Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the La Liga match
Even after signing Daniel Olmo, Barcelona doesn’t look like a serious competitor to Real for the championship, especially since Athletico is having a more successful transfer policy. Away against Valencia, only one result is expected from Hansi Flick, the German must debut as a Catalonial head coach with a win.
Valencia
It seems, Barcelona got a comfortable opponent to start in La Liga, as Valencia had a bad pre-season. In six friendlies, they won only once. Valencia signed only Rafa Mir, who was unwanted at Sevilla. Right now things are complicated with selling Giorgi Mamardashvili to Liverpool, without the Georgian goalkeeper, the team risks dropping in a relegation battle.
Barcelona
After three straight wins at the start of pre-season, Barcelona lost to Milan (2:3 after pen) and Monako (0:3). However, Hansi Flick openly played reserves, allowing national team players to recover after an exhausting season. Likely, in the first round, Robert Lewandowski in attack will be helped by Daniel Olmo and Lamine Yamal, Vitor Roque should also get time (3+1 in four friendlies).
Valencia - Barcelona Prediction
In the last four seasons Barcelona beat Valencia six times in eight head-to-head meetings. At Mestalla, the stressed Valencia won’t compete with the motivated Barcelona.
