Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker:
Officially getting a new era underway this weekend, Barcelona will travel to the Mestalla when they meet Valencia on Saturday night.
Valencia
Starting with the hosts, booking a top-half finish last season, some in Valencia’s camp could be dreaming of the chance to mount a genuine European charge this time around. However, although the Bats might have opened 2024 in the midst of an eye-catching flurry, Ruben Baraja’s camp limped their way over the finish line. Including a 3-1 drumming at the hands of Girona on May 19th, Los Ches failed to muster a single victory from any of their final seven La Liga appearances. Likewise, facing what could be a stern examination when they get proceedings underway on Saturday night, Valencia gained an unwanted reputation for their struggles on home soil. Failing to record a single victory at the Mestalla since returning from March’s international break, Baraja’s side also registered just a single point from any of their final four La Liga showdowns in front of their own supporters.
Team News
All still dealing with respective long-term injury issues continuing on from last season, Valencia will once again be without the likes of Fran Perez, Moutcar Diakhaby, Jaume Domenech and defensive talisman Jose Gaya on Saturday night. Arriving from Sevilla on a season-long loan switch this summer, 27-year-old Rafa Mir should spearhead the Bats’ attack.
Despite extended speculation over a potential move away from the Mestalla this summer, Giorgi Mamardashvili will start between the sticks here. Claiming Valencia’s Golden Boot last season after recording 13 La Liga goals, Hugo Duro will partner Mir in the final third.
Barcelona
As for the visitors, while Barcelona might be getting a new era underway on Saturday night, the Spanish giants do appear to be enjoying life under the guidance of new boss Hansi Flick. Eventually finishing 10 points adrift of their bitter El Clasico rivals in the title chase last season, the former Bayern Munich boss is looking to mastermind a genuine charge this time around. Winning all of their final four La Liga appearances prior to the summer break as they stormed their way to a silver medal finish, Saturday’s guests will be smelling the chance to lay down an early statement of intent here. Landing an action-packed 4-2 victory when they welcomed Valencia to Catalonia back on April 29th, they have registered 19 points from just their last seven La Liga showdowns against the Bats a run that stems all the way back to a 2-2 stalemate in December 2020.
Team News
Undergoing hamstring surgery last month after picking up a long-term injury issue while away with Uruguay at this summer’s Copa America, Barcelona will be without Ronald Araujo on Saturday night. While midfield talisman Pedri might be expected to return to first-team training later this month, the 21-year-old will not feature at the Mestalla.
While Barcelona might have officially unveiled Dani Olmo last week following a reported fee of £51million, it has not been officially announced that the Spanish international has been successfully registered. Although 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal might have not featured during Barca’s pre-season preparations, the budding superstar is expected to play some part here.
Key Factors to Consider
