Barcelona vs Valencia Betting Preview

The Super Cup champions return to La Liga action this weekend and our expert Nathan Joyes has provided his Barcelona vs Valencia Best Bet, team news, lineups and fixtures preview.

Barcelona fans were put through it on Tuesday evening, coming from 3-1 down against Benfica in the Champions League to win 5-4 with virtually the last kick. 

Their next opponents have been fortunate to rest for the week, but will need a change in fortune having not beaten Barcelona in their last nine attempts.

Our expert landed an evens winner last week with his Barcelona tip, and has gone in search of an even bigger one this weekend. Find out his selection below.

Barcelona vs Valencia Best Bet: Goals to flow once more

Spain, La Liga, Sunday, January 26th, 20:00 (UK)

Barcelona left behind their frustrating 1-1 draw against Getafe – which did in fact, land us a nice winner – to pick up three emphatic points in the Champions League. Their chaotic 5-4 win against Benfica threw up an all-time classic in the competition, yet there was no surprise to see the two usual culprits causing chaos in Portugal.

After drawing a blank against Getafe, Robert Lewandowski was back to his usual self midweek, where the 36-year-old added his 27th and 28th goal of the campaign to his name. Raphinha also weighed in with a brace – a winning strike – as the Brazilian took his tally to 22 for the season. Quite remarkable stats from both individuals.

Lewandowski was on the board with another brace when these two sides met in the reverse fixture, and so there’s no surprise to see the Polish international odds-on practically every week to get on the scoresheet. He may be in his final years, but he’s certainly not slowing down in front of goal.

Aside from their 1-1 draw with Getafe, Barcelona have generally been amongst the goals of late. Their 5-2 Super Cup final win against Real Madrid was backed up with a 5-1 hammering against Real Betis in the Copa del Rey – a match where they rotated a few key players.

At “home” however, it has been mixed for the title contenders. Collecting 15 points from eight matches, Hansi Flick’s side may have scored 20 goals but they’ve also shipped in eight. Consecutive defeats against Leganes and Las Palmas were highly concerning and results that will cost them the title if they continue.

But they have reacted well with five wins and a draw since their last defeat, scoring four plus goals in three of those matches across different competitions. When Barcelona find their rhythm, they are an extremely difficult side to stop.

Valencia arrive in some kind of form. Having lost just one of their last five across all competitions, they’ve lifted themselves off the foot of the table as they look to climb out of the bottom three.

Yet taking a closer look at their fixtures show they have continuously struggled against sides in the top six. They’ve lost to Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Mallorca, while drawing with Bilbao and Villarreal this season.

Valencia don’t enjoy facing Barcelona away from home either. Four of their last five meetings have produced over 3.5 goals, while Barcelona have won three of those and lost none.

The only game that produced under 3.5 goals was a 1-0 win for Barcelona in 2023, where Ferran Torres also missed a penalty before Ronald Araujo was sent off early in the second half.

Barcelona have picked up massively of late, and in front of goal, they can be ruthless. Valencia’s results have started to improve, but false confidence could see them punished in this clash, and the hosts’ deadly duo can once again get their names on the scoresheet.

• Barcelona vs Valencia Prediction: Over 3.5 Goals
• Best Odds: 2.10
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 7/10

Barcelona vs Valencia Prediction odds via bet365 as at 12:30, January 15th, 2025. Odds may now differ.

Barcelona vs Valencia Injuries, Team News and Possible Lineups

Barcelona head into this fixture without Inigo Martinez and Dani Olmo who are both sidelined with hamstring and calf injuries respectively. Fortunately for Hansi Flick his side didn’t add to their injury list in Portugal midweek. Now chasing Real Madrid for top spot, expect their strongest XI to be selected to face Valencia.

The visitors will be without forward Umar Sadiq who has a knee injury. The Nigerian is on loan from Real Sociedad and bagged his first goal in the Copa del Rey against Ourense but took a knock late on and will be sidelined for a few weeks.

Barcelona possible starting lineup:
Pena; Balde, Cubarsi, Araujo, Kounde, Pedri, Casado, Raphinha, Gavi, Yamal, Lewandowski

Valencia possible starting lineup:
Mamardashvili; Gaya, Mosquera, Tarrega, Foulquier, Guerra, Barrenechea, Rioja, Almeida, Lopez, Duro

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