on Sunday at the end and again 1-0, with a lot of changes being made. And now there will be some rotations, and good news is Guadeloupe's recovery.
Probable lineups Valencia: Domenech – Montoya, G.Paulista, Garay, Gaya – Kondogbia, Soler, Parejo, Guedes – Vietto, Zaza
Barcelona is not shining lately, but it does not cost them much for now. After four wins in the championship, they played a draw last weekend and again their problems were made by city rival Espanyol, who caused them the only defeat in the Cup this season. Barcelona almost lost with 1-0 at Cornella El Prat, but Pique has saved them in the finish. He scored a worthy goal, but he also got injured, so he will not be in this match.
Digne is also injured, so that draw has cost quite a lot, but they can afford the luxury of not winning it all the time, as they are still sovereign leaders with nine points more than their companions. At the moment, they have paid more attention to the Cup, where they had problems with Espanyol, but they went into semi-finals, while Valencia also caused them problems in the first round, which is why they only have minimal advantage. Coach Valverde has left Messi on the bench in the last round, who will now be on the field, as well as J.Alba, and Y.Mina will probably have his debut.
Probable lineups FC Barcelona: Cillessen – S.Roberto, Y.Mina, Umtiti, J.Alba – Busquets, Rakitić, Paulinho, Coutinho – Messi, L.Suarez
Valencia seemingly has a good result from the first round, however, they are in bad form and have long been without a win, so we do not expect the host to pass in the finals. Barcelona will wait for their chance and we forecast a new triumph of the Catalans.
Pick: Barcelona wins 1.74
- 74/100 @1XBet