Valencia vs Barcelona Preview & Prediction | 2024-25 Spanish Primera
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One of Spain’s fallen giants, Valencia, did manage to achieve a top-half finish last season and Ruben Baraja remains in charge of Los Ches as they begin their campaign against a Barcelona team beginning then potentially thrilling era of Hansi Flick.
KICK-OFF DATE/TIME: Saturday 17th August, 2024 - UK – 8:30pm / US ET – 3:30pm / US PT – 12:30pm
HOW TO WATCH ON TV: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN have the exclusive rights to La Liga games in the USA, so Valencia vs Barcelona may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN+
VALENCIA PREVIEW: AVOIDING THE CRISIS
Valencia narrowly avoided the drop in the 2022/23 campaign and as a reward, their manager Ruben Baraja was given the job on a permanent basis. For much of last season, Valencia pushed towards the top seven and potential European qualification before fading to what was still an encouraging ninth placed finish.
Once again this summer there have been concerns about the transfer market but other than the departure of a couple of loanees, Roman Yaremchuk and Selim Amallah, very little has happened in a negative sense. The window may well hinge on the fact their goalkeeper, Giorgi Mamardashvili, is expected to depart the club.
BARCELONA PREVIEW: NEW LOOK BARCA
In the 2022/23 campaign, Barcelona, despite all of the financial strife off the pitch, managed to win La Liga in their final season at Camp Nou as we all knew it. During its reconstruction they have been playing at Estadi Olympic Lluis Companys and it is difficult to pretend that the poor atmosphere has not had an impact on results.
The crisis and confusion off the pitch was exacerbated by Xavi announcing nis departure in January then a renewal in May but then eventually leaving to be replaced by Hansi Flick after that. Intensity and aggression is to be expected under Flick and the signing of Dani Olmo should help that tactical shift.
VALENCIA TEAM NEWS: THE ‘KEEPER ISSUE
The probable departure of Giorgi Mamardashvili, who is expected to join Liverpool and then head on loan to Bournemouth, and injury to Jaume Domenech presents an opportunity for new signing Stole Dimitrievski to make his debut in goal at Mestalla.
There are still injury issues in defence with Mouctar Diakhaby, who suffered a horror injury against Real Madrid in March, still out alongside club captain Jose Luis Gaya.
PREDICTED XI (4-4-1-1): Dimitrievski; Correia, Cristhian Mosquera, Cesar Tarrega, Ozkacar; Diego Lopez, Hugo Guillamon, Javi Guerra, Sergi Canos; Andre Almeida; Hugo Duro
UNAVAILABLE: Jaume Domenech (Injured), Diakhaby (Injured), Jose Luis Gaya (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
BARCELONA TEAM NEWS: KEY INJURY CONCERNS
During the summer, Pedri limped out of Spain’s UEFA EURO 2024 quarter-final against Germany and remains an injury doubt for the Catalans, whilst vice-captain Ronald Araujo suffered an injury that should see him out until the autumn for Uruguay at the CONMEBOL Copa America.
Frenkie de Jong missed the UEFA European Championships for the Netherlands and is also likely to be unavailable, whilst both Gavi and Ansu Fati are out injured, too.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Ter Stegen; Kounde, Christensen, Pau Cubarsi, Alex Balde; Gundogan, Marc Casado; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski
UNAVAILABLE: Ronald Araujo (Injured), Gavi (Injured), Ansu Fati (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: De Jong (Injured), Pedri (Injured)
VALENCIA VS BARCELONA PREDICTION
Mestalla is always a tough place to visit no matter the situation and off-field protests or even the quality of any given Valencia side. However, this version does appear to be particularly weak with the hosts probably dreaming of a top-half finish this time around, let alone surviving the drop with comfort. Barcelona may have some key issues, particularly in midfield, to deal with but they should still have enough to begin with a victory on the opening day.
VALENCIA VS BARCELONA TIP: BARCELONA TO WIN & UNDER 3.5 GOALS
