Barcelona vs Valencia Prediction

🔊 Is Carlos Corberan's team capable of creating a miracle? Obviously, after Ruben Baraja's resignation, the "bats" have transformed. Nevertheless, Valencia continues to remain in a particularly dangerous zone of the standings. In the 21st round of the Spanish championship, the "oranges" are set to visit the Catalan "Olimpico" stadium and face last season's runners-up - Barcelona. The match will be officiated by a team of referees led by Sergio Soto Grado. Bookmakers predict a convincing success for the hosts, not considering any other outcome: Barcelona's victory - 1.2, Valencia's victory - 12.5.

📊 H2H

The history of head-to-head encounters between Barcelona and Valencia is impressive with its intensity - 179 meetings in the elite Spanish division. The outcomes are as follows: 90 victories for the "Blaugrana," 46 draws, and 43 victories for the "oranges." It is noteworthy that Barcelona's unbeaten streak in home matches against the "bats" has reached 8 games. Valencia's last away success dates back to the 2015/16 season (2:1).

🔵 BARCELONA

With all due respect to Xavi's work at the helm of Barcelona, Hansi Flick has taken the club to another level in just half a year. This primarily concerns the team's character in matches against top opponents and their brilliant work with the ball. The midfield trio of Pedri - Casado - Gavi looks excellent in possession and provides adequate reliability in defensive phases. Interestingly, the German specialist has chosen a more advanced position for Pedri, and situationally, the 22-year-old Spaniard plays the role of a "number ten." It now seems absurd to keep a player like Frenkie De Jong at the club. Firstly, none of the midfielders fall short of the Dutchman in terms of overall factors. Secondly, the enormous salary of the 27-year-old midfielder simply does not allow him to be considered as a backup. The main problem for the "Blaugrana" is the goalkeeper position. Wojciech Szczęsny has made serious errors in matches against Real Madrid (5:2) and Benfica (5:4), causing an outcry among fans of the Catalan team.

🟠 VALENCIA

Carlos Corberan has breathed life into Valencia. Since the appointment of the Spanish specialist, the "bats" have achieved three victories, drawn once, and only lost once. Now they are just 4 points away from the safe 17th spot. However, one should not discount the factor of Valencia's appalling efficiency in away matches - 4 points gained after 10 games (18th result in the league). Valencia has been quite active during the ongoing transfer window and has already signed loan agreements with Umar Sadiq (from Real Sociedad) and Max Aarons (from Bournemouth). Overall, Carlos Corberan is an ambitious coach who advocates a proactive style of play. It is based on provoking opponents into high pressing through short ball play. Another significant feature is the forward's movement, which should regularly draw one of the opponent's center-backs away. The experience of the Spanish specialist working in Marcelo Bielsa's coaching staff is evident.

⚽️ GOAL PREDICTION

Despite Valencia's prolonged crisis, head-to-head matches between these teams are regularly characterized by intriguing and high-scoring football. In 7 out of the last 9 head-to-head matches, goals were scored by both sides. Considering Barcelona's fantastic scoring rate this season (2.6 goals per game) and rather mediocre defensive actions (1.2 goals per game), we anticipate this trend continuing. Our pick - both teams to score (yes).

🚩 CORNER PREDICTION

Matches involving both clubs this season are characterized by a large number of corner kicks: Barcelona - 10.9, Valencia - 10.1. It's worth noting that in 5 out of the last 7 head-to-head meetings between these teams, at least 11 corners were recorded. Considering the devastating flanks of the Catalan club and the "bats'" desire to play proactive football, an "over" on corners seems justified. Our bet - total corners over 9.5.

📝 MATCH PREDICTION

Only once in the last 10 head-to-head encounters has there been a crushing victory for Catalan Barcelona. The "bats" also benefit from their physical preparation - they did not have to play a European competition match midweek. Additionally, Carlos Corberan demonstrated coaching competence and the ability to pose serious competition to giants in a recent match against Real Madrid (1:2). A final victory for the hosts with a score of 2:1 seems most realistic. Our key choice - Valencia with a handicap (+2.5).