Valencia fighting for a place in the top four
The Spanish club VCF is currently occupying the fifth place in the standings, and mathematically, even a win at home against leaders Barcelona will not automatically guarantee them a place in the top four places of the table.
With two giants preparing to meet each other, there is no doubt the game will get a lot of attention. Hence, a special outcome could take place, but a disappointing display from both sides could also reduce the excitement towards the big match.
After 6 games played in the league and a 100% record, Barcelona have managed to prove that they are the most dangerous football club in Spain; however, Valencia could put an end to all the great praises the Catalans have been receiving this season.
It will be one of Valencia’s biggest clashes in La Liga, and therefore, beating the league leaders will definitely have a huge impact on their run in the Spanish Primera Division.
The home side could be without their star striker and top scorer David Villa due to an injury he sustained not long ago, but the Valencia coach could still have the option of modifying his formation so as to maintain his front’s productivity against the Blaugrana.
Despite this fact, hosts Valencia still hold a strong advantage, as their defense seem to be armed with strong mental weapons: confidence, and awareness.
FC Barcelona – Retaining their lead at the top
Unity and composure are two qualities which have enabled Pep Guardiola’s men to form the most successful side in the SPD this season; and obviously, these are two things Barcelona will want to keep hold on from start to finish.
The European champions are wishing to expand their wonderful league record when they play as visitors against Valencia this weekend, and in reference to previous results between both sides, no one can doubt Barcelona’s ability to steal Saturday’s show and humble the home side just as they did on several occasions in the past.
Knowing the importance of such an encounter, the Spanish League defending champions’ sight will surely be set on a victory alone, as 3 more points – regardless of the number of games left in the competition – could help in turning Real Madrid’s dream of winning the title into an illusion.
Apart from the win they got at Camp Nou against destabilized club Atletico Madrid, Barcelona’s preceding victories could arguably be justified by the fact that they were faced by weak sides; thus, it is their meeting against fifth place Valencia which will really determine if the current league leaders can hold on to the top spot in following weeks.
Well, by reason of World Cup Qualifiers which took place in mid-week, Pep Guardiola’s starting line-up could give away a few surprises, and in this case, the game would be even more interesting, as Valencia’s men would try to take their chances and overcome a physically weakened Barcelona side.
Even this way, Valencia will need to be careful, taking into account that the Catalans’ major force lies in their mentality.
