The only top of the table clash in Spain this weekend takes place on Saturday January 25, 2020 as Valencia host Barcelona in an important clash for both clubs.
Valencia were lucky that their loss last weekend didn’t affect them in the standings and they were able to stay in 7th place, tied on points with Real Sociedad for the final Europa League spot. They are also just four points behind Sevilla, and Atletico Madrid, for the Champions League spots. Valencia are still alive in the Copa del Rey, and have a Round of 32 date with Logones, and are also through to the knockout stage of the Champions League.
Barcelona remain atop the La Liga table, but are only ahead by goal differential as Real Madrid are level on points. Those two clubs are eight points clear of any other challenger, so the La Liga title could come down to the next El Clasico in March. Barca are still alive in the Copa del Rey, they have a Round of 32 game against Ibiza, and have a Champions League knockout stage game against Napoli coming up at the end of February.
Below is my pick for the La Liga action between Valencia and Barcelona. All odds are from PointBet Sportsbook.
Valencia (+360) vs Barcelona (-145) Draw (+320)
Valencia had a horror of a showing last weekend losing 4-1 to relegation candidate Mallorca. Valencia fell down 3-0 in the first half, then went down a man early in the second half, to allow Mallorca to get a rare win this season. The loss hurts, but Valencia are still in good La Liga form with that loss being their first since November 23. Valencia are a top of the table La Liga home team having won 20 points from 10 home games – good for fifth in Spain.
Barcelona lacked the finishing touch, but still put in a dominant performance to beat 10-man Granada 1-0 last Sunday. It took until the 76th minute, but Lionel Messi scored a goal, thanks to a beauty of a pass from Arturo Vidal, to give Barca the much needed win. Barca are the fourth best road team in La Liga having won 15 points from a possible 30.
Series History: Barcelona leads the last 10 meetings between these two 6-3-1.
Game Prediction: I expect Barcelona to get the road win, so I am backing Barcelona -150 Saturday.
2020 Results: 8-4
