By Matt Smith
The away facet have seen an enchancment on outcomes beneath new supervisor Carlos Corberan, and he’s getting ready to face Barcelona for the primary time in his managerial profession.
Valencia have struggled in recent times on their travels to Barcelona, failing to choose up three factors since 2016 in LaLiga. When the 2 sides met earlier within the season, Barca secured the victory with a 2-1 win because of a brace from Robert Lewandowski.
Dani Olmo might miss out
Dani Olmo wasn’t named within the squad to face Benfica within the Champions League earlier this week, so it is going to be fascinating to see if he recovers in time to make this one.
Barcelona confirmed final week that Olmo would miss the journey to Portugal as a consequence of choosing up a ‘proper soleus pressure’. Iñigo Martínez, Marc Bernal, and Marc-André ter Stegen stay out.
Barcelona must shake off disappointing type
Though Barcelona have been in spectacular type in all competitions, Hansi Flick’s facet have struggled in LaLiga of late. Sitting 18th within the type desk, Barcelona might want to begin choosing up leads to the league in the event that they need to mount a severe cost for the title.
Raphinha has undoubtedly been one in every of Barcelona’s key stars over the previous few weeks and has been on the coronary heart of every thing. The Brazilian ahead has supplied six targets and assists mixed in his final 4 video games in all competitions, together with a 9.4-rated efficiency in opposition to Actual Madrid.
Barcelona’s residence type has been a little bit of a fear this season, already shedding three video games from eight on their very own turf.
Corberan has damage doubts
Thierry Correia will likely be unavailable for Valencia forward of their journey to Barcelona, whereas Mouctar Diakhaby, Rafa Mir, and Umar Sadiq are uncertain.
Dimitri Foulquier was additionally unable to finish coaching this week, so it is going to be fascinating to see whether or not he makes the squad.
Turning a nook beneath Corberan
Valencia are beginning to steer in the suitable route after Corberan was appointed only a few weeks in the past. Beginning with an unlucky 2-1 defeat at residence to Actual Madrid, Valencia have since been unbeaten and are slowly battling to climb out of the relegation zone.
Final trip, Valencia secured a powerful 1-0 victory over Actual Sociedad in LaLiga, with a sport plan that Corberan will possible have to copy. Valencia had simply 35% possession, however they produced 1.64 anticipated targets from simply seven photographs.
Barcelona are more likely to dominate the ball in opposition to Corberan’s facet, so hitting them on the counter-attack and creating possibilities after they do have possession will likely be pivotal.
Prediction
Corberan has definitely tightened Valencia up defensively, so we’re not anticipating too many targets on this one. Barcelona have been discovering the online recurrently of late, however Valencia will likely be sitting deep and absorbing the stress. We’re going for a 2-0 victory for Barcelona, who might have an excessive amount of high quality for the away facet.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
You possibly can observe each sport from LaLiga with FotMob this season — that includes deep stats protection, xG, and participant scores. Obtain the free app right here.