Barcelona vs Valencia Preview – Prediction, how to watch & potential line-ups

Barcelona will look to extend their lead at the top of La Liga when they host Valencia on Sunday.

The Catalan giants’ title charge took a slight hit when they suffered a disappointing defeat against Almeria last weekend.

However, they bounced back with a narrow victory over arch-rivals Real Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals last night.

Los Che ended their losing streak with a surprising 1-0 victory over third-placed Real Sociedad last weekend.

Match Preview

Barcelona

Barca’s form was questioned after consecutive setbacks against Manchester United and Almeria, with the former seeing the Catalan giants bow out of the Europa League.

Injuries have also piled up for Barca, with Ousmane Dembele, Pedri and Robert Lewandowski ruled out of last night’s Clasico.

However, the Catalans showed plenty of perseverance against their arch-rivals, not allowing them to create any big chances throughout the game.

Barca will now focus on the weekend’s league fixture against Los Che.

A victory could help them take a big step towards the title, as they are currently seven points clear at the summit.

Valencia

Valencia’s perennial turmoil isn’t ending, as they have endured another chaotic season.

Gennaro Gattuso resigned from his managerial position by mutual consent at the end of January, not long before Voro was removed from his interim role.

Current head coach Ruben Baraja made a disappointing start when Los Che fell short against Getafe, which marked their fifth defeat on the trot.

However, Valencia stunned La Real last week to gain much-needed momentum, and they will look to inflict similar damage on the league leaders this weekend.

Anything other than a victory could see Los Che get stuck in the relegation zone, as they are currently 18th in the table with 23 points.

Barcelona vs Valencia Potential Line-ups

Barcelona (4-3-3): Marc-Andre ter Stegen; Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, Alejandro Balde; Frenkie De Jong, Sergio Busquets, Franck Kessie ; Raphinha, Ferran Torres, Gavi.

Valencia(4-3-3): Giorgi Mamardashvili; Dimitri Foulquier, Gabriel Paulista, Mouctar Diakhaby, Jose Gaya; Hugo Guillamon, Andre Almeida, Yunus Musah; Justin Kluivert, Hugo Duro, Samu Castillejo.

How to watch?

Barcelona vs Valencia, alongside all other fixtures in La Liga, can be viewed online via live La Liga streams.

Barcelona vs Valencia prediction

Barca may not field their first-choice eleven since several key players are still sidelined with injuries, but they can still get the better of Valencia.

Barcelona 2-0 Valencia