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La Liga Preview: Valencia - Barcelona

The importance of the encounter at the Mestalla is not being underestimated by either team because of what it can mean to the title race and the top four...

Apr 24, 2009 8:53:01 PM

Copa del Rey: Caneira - Puyol - Barcelona-Valencia (Marca)

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Copa del Rey: Caneira - Puyol - Barcelona-Valencia (Marca)

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Kick Off: 22:00 CET - Saturday, April 26, 2009
Mestalla, Valencia

After weeks of pressure applied to Barcelona at the top of the table by Real Madrid, the Catalan giants have the chance to turn the tables and deal what could be a huge blow to their rivals at the weekend.

Victory for Pep Guardiola's side would see them move nine points clear of Los Merengues with five games left and with Juande Ramos' side heading to Sevilla on Sunday evening.

The evident relief of Madrid in midweek when they came back to beat Getafe and ensure that they did not slip eight points or more behind the leaders may be only short-lived.

Guardiola has even changed his usual mantra of stating that the next game is the most important by admitting that the visit to Valencia could well be a pivotal moment.

Forget the fact that Barca go to the Bernabeu next weekend for a match that could mathematically decide the title, the game at the Mestalla could be the one that swings the balance in one direction or another.

A good performance against a team that have been red hot would be a huge boost for Barcelona's confidence while defeat could see the pressure be piled back on.

There is one omen for the Blaugrana though as this weekend has an historic reference that everyone connected to the Camp Nou club would like to replicate.

With four games remaining of the 2004-05 campaign, Barca were six points clear of second-placed Real Madrid in the table and Valencia were looking for a top four place having won six consecutive games.

Barcelona Precedent

Los Che and Barca met in the Mestalla for a crucial encounter and Frank Rijkaard's team recorded a 2-0 victory that meant their draw at Levante a week later saw them crowned as champions.

There can be no 'pasillo', the two lines of players welcoming the title winners on to the pitch, next week at Real Madrid, but Barca will know what could happen if they have beaten Valencia and then Los Merengues stumble at Sevilla.

Valencia have a say in all this of course and their form could well see things swing completely the other way because if the hosts win then Madrid will have renewed belief.

Unai Emery has managed to put his players back on even keel after some inconsistent performances were produced amid a chronic financial crisis behind the scenes.

As those around them stumble, Valencia have moved into a commanding position in fourth place and are now looking to catch Sevilla, who are just above them in third.

When these two teams met in Camp Nou earlier this season, the home side won 4-0, but the visitors were a different proposition then to the side that will exude confidence on Saturday.

There will be no holding back from Barca, but they have five players who if booked will miss the game against Real Madrid, so Dani Alves, Toure Yaya, Sergi Busquets, Xavi and Eto'o will have to be careful.

Guardiola is not wrong when he says that this game could be pivotal in the outcome of the league, but he will be hoping that it will a repeat of four years ago and nothing else.

RECENT FORM

Valencia

22/04 A 2-1 Real Betis
19/04 H 3-1 Sevilla
12/04 A 3-2 Sporting
05/04 H 4-1 Getafe
22/03 A 1-0 Racing
14/04 H 1-1 Recreativo

Barcelona

22/04 H 4-0 Sevilla
18/04 A 1-0 Getafe
14/04 A 1-1 Bayern Munich
11/04 H 2-0 Recreativo
08/04 H 4-0 Bayern Munich
04/04 A 1-0 Real Valladolid

TEAM NEWS

Valencia

David Albelda and Joaquin are both missing for the hosts which will mean that Emery has to reshuffle his pack. There is some good news with Miguel returning from suspension and Emiliano Moretti back from injury. Carlos Marchena is set to move into midfield, with Alexis moving back to the central role in the defence.

Probable Starting XI: Cesar, Moretti, Alexis, Albiol, Miguel, Baraja, Marchena, Mata, Silva, Pablo, Villa

Barcelona

The visitors have left out Sylvinho and Martin Caceres, and replaced Jose Manuel Pinto with Albert Jorquera, but there are few surprises. Eidur Gudjohnsen is in the squad, but Guardiola is expected to name his strongest line-up and he will not find a place.

Probable Starting XI: Valdes, Alves, Marquez, Puyol, Abiudal, Xavi, Busquets, Keita, Messi, Eto'o, Iniesta

PREDICTION

Valencia may have had some good results recently, but some of them have owed a great deal to good fortune and it is unlikely that they will be so lucky against a Barcelona team that know the importance of a win in this encounter.

Valencia 1 - 2 Barcelona

Lucas Brown, Goal.com

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