Valencia take on Barcelona at the Mestalla Stadium on Sunday evening, with the top two teams in the Spanish top-flight going head-to-head. With just four points separating the duo in the standings, many are predicting a close encounter this weekend. La Liga leaders Barcelona travel to Valencia this weekend hoping to extend their lead at the top of the table, however with the home side having not lost so far this season, it could well be a tough evenings work for Ernesto Valverde’s men.
Spanish La Liga – Mestalla Stadium, Valencia – Sunday 26th November – 19:45 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 31/10 at Betfair |
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FC Valencia
FC BarcelonaWith little separating the two teams in the build up to the match, the odds with major bookmakers are also too close to call at present. For those still unsure of who to back, be sure to check out our top betting tip below. However, let’s first take a closer look at the two teams, starting with the home side.
Valencia Team News & Form
After years of disappointing performances in La Liga, Valencia finally look to have found a winning formula, with manager Marcelino Toral having led his side to an unbeaten run at the start of the season. Nine wins from their opening 12 matches mean that they sit in second place, six points clear of both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid behind them. Italian international Simone Zaza has nine goals to his name already, whilst Rodrigo and Santi Mina have also contributed well in this area. Elsewhere, the likes of Carlos Soler and on-loan Manchester United man Andreas Pereira have both starred in the Valencia midfield. Valencia are the second highest scorers in Spain, scoring 32 goals from their matches to date.
Barcelona Team News & Form
After missing out on the title to rivals Real Madrid, Barcelona have started the season in fine style, with Lionel Messi and Co having dropped just two points from their opening matches. Their Argentine star has scored 12 goals in 12 games, while striker partner Luis Suarez has returned to form in recent weeks. With Spanish internationals Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta helping to form a hugely experienced squad, the away side will be hoping to end Valencia’s unbeaten run this season as the Mestalla.
Head to Head
The two teams have met 36 times in the past, with Barcelona having won 18 of such encounters to date, including registering 11 draws in this time. The Spanish giants won 3-2 at the Mestalla last season, before coming out on top by four goals to two at the Camp Nou a matter of months later. Valencia’s last win came in Barcelona back in April 2016.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Given the standing in the table of the two teams, it comes as little surprise that there is little separating the two teams with the majority of bookmakers. The hosts can be backed at odds of 10/3 with Betfair, while those looking to bet on an away win for Barcelona can take advantage of 8/11 with PaddyPower.
Top Betting Tip
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet on both teams scoring during the 90 minutes at the Mestalla, which is available at odds of 4/9 with Ladbrokes.