Barcelona will be looking to break their La Liga slump when they host Valencia on Sunday. The Catalan giants, despite a strong Champions League performance, are struggling domestically, having won only one of their last eight matches in Spain’s top flight. A win over Valencia is essential for their title hopes, as they currently sit seven points behind leaders Real Madrid.
Recent Form and Key Matches
Barcelona’s recent form in La Liga has been disappointing. Their last victory in the competition came in early December, a dominant 5-1 win over Mallorca. Since then, they have faced a series of frustrating results, including losses to Leganes and Atletico Madrid, leaving them third in the table.
On the other hand, Valencia have been in better form recently, despite their lowly position in the table. They have gone four matches unbeaten, with victories in the Copa del Rey and two recent points in La Liga. However, Los Che have not defeated Barcelona since January 2020 and will be hoping to turn their fortunes around in this tricky fixture.
Barcelona’s Injury Concerns
Barcelona will be without several key players due to injury. Inigo Martinez, Marc Bernal, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen are all sidelined, and Dani Olmo is a doubt with a calf issue. However, goalkeeper Inaki Pena is expected to return between the sticks, with the rest of the lineup likely unchanged from their 5-4 victory over Benfica in the Champions League.
Robert Lewandowski, who has been in excellent form, will once again be the key attacking threat, having scored six goals in his four appearances against Valencia since joining Barcelona. He will be supported by an attacking trio of Gavi, Yamal, and Raphinha.
Valencia’s Injury Report
Valencia, on the other hand, will be missing Cristhian Mosquera due to suspension, a significant loss for the team. The highly-rated young defender had been a key figure for Los Che and had drawn attention from top clubs like Real Madrid. Mouctar Diakhaby and Thierry Correia are also injured, but the squad will otherwise be at full strength.
Coach Carlos Corberan is likely to field the same team that triumphed against Real Sociedad, with Hugo Duro leading the line. Duro, who has scored six goals this season, will be hoping to add to his tally and lead Valencia to a vital victory.
Prediction: Barcelona 2-1 Valencia
While Valencia’s recent form suggests they could pose a challenge for Barcelona, the Catalan giants should have enough quality to secure a much-needed three points. Barcelona’s attacking strength, led by Lewandowski, is likely to outshine Valencia's defense despite their improved performances.
Possible Lineups:
Barcelona (4-3-3):
Pena; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; Casado, Pedri; Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha; Lewandowski
Valencia (4-3-3):
Mamardashvili; Foulquier, Tarrega, Gasiorowski, Gaya; Guerra, Barrenechea; D Lopez, Almeida, Rioja; Duro
