Valencia have started to finally play some nice football and will face a stern test in shape of Barcelona who won’t give them any space.
Valencia are still not where they really want to be, but three victories in last four matches are definitely an encouraging sign. Real test comes to Mestalla in shape of one of the best teams in the world at the moment – Barcelona – and if the hosts can snatch something out of this duel that would definitely mean they are on the right track.
That doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy, though. Barcelona need all the points they can get in LaLiga as they currently hold the 4th place, and with the round full of competitive encounters (Sevilla v Atletico, Real Madrid v Athletic Bilbao) there is a solid chance for them to improve on that if they can win at Mestalla.
Paco Alcacer and Andre Gomes will be center of attention for the home set of fans – despite neither of them likely to get some serious playing time, it’s hard to think Mestalla will forget their ex-captain and Portuguese jewel this summer’s transfers to Catalonia.
As for the visitors, their goalscoring record speaks for itself. What Barcelona could struggle with is defence, and with both Alba (another former Valencia player) and Gerard Piquesidelined for this encounter, those struggles could yet increase.
New Valencia manager Cesare Prandelli admitted there aren’t any special tricks to stop Lionel Messi:
“There is no formula to stop Messi. His football is fantasy and the dream of every young footballer on the planet.
“Will, character and talent – he’s got it all. For me, it’s an honor to compete against him.”
Head to Head:
In total of 207 matches between the sides, Barcelona have won 100. When playing in Valencia, sides are completely evenly matched with both taking 38 victories out of 103 total encounters. However, Valencia have gone nine league games without a win at Mestalla against Barcelona (D5 L4), their worst run at home against them in the top flight.
In the last meeting, Valencia bravely fought for a victory at Camp Nou, surprising Barcelona 1-2 and prolonging the crisis that almost cost Luis Enrique’s men the title last year.
Match facts:
- Valencia, with just three points won at home (W1 L3), are experiencing their worst start to a LaLiga season at home since 1997-98 (two points).
- Los Che side have kept just one clean sheet in the last 18 games they have played at home in LaLiga (in the 4-0 win against Eibar).
- Barcelona have scored 27 goals in their last seven league games away from home (W6 L1), at an average of 3.8 per game.
- Luis Enrique has won one, drawn one and lost one of his three away games against Valencia in LaLiga.
- The Blaugranas have won 16 points in the opening eight league games, their lowest record since 2005-06 (13 points) despite winning the title that season.
- This is Valencia’s worst start to a LaLiga season (nine points) after the opening eight games since 1999-2000 (seven points).
Team news – Valencia 
Valencia are without any imminent injury troubles (Siqueira is still out as the only sidelined player for Los Che) and it should be interesting to see how will Prandelli prepare for this encounter. After presenting new 4-2-3-1 what worked well against Sporting last round, it’s expected to see the same again. Still, some changes could be made to answer specific Barcelona threats.
Team news – Barcelona 
Barcelona did beat Manchester City but they paid a price in two defensive injuries. BothGerard Pique and Jordi Alba were forced off a field and Luis Enrique won’t be able to count upon them in this encounter. Mathieu and Umtiti, as well as Mascherano, should cover these troubles, with Sergi Roberto returning to the starting lineup. Of course, it’s always possible we’ll see Rafinha again and Lionel Messi should be again playing from the start.
Date: 22 October 2016
Venue: Mestalla, Valencia, Spain
Referee: Undiano Mallenco
Players to watch:
- We should be in for a treat with two ‘Suarezes’ playing for their respective teams.
- Both players are really on fire – Mario Suarez had led Valencia recently and it looks like the change in system brought by Prandelli will only help him to grow further.
- Another great performance will be a basis for Valencia to harbour their hopes as his passing and duels must be on a high note against midfield like the one Barcelona possess.
- As for Luis Suarez, he’s been involved in more goals than any other player in LaLiga this season – nine (six goals and three assists).
- Although he’s missed some chances as well, Luis Suarez is one of the – if not the one – most complete forwards in the world.
Sofascore.com
