Valencia vs Barcelona 22/10 – La Liga
Barcelona Meet Valencia in an Unfamiliar Position
LEAGUE: Spanish La Liga
GAME: Valencia vs Barcelona
LOCATION: Estadio de Mestalla
DATE: Saturday 22/10
TIME: 16:15
In the previous 52 matches between the teams, Barcelona have won 26, Valencia have won 12 and there have also been 14 draws.
Valencia have turned things around somewhat, after a terrible start to the 2016/17 La Liga season. The club struggled last season and changed manager numerous times and with changes already being made this season, the fans will be hoping Cesare Prandelli provers to be the man they are looking for. Having suffered four straight defeats at the start of the season, Valencia have won three of the last four games, which has pushed them out of the La Liga relegation zone and into 14th place.
It’s not very often Barcelona head into their 9th game of the season and find themselves in 4th place in the La Liga table. Having already lost two and drawn one game this season, Barcelona have already lost nearly half the amount of games they did in winning the title last season. The last away match, at Celta Vigo, ended in defeat and Luis Enrique will be keen to avoid another slip-up away from home.
Tips
We have looked closely at the following aspects of this match, which offer good betting value:
- Winner
- Result and Both Teams to Score
- Correct Score
Valencia Will Cause Problems
Having played in the Champions League against Manchester City on Wednesday night, Luis Enrique must manage the workload of his players, especially Lionel Messi. Therefore, Barcelona may not be at full strength and Valencia, having spent all week preparing for this game, will look to take advantage of that. Barcelona have only beaten Valencia once in their last three meetings in all competitions, two of which have been draws.
Game Tip: Draw is 5 at Ladbrokes.
Sitting Back Not an Option
Neither team have looked particularly convincing in defence this season and Barcelona have already conceded 10 goals in their eight La Liga games. Valencia have conceded 15 goals in their eight games and if previous meetings between the teams is anything to go by, this match is not going to end goalless.
Game Tip: Draw and Both Teams to Score is 6.25 at 888sport.
A Popular Result
A look back over recent fixtures between the teams, has seen the 1-1 draw a popular result. Two of the last three matches between Valencia and Barcelona, in all competitions, have ended in a 1-1 draw and so have three of last nine. If things are to end level between the teams, this is the most likely score.
Game Tip: Correct Score 1-1 is 10.5 at Unibet
