Team News
Carles Puyol and Dani Alves are doubtful. Cristian Tello and Alex Song featured in midweek as substitute and could receive a spot in Vilanova’s First XI. Pedro could also start ahead of Alexis Sanchez as Barcelona’s manager may make a few changes from his last line-up.
Valencia enter the match without Ricardo Costa who was red-carded last weekend against Deportivo La Coruna. Adil Rami is set to replace him at the back.
Analysis
Barcelona are still Barcelona. Regardless of whom their opponents are, the Catalans make sure to remain true to their style of play. Nothing will change against Valencia despite the fact that they lost out to Real Madrid in the Supercopa de Espana in midweek.
However, Tito Vilanova may demand an improved performance from Javier Mascherano in defence. Along with red-carded Adriano, the Argentine was one of the biggest culprits in their 2-1 defeat at the Bernabeu.
Another angle to tackle will be the roles in attack. Lionel Messi has scored 57 per cent of Barcelona’s league goals so far. He also netted his team’s only goal in the second leg of the Spanish Cup while Pedro Rodriguez and Cristian Tello failed to click upfront.
There is no point panicking, though. As long as Barcelona remain true to their identity, expect them to bounce back in style. At the Camp Nou, they are extremely strong. They will have the home crowd acting as their 12th man.
In fact, the Supercopa loss to Real Madrid will only increase Barcelona’s desire for perfection in La Liga. Valencia are in trouble. Los Che have no goal scoring problem as they proved in their 3-3 draw against Deportivo La Coruna last weekend. However, there is a need for them to find stability in terms of concentration.
Valencia’s record against Barcelona is appalling. The last time both teams met in La Liga, Barca cruised to a 5-1 victory. Ahead of Sunday’s encounter, the two teams are under pressure to improve defensively. Barcelona stand as favourites to exploit Valencia’s weak point and carry the day.
Last six meetings
October 16, 2010: Barcelona 2-1 Valencia (La Liga)
March 2, 2011 : Valencia 0-1 Barcelona (La Liga)
September 21, 2011 : Valencia 2-2 Barcelona (La Liga)
February 1, 2012 : Valencia 1-1 Barcelona (Copa del Rey)
February 8, 2012 : Barcelona 2-0 Valencia (Copa del Rey)
February 19, 2012: Barcelona 5-1 Valencia (La Liga)
Relevant facts
• Barcelona’s disciplinary record against Valencia is decent with only 10 yellow cards in the last 540 minutes.
• Valencia have scored only five goals against Barcelona since October 2010.
• Valencia have been shown a total of 24 yellow cards and a couple of red cards in their last six meetings against Barcelona.
• Barcelona have condemned Valencia to defeat in their last six home games in all competitions.
Prediction
Valencia might want to go for the win after drawing their first two matches. However, the Camp Nou is certainly not the best ground for visitors to play attacking football. Los Che may manage to embarrass Barcelona’s backline but at the other end of the pitch, they may crumble under pressure from Lionel Messi and company.
Scores: Barcelona 3-1 Valencia
