Valencia CF 1-2 RCD Mallorca

Okay so my formation, line-up and score prediction went completely in the water. Coach Unai Emery started with a 4-2-3-1 formation, fielded different players to what I expected and lost in what was the poorest games Valencia has played this season.
Unai Emery admitted his mistake after the match saying he is completely responsible for the loss, because he made some big changed in the selection and I will add that he also made an error in judgement for the formation and tactics.
He played a high defensive line again and had Albelda play quite above the defense, so this created a huge hole between the two central defenders that was exposed for the second goal. He also made a big mistake of starting Stanklvisious, instead of gradually introducing him to the team with late substitutions.

Anyways the game started in a similar fashion as other game, Valencia having most of the ball and doing absolutely nothing with it, until Mallorca manages to steal it and mount a counter attack.
Mallorca had several chances early on that spelled problems right from the start, I knew we were going to receive goals with such a shaky defense and was only a matter of time.
The first goal for Mallorca came through a non existent penalty though, but R. Costa allowed Pierre Webo to get away from him. This one actually managed to trip himself and the referee as if he was blind showed to the penalty spot. Gonzalo Castro converted the goal and it was 1-0 for Mallorca.


Valencia than had few smaller chances if I can call them that, but nothing really dangerous that's going to inspire confidence that we can break Mallorca's defense. After those few mini chances it was Mallorcas turn once again, this time it was Maduro and Stankevisious who felt asleep in front of the ball and allowed Diego Castro to score his second of the match.

Play forward several minutes later and Vicente was fouled in Mallorca penalty area and I think the referee having realized his mistake from the previous penalty couldn't wait to reward a penalty for Valencia. Soldado took the spot and converted the penalty.
The match ended 2-1 for Mallorca in the first half with Mallorca the better side, although Valencia had most of the possession.

Second half started and Unai Emery brought in Bruno for Stankevicious and Aduriz for Ever Banega to try to solidify the defense and strengthen our attack. These changes had a mild effect, the defense was somewhat better and the attack slightly more dangerous, but ultimately we were still seeing much possession and no chances, shots, something at that point.
Valencia kept on pushing and pushing and pushing, but could not create anything in front of Mallorca's goal and most of the ball were lost, allowing Mallorca to frequently threaten in counter attacks.
The match ended 2-1 for Mallorca in what has been the poorest game by Valencia of the whole season.



Technical details:

Valencia CF 1: Moyà, Maduro, Albelda (Tino Costa, min. 69), Soldado, Vicente, Stankevicius (Bruno, min. 46), Fernandes, Pablo, Ricardo Costa, Ever (Aduriz, min. 46) и Jordi Alba.

Mallorca 2: Aouate, Ratinho (Pereira, min. 46), Joao Victor, Ramis, Nsue (M. Crespi, min. 65), Webó, Castro, Nunes, Ayoze, Martí (Pina, min. 72) и De Guzmán.

Goals:
0-1 Min. 7 Castro (pen.)
0-2 Min. 28 Castro
1-2 Min. 36 Soldado (pen.)

Referee: Álvarez Izquierd

Stadium: Camp de Mestalla (40.000 viewers).

Player ratings:
Moya 6- Could not be faulted for the goals, made a good save before the second goal and looked rather confident with any smaller threats he had coming.
Marius 4- Couldn't have hoped for a worse start, out of position and poor marking for his first match.
Maduro 4- Asleep for the second goal, made numerous mistakes and really out of form.
R. Costa 5- Somewhat better than Maduro, but poor performance still, often lost Mallorca players and allowed them space to create chances.
Jordi Alba 7- The was the second best player on the night, solid in defense and a thorn for Mallorca in attack together with Vicente. Was full of energy tonight and another great performance for him.
Pablo 4- Bad night for Pablo, while he has been brimming with energy and doing great in previous matches, I think he was just too tired for this match, having played several matches in a row now.
Albelda 4- Maybe a victim of emery tactics, he covered the defense from above, instead of serving as a fifth member and there was too much room, he is the most experience player though and should have done more.
Fernandes 5- Lost way too many balls, his passes were slow and often inaccurate and didn't help out in defense.
Vicente 7- The best player on the field for Valencia no doubt about that, he managed to earn a penalty and his runs were often dangerous.
Ever Banega 4- Not his best night, he was almost invisible and when he poped up, he usually either lost the ball or made a ridiculous inaccurate pass.
Soldado 5.5- He did not recieve much service at all, had to often come high to receive the ball.
Subs:
Aduriz 5.5- Little to no service and couldn't really do anything.
Bruno 6- Offered a little more calmness in the defense and was more available in the middle and attack and offered some support for the rest of the attacking players.
Tino Costa 6- Came in late and while he did brought a spark and a flux of energy with him, it was too little too late.

Valencia CF vs RCD Mallorca match preview

Valencia have a chance to bounce back after a recent string of poor results, that are beginning to question the squad depth to fight on all fronts for the whole season for silverware.
Valencia players are coming from a poor 1-1 draw against Rangers in the Champions League and a 2-1 loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Liga. The team is playing at home and few players have come out of injury and will be available for selection as well, so this will be a huge chance for Valencia to start winning again and continue their fight for top spot in the Spanish competition.
Everything but a win will be considered a huge failure and there is going to be questions starting to rise and pressure starting to mount on the squad, so this is the perfect opportunity to confirm the title credentials, regain confidence and boost morale.
Unai Emery will probably rest few players that started against Rangers and its also likely that we'll see a more offensive formation as 4-4-2 with two attackers from the start.

The biggest fear that Valencia will have to overcome is the ability to score, since 3 goals in 4 games does not spell wins and Soldado and Aduriz will have to be very concentrated and effective in front of goal if Valencia is to win the match.

Mallorca on the other side have managed to draw against Barcelona when they took them on in the Camp Nou, but couldn't really carry on their form and lost at home to Espanyol by one goal to zero.
Mallorca are sitting 11th on the table, 8 points behind Valencia and just 5 points above the lowest team. Mallorca are having trouble scoring this term and are one of the teams with the lowest possible goals, but are actually quite decent in defense and can defend strongly as showcased against Barcelona.

Mallorca coach Michael Laudrup expects a tought test against Valencia and is weary about them saying:"We will have to be very concentrated," he said, according to Sportinglife.com. "Valencia are a very competitive team with players of great quality".

Squad news:

Valencia: Joaquin and Miguel are still injured, Feghuoli has also been injured, while Maduro is fit and should probably be included in the team. There has been reports that Cezar may be injured, but that's still to be confirmed.

Mallorca: Mallorca have no injury worries and the whole squad is available.

Valencia CF official squad:

Goalkeepers: Miguel Ángel Moyà, Vicente Guaita

Defense: Marius Stankevičius, Bruno Saltor, Ricardo Costa, Hedwiges Maduro, Jérémy Mathieu, Jordi Alba

Midfield: David Albelda, Mehmet Topal, Éver Banega, Tino Costa, Manuel Fernandes, Vicente Rodríguez, Pablo Hernández, Juan Mata

Strikers: Chori Domínguez, Artiz Aduriz, Roberto Soldado

RCD Mallorca official squad:

Goalkeepers: Dudu Aouate, Germán Lux

Defense: Edson Ratinho, Iván Ramis, Ayoze Díaz, Nunes, Martí Crespí, Kevin García

Midfield: Joao Victor, Emilio Nsue, Micheal Pereira, Chori Castro, Jonathan de Guzmán, Luís Martí, Tomás Pina

Strikers: Fernando Cavenaghi, Victor, Pierre Webó

Valencia CF Technical:
Formation: 4-4-2
Line-up: Moya; Bruno, Maduro, R.Costa, Alba; Pablo, Albelda, Ever Banega, Vicente; Soldado, Aduriz
Tactics: High frequency crosses from the wings, positional transformation by Pablo to the middle field and left wing, mid defensive line and deep zone covering by Albelda.

Result prediction:
Valencia CF 1-0 RCD Mallorca
After 4 matches with little scoring opportunities and only 3 goals, as well as playing a match just 3 days prior I can't see Valencia scoring many goals, coach Unai Emery will be weary of the Mallorca attack after a bad display from the defense against Rangers and will probably set up a mid defensive line in order to not concede goals. Mallorca have a tough time scoring goals so I don't see them scoring against Valencia either and Moya will be ready to show his worth and deny any shot Mallorca manage towards the goal.
Valencia will ultimately be able to score a goal and win and out biggest threat should come from Vicente and if we score an early goal, you may expect even more goals, but if we don't score early I expect a small 1-0 victory.

Rangers 1-1 Valencia CF match report

The match between Rangers and Valencia ended up being very exciting and thrilling encounter with both sides having many opportunities to win, with Rangers having the clearer cut chances. Fortunately for Valencia Rangers couldn’t convert their chances and their hero and top player of the match Maurice Edu was also the flop and tragic one as he scored both goals, one in Valencia’s net and one in his own net. The game ended 1-1 and both clubs will ruin their missed chances.

The match started as expected with Valencia in possession and dictating play, while Rangers were contempt to sit back, defend and try on the counter attack to score. The biggest battle though happened in the midfield though with Valencia unable to close down to Rangers penalty field and they were reduced to long crosses that were inaccurate and not dangerous at all.

Valencia had two dangerous early chances and looked like that was just the tip of the iceberg of what was to come, but after those chances faded away for all the possession and pretty play, Valencia were not creating anything dangerous to threaten the Rangers goal.

When Rangers came attacking the Valencia defense was extremely nervous and looked very shaky, it was clear from the first Rangers attack that we are going to have troubles coping with their attacks. Soon enough Rangers had a really great chance on goal after a bit of confusion and lack of positional sense from Valencia defenders. As if the attack gave Rangers a renewed confidence and motivation they really started pushing and were extremely dangerous on the attack with several chances.

 

Their good attacking play will pay off, after a corner kick Valencia goalkeeper Cezar came out and tried to punch the ball away, but he was out jumped by Edu and Rangers were all of a sudden winning.

The goal brought urgency in the Valencia players and they really started pushing, with Pablo Hernandez really having a great day and being all over the field, passing, linking play, crossing, making himself available, tracking the ball back and forth, with Tino Costa following suit closely. Unfortunately Chori and Aduriz weren’t very active and really presented no option or a threat to Rangers goal.

The push lasted for 15 minutes with countless crosses and passes, but nothing decisive and the first 45 minutes ended with Rangers leading 1-0 against Valencia.

Second half started and in less than a minute Edu scores a second goal, though this time in his own net, previously he was a hero and now a tragic.

This goal would be welcomed by Valencia as it relieved so much pressure and put the game back on level playing terms. Valencia continued to dominate possession and play in the second half also, but apart from Pablo and occasionally Mata there was no player that could create danger towards Rangers goal, not even Soldado who was brought in in the second half for Chori Dominguez had a particularly good game.

Game continued on with Valencia having most possession, but Rangers actually being closer to scoring on several occasions, luckily Cezar was in top form and managed to save at least 3 sure goals.

Anyways there were several substitutions made as Fernandes came in for Tino Costa and Vicente came in for Mata, but nothing changed and while Vicente had few dangerous runs towards the very end it wasn’t to be.

Final result Rangers 1-1 Valencia and both teams take a point from this encounter, with Valencia now having no option but a win, when they take on Rangers at the Mestalla.

Technical details:
Rangers FC 1: McGregor, Weir, Papac, Edu, Davis, Miller, Foster, Naismith, Whittaker, Weiss (Lafferty, min. 87) и Bougherra.

Valencia CF 1: César, Bruno, Navarro, Topal, Domínguez (Soldado, min. 46), Mata (Vicente, min. 84), Aduriz, Pablo, Ricardo Costa, Mathieu и Tino Costa (Fernandes, min. 75).

Goals:
1-0 Edu (min. 33),
1-1 Edu (o.g.) (min. 46) 

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli (Italy).

Yellow Cards:
Bougherra, Edu и Weir, (Ran),
Aduriz, (Val). 

Stadium: Ibrox Stadium (40.000 viewers).

Player ratings:
Cezar 7- At fault for the first goal, may have been actually fouled by Edu, but should have done better, othervoise several saves to keep Valencia in the game.
Bruno 5- Went a lot forward, but didn't make anything out of it as he lacked the killer pass, and cought a lot of times out of position, struggled all match to cover his side.
Navarro 5- Really bad game for Navarro, caught out of position and beaten several times, would be lucky Valencia didn't receive more than one goal.
R. Costa 5- Same as his defensive partner, very bad game, made a huge error early in the game that may as well have cost us the game and had several other blunders thought the match.
Mathieu 5.5- Did decent going forward and didn't really have much support from Mata, but was not too good defensively, similar to our while defense.
Pablo 7.5- The best player for Valencia, run wild and all over the field, created the only chances for Valencia and always positioned in dangerous places, full of running and came back every time to help defend, if Valencia had one more player like him on the night it might have won the game.
Topal 6- Good is taking the ball from defense to offense and battled hard in the middle, but somewhat rusty in his defensive duties.
Tino Costa 6-  Good set pieces delivery and passed the ball well, but not very influential in attack where he should have been.
Mata 4- Failed to do anything, had only 3 bright moments in the whole game and that was it, he needs to be more direct when attacking and not just pass the ball like headless chicken.
Chori 4- Did absolutely nothing, he provided himself to receive the ball and had few dribbles but other than that he did nothing.Rightfully subbed at half time.
Aduriz 4.5- Same as the other attacking players(except Pablo) did nothing in this game, truth be told he had to come wide or out of the penalty to recieve the ball, but should have run into more dangerous positions.
Subs:
Soldado 5- Brought in some dynamism in attack and linked well with couple of players, but like the rest attacking players nothing to really threaten Rangers goal.
Fernandes 5.5- He was brought in for Tino to bring in more attacking play, but he failed to deliver. Too many times lost or gave the ball away.
Vicente NA- Not enough time

Rangers FC vs Valencia CF Uefa Champions League preview

Glagsow Rangers vs Valencia CF
Stadium: Ibrox Stadium
Champions League Matchday 3
Wednesday 20.10.2010; 20:45pm 

Group C			Home			Away			Total
	Clubs	Pld	W	D	L	W	D	L	W	D	L	F	A	+/-	Pts
1	Manchester United FC	2	0	1	0	1	0	0	1	1	0	1	0	1	4
2	Rangers FC	2	1	0	0	0	1	0	1	1	0	1	0	1	4
3	Valencia CF	2	0	0	1	1	0	0	1	0	1	4	1	3	3
4	Bursaspor	2	0	0	1	0	0	1	0	0	2	0	5	-5	0

Group C	Bursaspor	Man. United	Rangers	Valencia
Goals scored	0	1	1	4
Goals against	5	0	0	1
Yellow cards	3	1	3	1
Red cards	0	0	0	0
Attempts on target	4	5	7	7
Attempts wide	13	13	7	13
Offside	8	2	2	1
Corners	13	6	3	15
Fouls committed	37	29	23	29
Possession (time)	58	69	49	67
Possession (%)	50%	53%	40%	54%

       Rangers FC vs Valencia CF




The second day of the Uefa Champions League third matchday is upon us and brings many excitements. The most important match for us of course is between Rangers and Valencia.
Rangers may be sitting above Valencia on the table with one more point, but the positions can't be anymore different. Valencia is the clear favorite in this match, even though they are playing away from home. Walter Smith, Rangers manager is aware of the "size of the challenge" when they face Valencia, while Valencia coach Unai Emery is expecting strong performance from his side and a special atmosphere in Glasgow.

Rangers are coming in this match after a huge 4-1 win in the Scotish Premier League over Motherwell FC and a 1-0 win in their last Champions League game against Bursaspor, so they will be very confident ahead of this match.

Valencia on the other side are coming off from 2-1 loss to Barcelona in the Spanish League and their last Champions Leauge match which they played at home ended in a 1-0 loss to Manchester United. Valencia also lost their leader position in Spain due to the Barcelona loss, but they will still be confident and will look to bounce back and secure a convincing win tonight against Rangers.

Unai Emery has said in his interviews that Valencia only aim is to win and not draw. The team has been preparing well and its going to start the game furiously, looking for a fast goal that will ease up the pressure a little bit and allow them to play a more confident and calm game.
Even though Rangers are playing at home they will be mostly defending in this match, their possession so far has been only 40%, the lowest of all the teams in group C and this game is not going to be any different. Valencia will have most of the ball possession and initiative and will try to break rangers on the flanks, with frequent crosses and occasional through balls. Rangers defense has been the best so far in the entire competition, having received no goals at all. Its highly unlikely they will let many goals, so I expect a tight game in terms of goals, but potentially quite a lot of chances.

Squad news:

Valencia:
Maduro and Topal are the two returning players from injury for Valencia, while out with injuries will be Joaquin, Miguel and Sofiane Feghuoli. Marius Stankevicius does not have a permit to play in the Champions League for Valencia.

Rangers:
Lee McCulloch (groin) misses out, with James Beattie (thigh) and John Fleck (hamstring) also expected to be absent. Kirk Broadfoot missed the weekend match against Motherwell FC with a foot injury but could feature, having received a positive result from a scan on his injured ankle.

Valencia CF official squad list:
Goalkeepers: César Moya and Guaita.
Defenders: Bruno, Ricardo Costa, Maduro, Navarro, Dealbert, Mathieu and Jordi Alba.
Midfielders: Albelda, Topal, Fernandes, Tino Costa, Ever, Pablo and Vincente.
Attackers: Mata, Dominguez, Aduriz and Soldado.

Valencia CF technical:
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Line up: Cezar; Bruno, Navarro, R. Costa, Mathieu; Pablo, Topal, Fernandes, Mata, Ever; Aduriz
Tactics: High frequency crosses from the wings, positional changes from the 3 attacking midfielders, high defensive line and opposing field pressure, deep zone defensive midfielders.

Result prediction:
Rangers FC 0-2 Valencia CF
Rangers have a solid defense for now, but they have only been up against the under performing Mancheter United so far and European and Turkey minnows Bursaspor so they haven't really been stressed defensively, they are also not very dangerous in attack with only 1 goal so far, Valencia on the other side have scored 4 goals and received only one and while coming off from a loss the confidence and motivation is still there.
I predict quite a tough and tight match, but ultimately Valencia will win by two goals.

Official squad for the trip to Glasgow

Unai Emery has chosen the 21 man squad to travel to Glasgow, where Valencia will face Rangers in the third matchday in the Uefa Champions League.

Valencia will have one training session in Glasgow before the match, in which Emery will probably work on tactics.
In the squad there are two returning player who didn't feature in the Barcelona match, the first one is Chori Dominguez and the second one is Maduro who was injured, but appears to have recovered now.

Squad list:

Goalkeepers: César Moya and Guaita.
Defenders: Bruno, Ricardo Costa, Maduro, Navarro, Dealbert, Mathieu and Jordi Alba.
Midfielders: Albelda, Topal, Fernandes, Tino Costa, Ever, Pablo and Vincente.
Attackers: Mata, Dominguez, Aduriz and Soldado.

Barcelona FCB 2-1 Valencia CF - Match Report

The biggest match of the weekend and one of the biggest matches this season has ended, a clash between the Spanish leaders before the game and defending Spanish champions Barcelona.Both sides fought valiantly for supremacy, with Valencia the better team in the first half and Barcelona the better team in the second half. The game didn't have too many chances for such a big encounter, but there were several tries on both sides that were very dangerous.

The game started in a slow and careful manner, neither team pressing too much and respectfully sizing up the opponent, the first 15 minutes of the match were fought in the middle of the field, but Valencia slowly started to take things under control. Pablo Hernandez was particularly active on the right wing and in combination with Ever Banega and Soldado managed to create few mini chances that weren't converted.

Barcelona best player in the first half was Xavi, with most of the dangerous passes and moves coming from him, while his team mates like Messi, Iniesta, Villa and company were struggling to find their feet. Apart from few mini chances on Barcelona side they weren't too convincing either.

Than in the 37th minute after a good run from Jeremy Mathieu on the left side, he avoided Dani Alves, managed to get in the Barca penalty area and pass the ball to Pablo who slotted the ball in the net and it was 1-0 for Valencia.
Until the end Pablo had another brilliant chance after a superb pass from Soldado, the goal was almost fully open he managed to just shoot straight in the goalkeeper and the brilliant chance for 2-0 was ruined. If Pablo managed to score Valencia would have won the game right there and then, unfortunatelly it wasn't to be.

Anyways Valencia were the better team in the first half, keeping up in possession with Barcelona, even going 54%-46% in our benefit and generally playing better than the opponents.

In the second half everything changed, not 3 minutes after the start of the second half, all the defenders were disorganized and sitting around doing nothing, when Xavi released a great pass to Iniesta and no one even got after Iniesta as they all raised their hands calling for offside where there wasn't any even the slightest. Iniesta calmly slotted the ball past Cezar who couldn't do anything to prevent the goal.
After this early goal Valencia mentality changed, the players became scared, started playing more defensively, started making mistakes and the passing became just poor.
Not to take anything from Barcelona, who were really pushing hard in the second half, but our players can only blame themselves for this loss.
Anyways after several chances in which Villa and Messi either missed or had been denied by Cezar came in Puyol out of all the players, who jumped the highest after a good cross from Xavi and headed the goal in our net.

Unai Emery tried to do something as he brought in Aduriz, Mata and Vicente in for Soldado, Banega and Mathieu, but it was too late too little. In fact the better option would have been to bring in Tino Costa in for Albelda as the veteran was really struggling in the second half. Even Tino Costa for Banega would have been a better option, since Mata really hasn't proven himself in the position he was placed and with his small stature he couldn't do anything, even though he tried.

Valencia did push really hard in the last 15 minutes of the match, but Barcelona took a defensive stance and managed to finish off the game without too much trouble.

Technical Details: 

Barcelona 2-1 Valencia

FC Barcelona: Valdes; Alves, Piqué, Puyol, Maxwell; Busquets, Keita (Min. 87 Abidal), Xavi (Min. 78, Mascherano); Messi, Iniesta, Villa (Min. 82 Pedro).

Valencia CF: César; Bruno, Navarro, Costa, Alba; Albelda, Fernandes, Banega (Min. 66 Mata); Pablo, Mathieu (Min. 83 Vicente), Soldado (Min. 62 Aduriz).

Player ratings:

Cezar 8 - Reliable as always, made few saves to deny Barcelona scoring even more goals, couldn't do anything about the two goals.

Bruno 6 - Great in the first half, but almost terrible in the second, several times out of position and did not provide assistance to Pablo in the second half.

Navarro 5 - Great in the first half, but came a different player in the second, his fault for both goals.

R. Costa 7 - He had several great tackles to deny Barcelona a chance and could not be blamed for the two goals.

J. Alba 6 - Same as Bruno, partially better than him in the second half, but also partially at fault for the first goal.

Pablo 7.5 - The most lively player on the field for the whole match, scored great goal and would have got a 10 if he scored from the great chance he had 3 minutes after his first goal.

Albelda 5 - Good cover and passing in the first half, but really bad in the second half, he became frustrated and couldn't do anything right.

Fernandes 8 - Constant menace for Barcelona, spread the ball great, controlled the midfield and involved in most actions, he was not so influential in the second half, but still one of the best players in the field.

Ever Banega 6 - Obviously a bit rusty after such a long injury and not in full form, he did had several good moments though and always made himself available to receive the ball.

Mathieu 7 - Great first half from Mathieu, provided the assist for the goal and always threatening when going forward. Had few good runs even in the second half, before being substituted.

Soldado 5.5 - Had a decent first half, good off ball movement, but could not find himself in better position to intercept some of the crosses.

Subs:

Aduriz 5 - Didn't provide anything Soldado didn't provide already, could not get in the game.

Mata NA - Not enough time

Vicente NA - Not enough time

Barcelona FCB vs Valencia CF match preview

Barcelona FCB vs Valencia CF
Stadium: Camp Nou
La Liga matchday 7
Saturday 16.10.2010; 20:00pm

2010/2011 Spanish Primera División Table
			Overall							Home						Away
RK		TEAM	P	W	D	L	GS	GA		W	D	L	GS	GA		W	D	L	GS	GA		GD	Pts
1		Valencia	6	5	1	0	11	4		2	1	0	4	2		3	0	0	7	2		7	16
2		Villarreal	6	5	0	1	12	4		3	0	0	7	0		2	0	1	5	4		8	15
3		Real Madrid	6	4	2	0	12	2		3	0	0	10	1		1	2	0	2	1		10	14
4		Barcelona	6	4	1	1	10	5		1	1	1	2	3		3	0	0	8	2		5	13

   Barcelona vs Valencia CF

This is the biggest match this weekend and one of the biggest of the entire season. Both teams need to prove themselves, Valencia to prove they can be a genuine title contender and after poor results at home Barcelona to prove they still have the champions material.

Valencia are still undefeated in the League with 5 wins and 1 draw and will be looking to at least extend their unbeaten run and continue with the good performance and see if they can genuinely become a title challenger.

Barcelona on the other hand are coming from a miserable draw at home against Mallorca and will be looking to bounce up and show it was only a tiny slip-up and that they are not in any scoring crisis.

This match is crucial for both teams, on one hand a loss for Valencia can mean loosing first place standing, loosing a lot of ground in the table even with just one game, loosing confidence and moral and loosing the unbeaten streak. On the other hand anything but a win for Barcelona will be considered failure and after recent bad results there is going to be a ton of pressure to Barca players and coach.

So a win is a must for Barcelona, all else will be considered a failure, while Valencia will also be happy with a draw, especially since the game is played at the Camp Nou. Valencia will be hoping that Barcelona continue its poor form at home this season and will try to put early pressure on Barcelona in order to score a quick goal that will really hit Barcelona.

New Valencia striker Roberto Soldado is hoping his side can add to Barca coach Pep Guardiola's headaches this weekend, saying: "It's the moment to hurt Barcelona. They are suffering at home, we are playing well away and we have to take advantage of these circumstances."

Squad news:
Barcelona may be without their talisman midfielder Xavi due to a long term injury he has been caring, but he is probably going to be available. David Villa was also a risk, but he's been confirmed to be ready to start.

Valencia will be without the injured Maduro who actually has quite a long term injury and will probably be out for another two weeks, Joaquin is also injured, got this new injury only 2 days after he recovered from him previous injury. Topal is also injured and will probably not feature, but good news is that Ever Banega is fully fit and most of the squad in injury free.

Valencia official squad list:
Goalkeepers: Cesar, Moya
Defenders: Alba, Bruno, Matheiu, R.Costa, D.Navarro, Stankevicius
Midfielders:Albelda, Topal, Fernandes, Tino Costa, Banega, Pablo, Mata, Vicente
Attack: Soldado and Aduriz

Result prediction:
Barcelona 1-2 Valencia CF
Barcelona may be the defending champion and may be regarded as the best team in the world, but they are currently out of form and had bad results on home terrain. They have weaknesses in defense and are not too proficient at goal. Valencia on the other hand are in full form, confident and posses the physical power to overcome most Barcelona players especially in attacks with crosses. Aduriz and Soldado should have many opportunities and should they convert those chances Valencia can win.