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Recommended bets
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Valencia have only won four of their last 35 matches against Barcelona, but did notably win the 2019 Copa del Rey Final 2-1. Ten of Barça’s last 12 matches in all competitions have seen both teams score.
Both teams to score is 4/6.
Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals is 21/20.
Barcelona to win and both teams to score is 11/4.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored four times against Valencia, including a hat-trick at Mestalla in 2019. He is 15/4 to break the deadlock and 21/20 to open his Barça account.
Match preview
Barcelona start the weekend fourth in the La Liga table, desperately looking to cling onto a Champions League place.
However, in the 96th minute, a magnificent header by Luuk de Jong saw the visitors snatch a 2-2 draw at RCDE Stadium.
This means Xavi’s team are now unbeaten in eight league games but, given that four of these have been draws, they’re clinging onto fourth.
Getting back into the Champions League next season is crucial but, for now, they’re playing Europa League football for the first time in 18 years.
On Thursday night, Ferran Torres’ second half penalty helped them hold Napoli to a 1-1 draw at Camp Nou in the first knockout round first leg.
With no away goals anymore, it’ll be winner takes all as the two meet again at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona this forthcoming Thursday.
Before then, will Barça stay in La Liga’s top four?
Valencia meanwhile are also eyeing continental competition next season, but have gone off the rails a bit in recent weeks.
Los Murciélagos were beaten 2-1 by Alavés last weekend, equalising through Gonçalo Guedes’ penalty before giving away a penalty at the other end.
As a result, José Bordalás’ men are now winless in six, dating back to their 4-3 Derbi Valenciano victory just before Christmas.
In this time, los Che have slid down the table from seventh to 12th so are now six points adrift the potential European places.
Who will win this big game at Mestalla?
Valencia team news
José Bordalás has used three different goalkeepers this season, largely due to Jasper Cillessen’s persistent injuries.
Nevertheless, 21 year old Giorgi Mamardashvili, who joined the B team from Dinamo Tbilisi, has impressed so will get the nod over Jaume Doménech.
Elsewhere, Eray Cömert has become a key figure immediately at centre-back, having arrived from FC Basel in January.
Ilaix Moriba, who left Barcelona for RB Leipzig in the summer, hardly played at all in Germany so has moved to Valencia on loan.
In attack, Maxi Gómez could come in the side, partnering Gonçalo Guedes, taking Marcos André’s positition.
Barcelona team news
Dani Alves is serving the second of his two-match suspension here, having been sent off against Atlético Madrid a fortnight ago.
Unfortunately for the 38 year old, he wasn’t added to the UEFA squad so can’t feature in the Europa League either.
Sergiño Dest could therefore return at right-back, displacing Óscar Mingueza.
However, all the width on that side all provided by Adama Traoré who’s shone since moving from Wolves, proving an assists in both La Liga games.
Gerard Piqué is also suspended, after getting sent off at Espanyol, while Clément Lenglet and Ronald Araújo are injured, so Eric García will have to start.
After an underwhelming performance in the derby, Frenkie de Jong could lose his place with Sergio Busquets, Pedri and Gavi the chosen trio.
In attack, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang made his first start for the club on Thursday so will be looking to break his duck in this one.
La Liga table:
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