Barcelona visit Valencia in LaLiga clash
By Graham Ruthven
Winning run
Only three games into the season and the top of the table has a familiar look with Barcelona and Real Madrid tied on nine points apiece with both sides claiming maximum points so far.
While Barca opened the campaign amid questions about their forward line and their lack of an orthodox number nine, the defending champions have scored 12 goals in their first three games.
The last six meetings between Barcelona and Valencia have produced 32 goals, averaging over five per game. This bodes well for the neutral ahead of Sunday’s encounter at Mestalla.
Valencia won their last meeting with Barca at Mestalla in May, but have yet to register a victory in any of their opening three league fixtures this season. Carlos Corberán’s team are firm underdogs against the champions.
Barcelona have won 10 of their last 20 visits to Mestalla, drawing eight and losing twice. The venue is frequently one of LaLiga’s most formidable to visit, but the Catalans have good reason to believe they can leave with three points.
Key players
Umar Sadiq scored Valencia’s only goal in last week’s 3-1 defeat to Deportivo A Coruña and did enough to keep his place as one of the two starting forwards in Corberán’s 5-3-2 formation.
Javi Guerra started alongside Sadiq against Depor and will offer Valencia some threat behind Barcelona’s trademark high defensive line. The hosts will have no choice but to play on the break for the most part.
Mouctar Diakhaby will operate at the heart of Valencia’s backline which will be tasked with attempting to stop the most prolific forward line in LaLiga. The 29-year-old’s job will be a challenging one.
Raphinha has started the season in excellent form, scoring five times in just three outings. The Brazilian is operating in a central role after the summer exit of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres and is so far thriving in the position.
Anthony Gordon has hit the ground running for his new team. Literally considering the Englishman’s role in leading the press from the front and offering Barcelona verticality through his speed.
Rodri could be in line to start his first match as a Barca player after coming off the bench in the recent wins over Athletic Club and Rayo Vallecano. Sunday’s match, however, is likely to come too soon for deadline day addition Gabriel Jesus.
Team news
Sergi Canós, Diego López, José Copete, Guido Rodríguez, and Justin De Haas are all expected to miss out through injury for Valencia, leaving the hosts short of options in a number of areas.
Barcelona have their own injury troubles with Roony Bardghji, Frenkie de Jong, and Gavi all sidelined for the Spanish champions. Jesus and Rodri are also working their way up to full fitness after joining the club in the summer.
Otherwise, Hansi Flick has a fully fit and available squad to choose from for the visit to Mestalla.
Prediction
In keeping with recent seasons, we think there will be goals, and Barca will come away with the win: Valencia 1-3 Barcelona.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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