16 October 2021, 10:07 | 28 August 2021, 15:29
The Spanish LaLiga Santander fixture between F.C. Barcelona and Valencia CF kicks off at 20:00 (GMT+1) on Sunday, October 17, at Camp Nou.
Preview FC Barcelona La Liga, Oct 17, 2021
Preview Barcelona picked up back-to-back defeats right before the break following the 2-0 loss to Atletico Madrid at the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on Saturday, the 2nd of October. However, following the apparent U-turn to replace the 58-year-old, Koeman is tipped to remain at the helm for the near future. The conversation I had [with Laporta] over the phone last night was very good, Koeman said after the 2-0 loss to ATM. We also spoke this morning about the squad, the club and other things, he added. Thomas Lemar (23’) had put Atletico Madrid in the lead before Luis Suarez (44’) doubled Barcelona’s misery a minute before the break. With a game in hand, the defeat saw Barcelona slip three spots from 6th place to 9th while being left with 12 points, after 3W, 3D & 1L, while having the form: WDDWL. A 3—5—2 formation with Depay and Ansu Fati in attack is expected on Sunday. The teenage sensation, Ansu Fati, is close to putting pen to paper for a new deal with super-agent Jorge Mendes, working round the clock to ensure all lines fall in place. On availability, Martin Braithwaite remains sidelined following the knee operation, while Sergio Agüero is tipped to make a return in the coming weeks. Ousmane Dembélé remains in doubt for this Sunday's fixture against the Bats. Barcelona have a haul of 11 goals but have conceded seven times and are left with a G.D. of +4.
Preview Valencia La Liga, Oct 17, 2021
Preview Valencia is in 8th place on the Spanish LaLiga table with 12 points after 8 games; 3W, 3D, and 2L. Before the international break, Valencia picked up a goalless draw against Cadiz CF at the Estadio Nuevo Mirandilla on Saturday, October 2nd. The Bats were unable to find a way through despite having 4 shots in 16 on target. Valencia had the lion’s share in ball possession, 69%, while putting 523 passes together before the end of the game. After back-to-back draws, WLLDD, Valencia will look to get back to winning ways on Sunday when they visit Camp Nou. Valencia have a tally of 12 goals but have conceded 8 times and are left with a G.D. of +4. Pepe Bordalás’ 4—4—2 formation could see the duo consisting of Marcos André and Gonçalo Guedes in attack when Valencia takes on Barcelona on Sunday. Thierry Correia and Carlos Soler remain doubtful for this fixture.