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Valencia. The saying ‘Always the Bridesmaid never the Bride’ fits alongside this team like pea’s in a pod.

The third most successful team in Spain. Valencia have accumulated 6 La Liga titles, 7 Copa’s as well as a UEFA cup crown. Valencia have always been in the mix as far as challenging for the remaining 2 Champions League spots. Against small teams ‘Los Che’ are always on top, fighting hard in their rough, attacking brand of football, however when it comes to facing the ‘big guns’ Valencia have always seemed to come off second best.

Valencia vs Barcelona, for Valencia it’s time to silence some critics who have patronized their recent form, and for Barcelona, it’s a chance to stay 3 points clear of their biggest Rivals Real Madrid, as well as keeping a seven out of seven record.

Valencia and Barcelona have ironically faced the same teams 4 times so far this season. With Barcelona showing they are the superior having come off with embarrassingly better results.

As Barcelona demolished a hapless Atletico 5-2, Valencia came away with an under-par 2-2 draw. Against Racing Santander Barcelona ran riot, slotting 4 past the Santander defence to complete a 4-1 win, as Valencia came off with a lucky 1-0 away victory. Against Getafe – a team defeated 2-0 by the Blaugrana – Valencia crashed to an embarrassing 3-1 loss. And as for Sporting Gijon Valencia were once again thwarted as they were held to a 2-2 draw.

Yes on paper it would appear the Blaugrana should cruise home in a landslide, however as we are all well aware, matches are not won on paper.

Valencia have been overusing the media this week as interview after interview has been conducted as every coach, staff member or player has stated that Valencia will attack Barcelona from the start and give them a real run for their money. Earlier this week Valencia also released a ‘violent’ video, that resembled that of Pep Guardiola’s Gladiator film, in order to send their players charging out of the race to take on Barca head on, tackle them hard as well as attacking the Blaugrana defence like there’s no tomorrow. An order which will be most difficult to achieve when 3 time leading goal scorer in La Liga and Valencia star David Villa is out.

Team News

The International Blues have dealt Barcelona a deadly blow this week with Xavi, Ibrahimovic and Thierry Henry all picking up knocks. Xavi and Ibra have been announced fit to play, although the Frenchman is out for 10 days meaning he will miss not only the Valencia encounter (In which he scored 4 goals against last season including a hat-trick at the Camp Nou) but also Barca’s Champions League encounter with Rubin Kazan. David Villa could play injured although it is unlikely that under-fire Valencia Manager Unai Emery will take the risk. Captain Carlos Marchena after he succumbed to a Hamstring injury in Spain’s win over Armenia.

Predicted Starting XI, Valencia: Cesar – Miguel – Alexis – Dealbert – Mathieu – Banega – Baraja – Pablo Hernandez – David Silva – Juan Mata – Zigic

Predicted Starting XI, Barcelona: Valdes – Alves – Puyol – Pique – Abidal – Xavi – Busquets – Keita – Messi – Ibrahimovic – Iniesta

Key Players

Xavi Hernandez

The heart and soul of every attack in which Barcelona mounts, Xavi Hernandez, who despite having picked up a small knock for Spain, will be the difference between the two sides. Expect constant balls being played over the defence to either Messi or Ibrahimovic with the former being the likely suiter when it comes to finding home.

David Silva

A target of Barcelona in the summer of 2008, David Silva has established himself as one of the main playmaking – attackers of this Valencia side. Due to the absence of Villa expect Silva to move to a more offensive role aiding Zigic and the on running Juan Mata.

Prediction

Barcelona will go in outright favourites for this match and should make Valencia chase them all night. Los Che have the pace to outrun Barcelona on a counter-attack but expect this to be their only source as far as scoring goals comes. Iniesta will be kept busy as will Messi with the early threat being Ibrahimovic early on. As the match progresses more space should open up, with Barcelona bagging a couple in a matter of minutes.

Valencia 1 – 3 Barcelona.

Leo10.