Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Spanish La Liga match.
Valencia
Valencia have always been a strong middle peasant. However, they have done a lot to make this situation worse. OK, the defeats they suffered from Real Madrid (1:5) and Girona (1:2) can be explained. But it’s way harder to explain goalless draws in the matches against Getafe and Celta. Valencia didn’t manage to make at least one attempt on goals, creating only 0,6 xG.
Barcelona
Barcelona have won only 10 games out of the possible 16. They’re fourth with 34 points. If they keep on this way, they can forget about defending the title. However, sometimes Barcelona were just terribly unlucky. The most disappointing moment was their previous game against Girona. Barcelona looked better in attacking actions in xG (4,06 against 2,4) and they should have won that game.
Valencia – Barcelona prediction
Barcelona have lost too many points recently. Besides, they were defeated by Antwerp in the Champions League (2:3). They need to do something with this situation. Obviously, Valencia are in crisis, too. They have taken only one point in the last 4 games, and they’re hardly ready to challenge a better opponent. Paulista and Javier Guerra are disqualified and won’t be able to help the home side.
I believe that Barcelona will brace themselves starting from this match. They should be totally focused.
