Barcelona v Valencia
Football: Spanish La Liga
Sunday, 14th March 2010. Kickoff 19:00

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Barcelona

Even though Barcelona is on the verge of a hugely important Champions’ League fixture against Stuttgart – there’s no time for relaxation as they take on Valencia at the Camp Nou. Reining La Liga title holders have been pushed to the second place by Real Madrid after the Galacticos got level on points with the Catalan club last week.

Barcelona lost points against Almeria on the road drawing the resort-club 2-2. Together with 2 wasted points Pep Guardiola saw Zlatan Ibrahimovic being sent off and automatically get suspended for the match against Valencia. This means that either Bojan Krkic or Thierry Henry should complete the three-man offensive line alongside Pedro and Messi.

Expected formation and line up :
Barcelona (4-3-3)
Valdes
Dani Alves, Puyol, Pique, Maxwell
Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta
Messi, Henry, Pedro

Unavailable
Z. Ibrahimovic, E. Abidal;

Valencia

It’s been another miserable week for Los Che. All went wrong since the 0-0 home draw vs. Racing Santander and continued in similar fashion when Werder Bremen came to visit Mestalla on Thursday.

The first leg of Europa League’s round of last 16 finished 1-1 and David Villa’s injury added more woe to Unai Emery’s current situation. Spanish ace could make the line up on Sunday, but reportedly the shoulder problem still exists.

Valencia’s latest 2 visits to Camp Nou ended in two straight losses and an embarrassing goal difference of 10:0. History could be repeating itself on Sunday evening as Los Che have huge problems at the back. Bruno, Mathieu, Marchena and Navarro are all unavailable;

In case Alexis does not pass a late fitness test – it will be high time for Unai Emery to get on the pitch himself and cover the left back position.

Betting advice

One of the bets of the week-end for me. Don't see how can Valencia escape another thrashing at Camp Nou here.

The Statistics :

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take Barcelona (-1.25) @ 1.80 with Bet365