There are some big games around the domestic European leagues this weekend but arguably the biggest of them all takes place at the Mestalla on Sunday night as Valencia host Barcelona. This is a meeting between the top two teams in La Liga this season and while you may have expected to see Barcelona in this position, it is a surprise to see Valencia doing so well. For the past two seasons Valencia have struggled to make an impact in La Liga, finishing in 12th place on both occasions but this season they have turned things around and have a great chance to return to the top of Spanish football.
Spanish La Liga – Mestalla Stadium, Valencia – Sunday 26th November – 19:45 UK Time
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FC Valencia
FC BarcelonaValencia Form
Valencia start this match sitting second in La Liga, having won 30 points from their 12 games played. Not only have they picked up plenty of victories, they have also remained undefeated throughout the start of the campaign. Having defeated Las Palmas on the opening day of the season, Valencia went on a run of three straight draws including a 2-2 with Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Following the third of those draws, Valencia have not looked back, winning each of their 9 games in all competitions. There have been wins in La Liga over Malaga, Real Sociedad, Athletic Club, Sevilla, Deportivo Alaves, Leganes and Espanyol plus a Spanish Cup victory against Real Zaragoza. Valencia have been good at the back this season, keeping 5 clean sheets in their last 6 games and are unbeaten in 14 of their last 16 home games.
Barcelona Form
Barcelona come into this match on the back of a 0-0 draw in the Champions League at Italian champions Juventus and this leaves them top of their group in that competition. Like their hosts, Barcelona are undefeated this season and come into this match sitting top of La Liga with 34 points from their 12 games played. The only dropped points have come in a 1-1 draw at Atletico Madrid but come the end of the season, that could be a decent point. Barcelona are currently on a run of 27 matches without defeat in all competitions and have not tasted defeat in their last 14 competitive games on the road. In addition, they have kept 5 clean sheets in their last 7 La Liga matches.
Team News
Valencia will be without Javi Jimenez and Jeison Murillo who are injured. The loss of Murillo in central defence will be a big blow to the home side in this game. Barcelona travel without Javier Mascherano, Rafinha, Ousmane Dembele, Andre Gomes and Sergi Roberto. Central defender Gerard Pique is suspended which means Barcelona also have a few problems at the back.
Top Betting Tips
Both Valencia and Barcelona have performed well defensively in recent weeks but with key men missing at the back, we should see goals in this game. Over 2.5 goals is 4/9 with Ladbrokes. Despite Valencia having made a great start to the season, Barcelona still have the extra quality required to win this game and know a victory would see them move clear at the top of the table. Barcelona are 13/10 with Ladbrokes to win, with over 2.5 goals scored. Rodrigo has been in good goal scoring form for Valencia this season and played in recent friendly games for Spain. The Spanish forward is 15/8 to score at any time with Ladbrokes.