Valencia vs Barcelona
25th January 1500hrs
Football – Spain – La Liga
Pick Under 2.5 goals
Bookmaker Unibet
Odds: 8/5 odds taken 2000 GMT, Tuesday 21 January
It was contrasting fortunes for these teams last week but these games are always competitive. Valenica will be looking to inflict a first defeat on Barcelona under the care of Qique Setien.
Table of Contents
Valencia Preview – Will Valencia bounce back from humiliating defeat away to Mallorca last week?
It’s something of a recovery mission for Valenica having lost heavily away to Mallorca last weekend. It was a surprise reverse considering it came against a team who were in the relegation zone heading into that contest and had not won in seven games before it. It’s a setback for Albert Celades and his team in their quest to move closer to the top four which equates to Champions League football.
Valencia remain four points behind Sevilla and Atletico Madrid, both of whom also last last week. In one way it softens the blow of their own defeat but it’s also a missed opportunity as they failed to take advantage of their rivals dropping points.
A return to the Mestalla is what’s needed after the humbling loss. Valencia are unbeaten at home in La Liga this season winning five and drawing five. It’s a very strong record considering they have changed manager in the early stages of the campaign.
Barcelona Preview – Can Barca maintain top spot and make it consecutive league wins under their new manager?
It’s rarely dull at the Nou Camp and despite being top of the league and in the last-16 of the Champions League, Barcelona’s board elected to replace Ernesto Valverde as their head coach. It brings an end to two and a half years in charge which brought with it two La Liga titles. Despite that, there have been some disasters – not least the second leg European capitulations against Roma and Liverpool.
There was an argument he should have left in the summer but having stayed, performances have been stuttering despite their current position. Qique Setien was, eventually, the surprise choice to replace Valverde and the former Real Betis coach led his new team to a 1-0 win over Granada first time out.
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It’s neck and neck with Real Madrid at the top and with Atletico struggling for consistency is looking like a two-way battle for the title. That, combined with the long-term injury to Luis Suarez means there is absolutely no bedding in period for the new coach. He has to hit the ground running.
Winning on the road has been a struggle for Barca throughout the season. It’s just two in their last five La Liga games and four in 10 for the season so far.
Valencia vs Barcelona Betting Advice
The Mestalla remains one of the most difficult venues to win at for away teams and it’s one which Barcelona do not enjoy visiting. The champions have won only one of their last five games here in the league. They did, however, win 5-2 when the teams met at the Nou Camp earlier this season.
Key Facts – Valencia vs Barcelona Betting Tip
- It was a first defeat in six league games for Valencia when losing 4-1 to Mallorca
- Qique Setien got off to a winning start as Barcelona boss, narrowly defeating Granada 1-0
- The teams shared seven goals in the first meeting of the season at the Nou Camp, with Barca winning 5-2
It’s still a case of what and see as to how the change in coach affects this Barcelona team. Valencia, on the other hand, will take the game to their opponents and desperate to make up for that defeat last weekend.
Seven of their 10 home games in the league have had two or fewer goals in them. Add that to six of the last eight meetings with Barcelona here also going under 2.5 goals, it makes that look an appealing looking bet once again.
The best betting odds for Valencia vs Barcelona
Valencia to win: 9/2 at Bet365
Draw: 3/1 at Bet365
Barcelona to win: 3/5 at Bet365
