Barcelona face Valencia on Saturday evening in the final of the Copa del Rey with Ernesto Valverde’s men looking to complete a second successive domestic double.
The Blaugrana finished the La Liga season top of the table for the eighth time in the last 11 years and 26 points ahead of Valencia, yet it is Los Che who arguably are in a better state mentally ahead of this weekend’s final.
Marcelino’s side will be full of confidence after an excellent second half of the season saw them claim Spain‘s final Champions League spot, while Barca remain damaged following their catastrophic European exit to Liverpool.
Latest odds
The two league games between these sides this season both ended as draws and bet365 offer another stalemate at 10/3 (4.33).
Barcelona, though, have dominated this competition in recent years and are priced at 1/2 (1.50) to win in 90 minutes and at 1/4 (1.25) to lift the trophy. Valencia can be backed at 5/1 (6.00) in 90 minutes and at 11/4 (3.75) to win the trophy.
Team news
Barcelona are without injured forwards Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele. Philippe Coutinho and Arthur have been nursing knocks but should be available. Marc-Andre Ter Stegen has a knee injury although second choice goalkeeper Jasper Cilessen has been used in the Copa Del Rey.
Valencia are without winger Dennis Cheyshev whilst centre-back Ezequiel Garay is pushing for a return from a muscle injury.
Preview
At the midway point of the La Liga season Valencia were 10 points off a Champions League place, and no team had previously overturned such a deficit with half the campaign still to go.
Having gone on to achieve that, the Mestalla side boast confidence and momentum, and have practically no injuries to contend with, meaning they should be able to once more genuinely compete with their rivals from Catalonia.
There have been suggestions that defeat for Barca could see Valverde sacked and that is indicative of the negative air around the club since losing 4-0 to Liverpool in the Champions League.
Of course, Barca boast Lionel Messi, who has scored four goals in the last four Copa Del Rey finals and ended the season as La Liga’s top scorer for the sixth time in his career.
Tips and predictions
The side that finished fourth in La Liga are offered at 19/20 (1.95) to win with a +1.0 Asian handicap.
This bet pays out if Valencia win or draw, while our stake is returned if they lose by one goal. Indeed, this selection would only have lost in one of the last six meetings between the sides, and looks like the best way to get the outsiders onside.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
Valencia +1.0 Asian handicap att 19/20 (1.95) for a 1.5pt stake with bet365
Be the first to comment