Barcelona faces Valencia in a critical La Liga match on 29th April 2024 at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, as they strive to keep their diminishing title hopes alive.
Here, we delve into the current form, team news, key players, and scoreline prediction for this eagerly anticipated clash.
Current Form
Barcelona's Current Form
Barcelona has experienced a turbulent season, recently falling 14 points behind league leaders Real Madrid.
Despite their struggles, the Catalan giants have enjoyed a three-game winning streak at home, boasting clean sheets in victories against Mallorca, Getafe, and Las Palmas.
Valencia's Current Form
Valencia, on the other hand, are facing their own challenges, coming off a 2-1 defeat to Real Betis.
However, they have shown resilience away from home with back-to-back 1-0 wins against Granada and Osasuna, although they historically struggle at Barcelona, having not won there since 2017.
Team News
Barcelona Team News
Barcelona will be without Frenkie de Jong due to an ankle injury, alongside Gavi and Alejandro Balde who are also sidelined.
Pedri, despite nursing a minor issue, is expected to fill in for De Jong, maintaining the midfield alongside the sturdy presence of Joao Cancelo.
Valencia Team News
Valencia’s concerns are primarily defensive, with Mouctar Diakhaby and Jose Gaya both unavailable due to injuries.
Their attack will miss Roman Yaremchuk, who remains sidelined with a hamstring issue.
Key Players
Barcelona's Key Players
For Barcelona, the spotlight will be on Pedri in midfield and Robert Lewandowski up front, whose experience and scoring ability could be decisive.
Valencia's Key Players
Valencia will rely heavily on the form of Duro and Almeida in the absence of some key players, with their ability to challenge Barcelona's defence crucial for snatching a result.
Scoreline Prediction
Barcelona vs Valencia Prediction
Considering Barce's recent good form and their slim albeit possible run at the title, we're expecting them to get the win over a Valencia side that themselves are pushing for Europe next season but aren't quite on the run that the Catalonians are.
Our Predicted scoreline: Barcelona 2-1 Valencia.
FAQ
What was the score the last time Barcelona played Valencia? The last encounter ended in a 1-1 draw.
Who are Barcelona playing next? Barcelona will face Atlético Madrid next.
Who are Valencia playing next? Valencia's next game is against Villarreal.
What time is the kickoff? The match kicks off at 8:00 PM UK time.
