Prediction: Valencia vs Barcelona

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 2/3

Bookmaker: Unibet

Desperate to extend their stay in the top-four this weekend, Barcelona will make the trip to the Mestalla on Sunday afternoon when they meet Valencia.

Valencia

Starting with the hosts, while Valencia might have managed to find a much-welcomed boost when signing off 2021, the Bats have once again shown their inconsistencies over recent months. Although José Bordalás’ side might have thought they had been handed a golden chance on the road last weekend, the Whites were hit with a late 1-0 defeat away at relegation scrappers Alaves. Once again slipping out the top-half of the La Liga table, Los murciélagos have now managed to win just one of their last six outings, a run that stems back to a 1-0 victory against Baleares in the Copa del Rey on January 16th. However, knowing that they should face a tough test at the Mestalla on Sunday afternoon, Bordalás will have a continued headache over his side’s struggles at the back. It should be highlighted, Valencia have failed to record a single clean sheet against La Liga opposition since November 21st.

Team News

Making the loan move from Premier League outfit Tottenham last month, winger Bryan Gil will be hoping to make his full debut here.

Still dealing with a thigh injury, former Barcelona goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen will once again miss out on Sunday afternoon.

Barcelona

As for the visitors, managing to grab what could be a crucial second-half equalizer against Napoli on Europa League duties on Thursday evening, Barcelona still has the feel of a side seeking some stability. Having to snatch a last-gasp point away at local rivals Espanyol last weekend, Xavi’s squad know that they’re firmly in a battle to clinch a top-four finish this season. Despite shocking many as they secured an action-packed 4-2 win at home against defending La Liga champions Atletico Madrid earlier in the month, it appears that result could just be a minor boost. Watching Real Madrid claim the Super Cup last month, Barcelona have managed to win just a pair of their last seven matchups across all formats. However, desperate to try and lay down their own marker at the Mestalla here, it should be noted that Sunday’s guests picked up a thumping 3-1 victory when they met Valencia for their reverse meeting back in October.

Team News

Shown a straight red card against Atletico Madrid earlier in the month, Dani Alves will once again miss out as he continued his suspension.

Likewise, Barcelona will once again be without the likes of Memphis Depay, Ansu Fati, Samuel Umtiti, Sergi Roberto, Clement Lenglet and Alejandro Balde due to injury issues here.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Sunday’s opponents faced off at the Nou Camp on October 17th, Barcelona picked up a 3-1 victory.
• However, the Spanish giants have managed to win just a pair of their last seven matchups across all formats.
• Valencia have failed to record a single clean sheet against La Liga opposition since November 21st.
• Eight of the last nine meetings between Valencia and Barcelona have finished with both teams finding the net.
• Likewise, seven of Barcelona’s last eight outings have also finished with both teams getting on the scoresheet.

Conclusion

While Barcelona might have come from behind against Italian heavyweights Napoli in midweek, Sunday’s guests have rather publically struggled with their consistency this season. Recording just a pair of victories from their last seven matchups across all formats, Xavi’s side have shown some extended problems at the back. Despite making the trip to the Mestalla this weekend tipped as a standout pick with the bookmakers, we could have an action-packed affair on our hands. It should be noted, with eight of the last nine meetings between Sunday’s opponents finishing with both teams finding the net, we’re backing a similar outcome here.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 2/3

Bookmaker: Unibet