Last week, La Liga received a jolt when both Barcelona and Real Madrid lost in midweek action. The two juggernauts of the league had been undefeated until that point, and both teams looked set to quickly distance themselves from the rest of the pack. Those losses set them back though, and now other teams are within striking distance through the first month of the season.
Barcelona are looking to regain their lead on the other teams in the league, but they face a really tough test this week when they go on the road to face Valencia. Valencia are near the bottom of the table in 14th place, yet they have defended incredibly well.
Don't miss the Spanish La Liga action from the Mestalla in Valencia, Spain at 2:45 p.m. ET on Sunday, October 7, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on beIN Sports.
Spanish La Liga Betting at BookMaker.eu
Barcelona -151
Valencia +359
Draw +314
Over/Under 3
Odds Analysis
You can’t criticize Valencia for how they have defended this year, especially over the last few weeks. The club gave up five goals in their first three matches, notching two draws and losing to Espanyol, but they have been incredible at the back since that point. In La Liga play, Valencia have allowed just one goal in their last four matches, and that’s even with the club playing down a man for most of the second half against Villarreal. Unfortunately, they have had a hard time scoring too, and they have tallied just two goals during that time leading to a 1-5-1 record.
Barcelona crushed their first four opponents this season in La Liga play. They beat Alaves and SD Huesca by a combined margin of 11-2 at Camp Nou, and the Blaugrana notched road wins over Real Valladolid and Real Sociedad. However, they are winless in their last three league matches coming into this one. They settled for draws at home against Girona and Athletic Bilbao, and they suffered a shocking defeat on the road at Leganes.
Injury Report
Barcelona will not have Samuel Umtiti in this match. The center back is still recovering from a knee injury and won’t return to the lineup until after the international break. Sergi Roberto is questionable due to a thigh issue, while Sergi Samper is finally practicing with the team again and is probable to play here.
There are two players listed as questionable for Valencia in this match. Diego Alves Carreira’s status is in the air with a thigh injury, while Santiago Mina Lorenzo is hopeful despite a knee issue.
Matchup to Watch
Valencia’s forwards have really struggled to create many good scoring opportunities this season. Manager Marcelino Garcia Toral was an attacker in his day, so the club’s offensive issues are a bit puzzling. He has tinkered with the line-up repeatedly, using Kevin Gameiro, Denis Cheryshev, Rodrigo, and Michy Batshuayi on the attack, but nothing has seemed to work.
That’s good news for a Barcelona back line that has had a real tough time stopping foes without Umtiti. The center backs have been a real issue, as Gerard Pique has started to show his age and Clement Lenglet has had some issues adjusting.
La Liga Prop Bet – Under 2.5 Goals at +145
Barcelona and Valencia both took part in the Champions League during the middle of the week, and that is sure to leave a mark on both teams. Many of Barcelona’s stars are a little older and turning around to play again so quickly might lead to a more conservative gameplan.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
Give Barcelona’s struggles in domestic play, a road draw would not be the worst result. Valencia have been exceptionally good at picking up draws this year, notching five in seven matches, and their play will lead to this one being low scoring.
Spanish La Liga Odds: Barcelona 1, Valencia 1
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