Barcelona vs Valencia

April 15, 2016
By: Milos Markovic

Fresh from their stunning Champions League exit, Barcelona play host to Valencia on Sunday feeling desperate to turn the tables around and end the poor run of results which saw them lose three of the last four matches in all competitions.

Slump at the worst possible time

Barcelona were looking comfortable at all fronts only a couple of weeks ago with tangible La Liga advantage and self-confidence ahead of the Champions League quarter-final tie versus Atletico Madrid. The 2-2 draw at Villarreal ahead of the international break was a warning sign Luis Enrique’s men did not take too seriously as it marked the beginning of a poorly timed slump in results that could have a detrimental effect on Barcelona’s entire season. Real Madrid came from behind to record a morale-boosting El Clasico win, but the Catalans fought bravely to bounce back and return to winning ways in the first leg against Atletico (2-1). Despite the initial struggles and problems against Rojiblancos, Luis Suarez rose up to the occasion having scored a brace against ten-man side. A win was all that mattered at that point, but it did little to conceal problems in Barcelona’s performance. Luis Suarez, Leo Messi and Neymar came from international duty out of form and are still struggling to make an impact. Barcelona were dealt another huge blow as the team lost to Real Sociedad before being completely outplayed in the return leg at Vicente Calderon for a stunning exit from the Champions League. Match against Valencia is crucial in Barca’s attempts to hold on to the three-point La Liga lead in front Atletico Madrid and there is no doubt that Enrique’s men will go full strength ahead in the Sunday’s match.

Luis Enrique is unlikely to make significant changes to his starting berth despite recent problems. Claudio Bravo returns in goal for Marc-Andre ter Stegen, while Arda Turan is missing the clash due to yellow card suspension. Additionally, Jeremy Mathieu, Sandro Ramirez, Thomas Vermaelen and Rafinha are all ruled out with their respective injuries.

Can Valencia add insult to injury?

Valencia are heading into the Sunday’s showdown in a much relaxed state as the team has moved nine points clear of the relegation zone following the 2-1 win over Sevilla last time out. Parejo’s first-half goal was cancelled by Gameiro with four minutes from time, but Alvaro Negredo struck a late winner to award Pako Ayestaran with a win in his first home game in charge since the sacking of Gary Neville. It was Valencia’s first win following a string of four consecutive league defeats and the team feels much more positive at the moment. Los Che had different plans in mind before the season started, but are forced to fight against relegation and will be happy to get out with anything they can get against Barcelona. Valencia will also be hoping for a revenge for the reverse 7-0 thrashing during Neville’s reign in February. Former Manchester United and England defender has obviously been a huge mistake as Neville encountered a number of problems during his time with Los Che. Language barrier proved to be too much of an obstacle, while Neville’s raw approach also had a negative effect on the players. Valencia are the quality side with plenty of talent in the squad and are well capable of inflicting another blow to Barcelona’s title bid.

Visitors will have plenty of selection problems for their trip to Camp Nou. Zakaria Bakkali is struggling with a groin injury, while Joao Cancelo and Jose Luis Gaya are both having hamstring problems. In addition, Sofiane Feghouli is suspended for the occasion.

Verdict

Sunday’s encounter is of huge importance for the home side and Barcelona cannot afford any other outcome than to beat Valencia. Another slump could further complicate the La Liga title race and Catalans will need a strong performance in order to grab the three points and keep the distance ahead of Atletico Madrid.

Top pick: HT/FT Home win   1.53 (8/15) @Coral

Alternative pick 1: Barca to win to nil   2.1 (11/10) @Bet365

Alternative pick 2: Luis Suarez to score anytime   1.57 (4/7) @WilliamHill

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