Barcelona VS Valencia Match Prediction
2019-09-14
19:00:00
Barcelona
VS
Valencia
Our Prediction Tip
Barcelona will win this match.
2019-09-1419:00:00 Barcelona will win this match.
Valencia had won just 12 of their 60 previous fixtures (a win percentage of just 20) and had not won any of the previous eight against Barcelona before their 2-1 win in the Copa del Rey final. The two La Liga matches last season both ended in draws, with Lionel Messi scoring all three Barcelona goals across the two games. In the cup final, however, the Argentine’s goal was too little too late for the league champions. Kevin Gameiro and Rodrigo had earlier put Valencia 2-0 up at half-time and they held on to win 2-1.
Here are the results of the last five competitive matches between the two teams:
May 25, 2019: Barcelona 1-2 Valencia
Feb 02, 2019: Barcelona 2-2 Valencia
Oct 07, 2018: Valencia 1-1 Barcelona
Apr 14, 2018: Barcelona 2-1 Valencia
Feb 08, 2018: Valencia 0-2 Barcelona
Barcelona won their only home game so far this season – a 5-2 thrashing of Real Betis – but that match shows the issues they have had, as well as proving their strength in depth.
Without Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, the Barca attack does not need to be blunted. Antoine Griezmann was in the goals and Carles Perez has showed good form – scoring and assisting.
However, that was two goals conceded – including the first of the match – and they conceded twice more to Osasuna last time out. They have shipped five goals in three games and the defensive deficiencies exposed by Valencia in the Copa del Rey final have continued.
But Barcelona remain favourites for this one. They need to shore up defensively, particulary with Rodrigo in opposition, but they still have the quality to do just that.
Valencia, on the other hand, won their last game but have also been unconvincing and go into this match as underdogs.
Their victory against Mallorca was courtesy of two penalties and the absence of Carlos Soler hampers their creativity.
Barcelona can nullify the threat their visitors pose and, back at their home fortress, they can get back on track in their title defence.
Barcelona are favourites to beat Valencia at home, but you can still back them at 19/40 to win with Betway.
Defensively, however, the hosts have not impressed this season. Both teams to score has been set at 4/6 with Bet365, Ladbrokes and Betway.
Barcelona to win and both teams to score is a good price at 9/5 with Betway, therefore, while over 2.5 goals will return 8/15 with Bet365, Ladbrokes, Betfair and Betway.
With Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez expected to miss out, at leas at the start, Antoine Griezmann is 17/20 to score at any time for the hosts.
Barcelona have been inconsistent so far, but they won their only home match handsomely and can get some revenge after the Copa del Rey final.
Lionel Messi remains sidelined with a calf injury, having not returned to full training yet. Luis Suarez is back in full training, but he may be eased back in off the bench with one eye on the Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund.
Antoine Griezmann – Scored his first two Barcelona goals in their only win so far this season – the 5-2 thrashing of Real Betis at the Nou Camp.
Carles Perez – Staking his own claim for a regular starting spot after scoring against Betis and setting up both goals at Osasuna last time out.
Gerard Pique – Goals conceded have been one of the major issues for Barcelona this season and their hugely experienced centre-back needs to lead a revival.
Barcelona have made an unconvincing start to their La Liga title defence, having taken four points from their first three games. They lost 1-0 to Athletic Club first up, but Antoine Griezmann scored his first two Barca goals as they bounced back by beating Real Betis 5-2. Last time out, however, goals from Anssumane Fati and Arthur were only enough for a point after a 2-2 draw with Osasuna.
Valencia will be without Cristiano Piccini, while Carlos Soler is a doubt too. It could be the same starting XI that beat Mallorca, though Denis Cheryshev is among the substitutes pushing for a recall to the starting XI.
Rodrigo – Scored in the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona last season and now returns to club duty after scoring twice for Spain at the weekend.
Kevin Gameiro – Linked well with Rodrigo last season and has already opened his account for the new season with the opening goal in the draw with Real Sociedad.
Goncalo Guedes – While his goalscoring record for Valencia has never really matches up with his good form for Portugal, he returns after once again finding the net for his national team.
Valencia have been similarly inconsistent at the start of this new La Liga season. Kevin Gameiro scored in a 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad – Valencia conceding a last-minute penalty equaliser and having Francis Coquelin sent off – before a 1-0 loss at Celta Vigo. They went into the international break on the back of their first win of the season, however – Dani Parejo scoring two penalties in a 2-0 defeat of Mallorca.
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