Valencia vs Barcelona Preview:
Possible starting lineups:
Valencia:
Dimitrievski; Foulquier, Tarrega, Mosquera, Gaya; Guerra, Barrenchea; Lopez, Almeida, Rioja; Duro
Barcelona:
Pena; Kounde, Cubarsi, Garcia, Balde; Pedri, De Jong, Fermin; Yamal, Raphinha, Lewandowski
Valencia will welcome Barcelona in the Copa del Rey quarterfinal at Mestalla. El Che are in very good form, they have three victories on the last four matches. They managed to beat Osasuna, Real Sociedad and Celta Vigo, but suffered a high defeat to Barcelona. Valencia are currently in the drop zone, second from the bottom. They have 19 points and they are four points from the safety. I think coach Carlos Corberan will prioritize La Liga and the battle against the relegation. The cup wasn't on the 'menu', but Valencia had an easy path to the quarterfinal. So far the opponents were Parla Escuela, Ejea, Eldense and Ourensem, teams from the lower divisions. Now it is different, Barcelona are between the strongest teams in Spain. Furthermore, right-back Thierry Correia is long term injury victim after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury in October. Three players are rated as doubtful - Dimitri Folquier, Enzo Barrenechea and Diego Lopez. Reserve goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski is expected to start between the posts, like on the previous four cup matches.
Barcelona have eliminated Barbastro and Betis in the previous stage of the competition. The Blaugrana were also successful in the Champions League, finishing second on the table, one point behind Liverpool. In the last round they dropped two points against Atalanta and missed the opportunity to finish first. However, the situation in La Liga isn't as the fans like. The Catalans are third on the table, behind Real and Atletico Madrid. Knowing they play the Madrid derby on Saturday night, Barcelona could come closer if they beat Sevilla next weekend. Of course, a positive outcome here is very important for the atmosphere in the squad. Flick has some injury worries as he will be missing long-term absentees Marc ter Stegen and Marc Bernal, as well as Andreas Christensen. Dani Olmo, who missed the last four matches through injury, is rated as doubtful. Gavi has suffered a head injury against Alaves and he is monitored, so it is not clear whether he will be available for the quarterfinal. Some rotation is possible, with Eric Garcia, Frenkie de Jong and Fermin Lopez all in contention to start.
Valencia vs Barcelona Prediction:
Barcelona are looking for third straight win over Valencia this season. The Blaugrana won twice in La Liga, both home and away. Valencia were humiliated two weeks ago, losing 7:1 as guests, while suffered a narrow 2:1 loss at Mestalla in August. Barca are huge favorites again and I think they will win. Since the odds on straight victory are too low, I will suggest something else - Barcelona to win in handicap. I think there is a class difference between Barcelona and Valencia at the moment. El Che are in big crisis and they can't escape the defeat.
Valencia vs Barcelona Pick: Barcelona -1.5 AH @ 2.18 with
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