SEDARA OLUWADARA
On Saturday night, Valencia hosts Barcelona at the Mestalla as the visitors look to keep pace with arch-rivals Real Madrid at the top of La Liga.
Valencia
Los Che have been inconsistent at the start of the current league campaign, taking 15 points from their 11 outings in the Spanish top-flight
However, a 2-1 home defeat last time out in La Liga ended a five-game unbeaten run for Valencia in the league. On the flip side, Los Che has won just one of their last five games in the Spanish top flight.
Gennaro Gattuso’s team has been generous in defence this season, as they have kept just one clean sheet in their last ten matches in La Liga.
Valencia’s recent home record in the Spanish top flight can only be described as inconsistent, as they have won two, drawn one and lost two of their previous five home games.
They have at least been prolific of late in front of goal, scoring at least two goals in three of their last four home games in the league.
Barcelona
The Blaugrana head into this clash three points behind arch-rivals Real Madrid, despite winning nine of their 11 matches in La Liga this season.
The Catalan giants will still be optimistic about the campaign, despite being behind the men from Madrid.
One particular positive for Barcelona has been their defensive record of late, as they have kept clean sheets in eight of their previous nine matches in the Spanish top flight.At the other end of the pitch, they are also joint-top goalscorers in La Liga this season, along with Real Madrid.
A 3-1 defeat at Real Madrid in their last away game in the league ended a 19-match unbeaten run on their travels in the Spanish top-flight.
