Standing in their way is a motivated Valencia CF side still chasing a European qualification spot heading into the final weekend.
Valencia’s season has shown signs of real improvement under Carlos Corberan. Los Che head into the final round sitting ninth in the table, only two points behind seventh-placed Getafe, meaning a Conference League playoff place remains mathematically possible.
Their recent form has been encouraging, with three wins from their last five league games, including a thrilling 4-3 victory over Real Sociedad last time out. That result kept the pressure on their rivals in the race for Europe and also highlighted Valencia’s attacking threat heading into this difficult home fixture.
However, recent meetings with Barcelona paint a worrying picture for the Mestalla outfit. Valencia have conceded 18 goals across their last three encounters with the Catalan giants, including a humiliating 6-0 defeat earlier this season. Their last home clash against Barca in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals also ended in a crushing 5-0 loss.
Barcelona have completely dominated this fixture in recent years. The league champions are unbeaten in their last 12 matches against Valencia in all competitions and have lost just once in La Liga meetings since 2016.
Hansi Flick’s side arrive after a 3-1 victory over Real Betis, a result that moved them onto 94 points for the season. Barcelona secured the title weeks ago following a decisive El Clasico victory over Real Madrid CF, and despite recently slipping up away to Deportivo Alavés, they still possess the strongest away record in the division.
The Catalan club have been nearly flawless domestically this campaign. Winning all 19 home league matches underlines their dominance, while Flick has also guided the club to Spanish Super Cup success in what has been a highly successful first season in charge.
Team News
Valencia continue to deal with several injury concerns ahead of the clash. Eray Comert is suspended, while Mouctar Diakhaby remains sidelined with a muscle issue. There are also doubts surrounding Lucas Beltran, Jose Copete, Dimitri Foulquier, Jose Gaya and Renzo Saravia.Midfielder Javi Guerra could once again play a key role after scoring twice against Real Sociedad, with Hugo Duro expected to lead the line.
Barcelona will be without teenage star Lamine Yamal due to a hamstring injury, while Fermin Lopez is also unavailable. There is better news elsewhere for Flick, though, with Marcus Rashford, Frenkie de Jong and Ferran Torres all returning to training and expected to feature.
Several rotations are anticipated for the champions, with Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi and Alejandro Balde all pushing for starts. Veteran striker Robert Lewandowski could also make what may be his final appearance for Barcelona, and he boasts an outstanding scoring record against Valencia.
Possible Starting Lineups
Valencia:Dimitrievski; Rendall, Tarrega, Nunez, Vazquez; Rioja, Ugrinic, Rodriguez, Ramazani; Guerra, Duro
Barcelona:
J Garcia; Araujo, Cubarsi, E Garcia, Balde; Gavi, De Jong, Pedri; Raphinha, F Torres, Rashford
Prediction
Valencia 1-2 Barcelona
