Valencia - Barcelona, Picks and Tips
Valencia comes after three consecutive games without a win, in all competitions. Moreover, in LaLiga, Jose Bordalas' students have not won since the city's derby against Levante (4-3), in December. In the last stage, the "bats" lost in the trip from Alaves, score 1-2. After 24 rounds of the Primera Division, Sunday's hosts are in the second half of the standings. More precisely, on the 12th position, with 30 points obtained. However, there are 10 "lengths" over the relegation zone and only eight up to the European Cups. Gabriel Paulista is close to returning to the field, but the Brazilian defender has to wait until he becomes the owner of the "bats" again. Diakhaby and Alderete will be used again in the center of the hosts' defense. Otherwise, Jasper Cillessen remains unavailable, which means that Mamardashvili remains among the goals of the club at Mestalla. Jose Bordalas is not expected to make too many changes. Guedes and Duro will play in the attack, supported on the left by Bryan Gil. The Tottenham loaned player showed a solid game in his first appearances in the Valencia shirt and continues to be in the top 11. In the midfield, Guillamon will play alongside international Carlos Soler. Another footballer who arrived in January and even passed by Barcelona, Moriba, will be on the bench.
On the other hand, the Catalans had two consecutive victories in the championship until the last round. Xavi's students beat Alaves (1-0) and Atletico Madrid (4-2). One week ago, they drew in the city derby against Espanyol (2-2), after Luuk de Jong equalized in the sixth minute of extra time. On Thursday night, the Camp Nou club got a new draw, this time in the round of 16 of the UEFA Europa League: 1-1 vs Napoli. In LaLiga, Barcelona is in the last position of the UEFA Champions League, with 39 points obtained in 23 games. The results obtained from the takeover of the technical bench by Xavi brought the Catalans on the 4th place, in front of Atletico, which also has a more disputed match. However, the distance to the Real Madrid leader is no less than 15 "lengths". The former legendary midfielder of the Blaugrana band continues to have serious problems caused by injuries. Ansu Fati, Samuel Umtiti, Sergi Roberto and Alex Balde have to wait until they return to training. Instead, more encouraging news is coming from Memphis Depay, Clement Lenglet and Ronald Araujo. However, the three are uncertain and it is unlikely that we will see them at work in Valencia vs Barcelona. Gerard Pique and Dani Alves are suspended for Sunday's game. In the center of the Catalan defense, Eric Garcia and Oscar Mingueza are expected to take advantage of the many absences and evolve from the first minute. In front, the young Gavi completes an offensive triplet that includes newcomers Adama Traore and Ferran Torres.
Our recommendation tip for Valencia - Barcelona: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @ 1.70