Valencia vs Barcelona tips and predictions: Goals in short supply at Mestalla

With 19 points after 17 rounds, Valencia are 11th in the La Liga table. Meanwhile, Barcelona have fallen to fourth place with 34 points. A title challenge is looking increasingly unlikely.

The Catalans are seven points behind Girona, the team that defeated them at home last weekend.

Xavi is under increasing pressure, especially since his relationship with President Joan Laporta and the director of football Deco seems to have deteriorated.

Rubén Baraja's team has lost four of five games, with only one point to show for their troubles.

Their last win was on November 5th, when they defeated Granada 1-0 at home.

In fairness, Valencia's games are usually close-fought affairs, with five of their last six matches producing tight results.

 

 

Another reason for optimism is that they have not conceded a goal in their last three home games. Also, 13 of their 19 points have been won at home.

Barcelona have suffered back-to-back defeats in the past week, losing 4-2 to Girona in La Liga and 3-2 to Antwerp in the Europa League.

Despite finishing first in their group, the Blaugrana's recent form is a cause for concern, having lost three of their last seven games.

Barcelona won both meetings with Valencia last season, winning 1-0 at Mestalla thanks to an injury-time goal from Robert Lewandowski.

In the reverse fixture, a moment of magic from Raphinha settled proceedings as Barca produced another 1-0 victory.

 

Suggested bets

Both teams to score: No

Under 2.5 goals

• Sergiu Baltuta provides tips as SVB Tips on Tipstrr