Valencia have been a thorn in the side of Barcelona for a while, and they're very hard for anyone to beat at the Mestalla. At the Camp Nou, they've had less luck. While Barcelona haven't been able to win in their two games away to Valencia this season, they have won at home in the Copa Del Rey and defeated Valencia at home in each of the last three seasons.
Barcelona Vs. Valencia, 2012 La Liga Week 24: Can Los Che Pull An Upset?
Barcelona host Valencia in Camp Nou in a big top three clash in La Liga.
Getty Images
Both teams played mid-week in European competition, with Barcelona playing their first team in Champions League and Valencia sitting a few players in Europa League. All of Ever Banega, Miguel, Adil Rami and Roberto Soldado were left on the bench on Thursday and should start against Barcelona.
Gerard Pique was very poor against Osasuna last week, but should keep his place from that game in the Barcelona starting XI. He did not start mid-week in the Champions League. Xavi will likely be in the 18, but will not start as he recovers from a calf injury. Both Daniel Alves and Javier Mascherano are suspended. Valencia played two strikers last week, and are likely to take Aritz Aduriz out of their lineup for a midfield player.
Barcelona vs. Valencia
Game Date/Time: Sunday, February 19, 3:30 p.m. ET, 9:30 p.m. local
Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
TV: ESPN Deportes (USA), Sky Sports 1 (UK)
Online: ESPN3
For more on the Blaugranas, head over to FC Barcelona blog Barca Blaugranes.
See More:
