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MATCH PREVIEW

The big game on Sunday night in LaLiga comes from Mestalla and it promises to be a fascinating encounter between Valencia and title hopefuls Barcelona. The Catalans suffered a major setback in midweek and will be wary of a Valencia side that has a habit of upsetting the big guns.

Of course, it’s not that long ago that Valencia were one of those big sides but their decline over the last 18 months has been quite sad to watch. The fact they are still 4 points shy of the 40 point mark with only 5 games to go tells you all you need to know about their overall struggles this season, but they have mostly been competitive at home, particularly since the turn of the year.

Valencia are unbeaten in 2021 at Mestalla – winning 4 and drawing 4 in LaLiga. They’ve also beaten Real Madrid 4-1 on this ground this season and have a pretty good recent record against Barcelona too, drawing at Camp Nou earlier this term while they defeated the Catalans at Mestalla in 2019/20. While they do head into this match without a win in 5, Javi Gracia’s side are certainly capable of providing a real test for their visitors.

Barcelona had the chance to go top of LaLiga in midweek and really cement themselves as the firm favourites to win the Spanish title. Everything was going to plan when Leo Messi put them ahead at home to Granada but the Andalusian side launched a stunning comeback win after the break to blow this title race wide open.

The bad news for Barca fans is that their fate is no longer in their own hands. If Real Madrid win all their remaining games, then Barcelona cannot finish above their eternal rivals. However Zinedine Zidane’s side have been wobbling too and you sense there will be a few more twists and turns before this intriguing four-horse title race is decided.

Barcelona can only focus on the job at hand here and they will need to be at or close to their best to leave Valencia with all the points.

PREDICTION

Valencia are a strange team in that they clearly have plenty of flaws, but consistently seem to raise their game in the big matches. They cannot be discounted here and could do some damage on the break and there’s every chance they will extend their unbeaten home record in 2021 and further dent Barcelona’s title bid.

It should be a high scoring game and 3.5 goals would be predicted. 

Disclaimer: For reference purpose only. All above views expressed are those of the author and do not represent the views of ASAA88.