Real Valladolid vs Barcelona predictions, H2H and match preview for this Saturday’s game in LaLiga. Read on for analysis, free betting tips and predicted line-up as the Catalans aim to keep their slim title hopes alive by winning in Valladolid.
by Mark Sochon (@marksoc1)
Real Valladolid vs Barcelona Preview
Barcelona head to the Jose Zorrilla on Saturday as they aim to take the title race into the final week of the season. They take on a Real Valladolid side that would be mathematically safe with a victory although in truth, they most likely already have enough points to remain in the top flight.
Real Valladolid will be tough opponents for Quique Setien’s side. Even against lesser opponents, they defend in numbers and deny their opponents time and space on the ball. They’ve conceded more than once in just 1 of their 8 games since the restart – a 2-1 loss at Valencia last time out. Prior to that they’d lost just once in 7 matches to ease themselves towards safety and another season at this level.
Barcelona’s return of 18 points from 8 games since the resumption is actually slightly better than their overall season average. However with Real Madrid continuing to win, the tide has turned firmly in the favour of Zinedine Zidane’s side. Barca are still struggling for consistency and their last two matches demonstrate that – a terrific performance and 4-1 win at Villarreal followed by a considerably less impressive 1-0 home win against bottom club Espanyol.
If they do fail to win the league this season, which looks highly likely now, they will also look back on a poor away record of just 7 wins from 17 road games as where the real damage was done. The visitors are likely to go with Messi, Suarez and Griezmann in attack again while Riqui Puig may rotate into the midfield after Sergi Roberto started the last two games.
Oscar Plano is back from a ban for Real Valladolid who may go with a five man midfield for this game.
We have LaLiga match previews for every game this week plus some Segunda Division previews.
Real Valladolid vs Barcelona Predictions
Score Prediction: 1-0 Barcelona
In some respects this will be tougher for Barcelona than last weekend’s trip to Villarreal as they won’t be up against an opponent that will come at them and try to play. Space will be at a premium for the visitors but with the kind of individual quality they have in their side, Barcelona should find a breakthrough at some point in the 90 minutes and win the game.
Real Valladolid vs Barcelona Betting Tips (18+)
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Real Valladolid vs Barcelona H2H
- Last 6 Competitive Meetings: 5 Barcelona Wins, 1 Real Valladolid Win.
- Barcelona have won all 3 meetings since Real Valladolid returned to LaLiga in 2018.
- They won the reverse fixture this season 5-1 in October.
- Barcelona have won on 4 of their last 5 visits to the Jose Zorrilla but did lose 1-0 here in 2014.
Predicted Line Ups
Real Valladolid Team:
Masip – Garcia, Salisu, Fernandez, Moyano – San Emeterio, Alcaraz – Villa, Plano, Hervias – Guardiola (4-2-3-1)
Barcelona Team:
Ter Stegen – Alba, Lenglet, Pique, Semedo – Puig, Busquets, Vidal – Griezmann – Suarez, Messi (4-3-1-2)
Read more: Catalan Football Guide
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