Match Preview: Sunday 18/02/2007 19:00 (GMT +1): La Liga, Match Day 23
VALENCIA - FC BARCELONA

La Mestalla, Valencia – Capacity: 55.000
Referee: Eduardo Itturalde Gonzalez


Valencia (4-4-2): Butelle - Miguel, Marchena, Ayala, Moretti - Joaquin (Angulo), Albelda, Albiol, Silva - Villa, Morientes - Manager: Quique Sanchez Flores


FC Barcelona (4-3-3): Valdes - Zambrotta (Belletti), Edmilson, Puyol, Gio - Marquez (Motta), Deco, Xavi (Iniesta) - Messi, Saviola, Ronaldinho - Manager: Frank Rijkaard


Match Previw:

La Liga leaders FC Barcelona (4th/46 points) against challengers Valencia (4th/39 points), surely the big match on this match day 23. Barca has to win or draw at the Mestalla to keep first place, while Valencia has to win, if they want to preserve their last chance to win the title.


The "Case Eto´o" was the media highlight of the week. Eto´o has not been travelling to Valencia but this was not down to any punishment of the Cameroon international and the issue has now officially been solved. Hopefully the "hype" has a positive effect on the team. The media surely has blown the issue completely out of proportion, but may be it is a wake-up call for the upcoming important weeks and had brought the team even closer together. This Sunday, Barca plays Valencia but then 3 days later Liverpool. Real Zaragoza (Copa del Rey) and Real Madrid (El Classico) are following.


Los Che´s performance is going through a rollercoaster ride at the moment. Just a week after there superb display to beat Atletico Madrid, they were thrashed 3-0 by former Barca legend Bernd Schuster´s team Getafe.


Sevilla play Atletico Madrid, therefore FC Barcelona will know they cannot afford to drop points. The best news came from Santiago Bernabeu yesterday night, when Real Madrid disappointed again in a goalless draw against Betis and lost David Beckham due to a red card.


veteran goalkeeper Canizares is ruled out due to flue in the last minute but Argentine international defender Ayala will surely return to action to marshall the defence after missing out the last two matches following his announcement to leave Los Che in the summer. Biggest thread to Barca, Spanish international forward David Villa is back from suspension. Joaquin and Angulo should be fighting for a the place on the right wing. We do not expect any surprises in the Valencia starting line-up.


Barca youngster Leo Messi came on in the 2-0 victory against Racing after his long spell on the sidelines due to injury. He looked fully fit and could have a chance to start at the Mestalla. Andres Iniesta impressed on the right wing, but if he should not play on the right wing, he could start one one of the misfield positions (for Xavi?). Interesting would also be, to know, if Edmilson continues as central defender and Marquez on the holding midfield position. I suppose that Frank Rijkaard will give Gio a run out and therefore moves Zambrotta from left to right. If Belletti starts on the right, then I asume Zambrotta will start on the left full back position.


My Prediction:
This match is both, utterly important and difficult to win. Valencia will be under pressure after the hammering at Getafe. This could hopefully put some weight on their shoulders. On the other hand Los Che know that this is their last chance to keep in touch with the top spot of La Liga. If loosing, they should burry their title hopes.


This clash will be a tough and close fight. We will see some exciting, Spanish style offensive football at the Mestalla. But at the end, Barca will have the upper hand and take the first 3 points from an away game since Nov, 11.



Valencia - FC Barcelona 0:1 (or 1:2)