Valencia vs Barcelona Prediction

🔊 What psychological state are the "Oranges" in after the recent crushing defeat by the "Blaugrana"? Very soon, we will witness the clashes in the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey. One of the highlights is the meeting between Valencia and Barcelona at "Mestalla". On one hand, the favorite of the match is obvious, as indicated by the bookmakers' preliminary predictions: a victory for the "Bats" is at 7.4, while a win for "Barça" is at 1.4. On the other hand, sensational results in knockout games are not out of the ordinary.

📊 H2H

The last victory for Valencia over Barcelona (2:0) occurred when Quique Setién was at the helm of the "Blaugrana" - in the 2019/20 season. Barça's unbeaten streak in head-to-head encounters has reached 10 matches. Recently, the Catalan team completely dismantled the "Oranges" in the 21st round of La Liga (7:1).

🟠 VALENCIA

Despite the risk of Valencia leaving the top division at the end of the season, there was no significant activity in the recent transfer window for the "Oranges". Umar Sadiq, Max Aarons, and Ivan Jaime were taken on loan. None of them can be considered a 100% starter. The result of the head-to-head clash with Barcelona, where Carlos Corberán's side was destroyed 1:7, is still fresh in memory. Against significantly stronger opponents, the Spanish specialist regularly starts matches with a 4-4-2 formation. Effective team actions using this formation allow them to maintain compactness in lines and minimize space between players. However, complete disorganization prevents the "Oranges" from maintaining positions during counter-pressing and taking advantage of offside traps. On their way to the Copa del Rey quarterfinals, Valencia defeated Parla (1:0), Ejea (3:1), Eldense (2:0), and Ourense (2:0). Thierry Correia remains in the team's infirmary.

🔵 BARCELONA

This season, Barcelona is rightfully considered one of the most spectacular teams in Europe. Hansi Flick's tactical style not only resembles what Pep Guardiola preached but is also quite effective for the current club roster. The "Blaugrana" has already managed to score 100 goals in all competitions by February. The Catalan team's dominance in matches is also quite evident, considering their average ball possession percentage - 66%. A huge emphasis is placed on the flanks, where full-backs often take wider positions, freeing up space in half-spaces for nominal wingers. More than once this season, Raphinha has effectively used his ability to cut inside and deliver a sharp shot. Lamine Yamal is even the team's leader in average shots on goal per game - around 3.5. The last time Barça succeeded in the national cup was in the 2020/21 season. This surely motivates the players. Among those unavailable for the upcoming clash are Marc Bernal, Andreas Christensen, and Marc-André ter Stegen (all injured).

⚽️ GOAL PREDICTION

No matter what state the teams are in, personal encounters between Valencia and Barcelona are always intriguing. In 8 out of 10 previous instances, goals were scored by both sides. Interestingly, a similar trend is characteristic of 6 out of 7 recent matches involving the "Blaugrana" this season. "Mestalla" regularly puts pressure on visiting teams, so we wouldn't expect a "clean sheet" game for the guests. Especially considering that Hansi Flick still faces personnel issues in the defensive line. Our choice - both teams to score (yes).

🚩 CORNER PREDICTION

We suggest forming a bet based on the average number of corners earned and conceded by the teams this season. Valencia is characterized by these numbers: 5.1 against 4.8. "Barça" is somewhat more convincing in this component: 6.1 against 4.3. In head-to-head encounters, there is a solid superiority of the "Blaugrana": 6.4 against 3.7. Let's settle on Barcelona's victory on corners with a handicap (-1.5).

📝 MATCH PREDICTION

If Barcelona approaches this clash in their best form, then the chances for the "Bats" to advance to the semifinals are extremely low. "Barça" had no trouble breaking through the defensive structure of the "Oranges" a couple of weeks ago. Hansi Flick's tactical plan allows for cosmetic adjustments, enabling the German specialist to react during matches. Carlos Corberán has a much stricter style that does not allow for high flexibility. Moreover, Valencia has an important task in the league - maintaining their top-flight status. Our prediction for the final score is 1:3. The key bet - Barcelona to win with a handicap (-1).