La Liga: Can Anyone Defeat Top Two?

Valencia vs Barcelona

The gap between the established duo in Spain and the rest of La Liga is growing apace as far as this SBOTOP writer is concerned.

Real Madrid’s place as the undisputed kings of Spain and Europe was confirmed when they romped to the Spanish title and Champions League double last term.

Meanwhile, Barcelona’s newfound ability to splash the cash on a high level this summer has earmarked their determination to return to the pinnacle of the game.

Talking Points

The difference between Real, Barcam and the rest was evident last weekend as they put four past Athletic Bilbao.

Now another team considered one of the “best of the rest” is up next for the new-look Catalonians of Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and co and, fresh from their group stage exit from the Champions League, Xavi and his men will be extra keen to continue their quest for domestic supremacy.

Despite the positivity of a dominant win against their Basque visitors, Barcelona fans were distracted by a first half injury to La Roja star Gavi.

The teenager left the pitch in pain before the break with early rumours hinting at his World Cup place potentially being in danger.

However, while Xavi confirmed the early prognosis looks good, Sergi Roberto could face a spell on the sidelines following a shoulder injury.

On Sunday, the oft-criticised right-back was a constant threat and was even rewarded with a goal before in the final stages of the match, going down clutching his shoulder. At least they have Hector Bellerin and Jules Kounde who are more than adequate replacements.

Valencia have one Barcelona player in their ranks in Nico who is on loan. It’s reported he could be recalled midway through the season, although Los Che manager Gennaro Gattuso this week said the player has not spoken to him if he is unhappy at a lack of game time.

The attack is likely to be spearheaded by veteran forward Edinson Cavani who has already created La Liga 2022 highlights in the matter of weeks since has made his Valencia debut.

They have had some good news this week with a key figure renewing his contract in a deal which will keep him at the club for a further five years.

Jose Gaya, who joined the club at the age of 11 and worked his way through the ranks at Paterna before winning a place in the first team, is an ever-present in the side and has been captain since the departure of Dani Parejo two years ago.

For home fans, there will be no better way to mark his new deal than to lead his side to victory on Saturday night.

History

Barcelona have a distinct upper hand in this fixture with 35 victories compared to 14 Valencia successes and 18 draws.

On saying that, Valencia have more than held their own in recent seasons, not least in the 2019 Copa del Rey Final and in this corresponding fixture two seasons ago when Lionel Messi and Ronald Araujo goals were cancelled out by Mouctar Diakhaby and Maxi Gonzalez in a 2-2 draw.

Barca won the return match 3-2 courtesy of Messi and Antoine Griezmann with Gabriel and Carlos Soler replying for the hosts.

Barca completed a league double over them last season, winning 3-1 at home and 4-1 away.

After Gaya had given the visitors an early lead at the Nou Camp, Ansu Fati quickly equalised and a Memphis Depay penalty put them in front before Philippe Coutinho sealed the points late on.

The return game was even more empathic as Barca opened up a 3-0 half-time lead through Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (two) and Frenkie de Jong.

The now Chelsea man completed his hat-trick just after the hour mark, by which time Carlos Soler had grabbed a consolation for the home side.

Betting Tip

As you would expect, Barca are clear favourites with the SBOTOP La Liga 2022 betting odds.

You can back the visitors in a number of ways, including 1X2 @ 1.60, Asian Handicap -1.00 @ 2.07, and -1.25 @ 2.44.

Valencia have thwarted Barcelona in the past but are not expected to this time judging by odds which include 1X2 @ 5.20 and Asian Handicap +0.75 @ 2.11.

The draw is a result I am considering and is available @ 3.95.

Certainly, it would be a very good pay day for anyone who expects a repeat of the scoreline in the corresponding fixture last term. Correct Score 1-4 will pay out @ 23.00.

I do expect this to be tight as Gattuso will insist on 100-per cent from his men.

 

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