Barcelona will look to keep up their 100% start to the new season on Saturday when they take on Valladolid at the Olympic Stadium.
Hansi Flick has had the dream start to life at Barcelona, winning all three of his first league matches in charge of the Catalan giants and will fancy his chances of making it four in four against a team that lost 3-0 to Real Madrid last weekend.
Valladolid currently sit on four points after three matches but they looked largely abject against Los Blancos last week which should bode well for Barcelona.
How the bookies view it: Barcelona go in as heavy favourites
Barcelona were always going to be favourites for this one but their impressive early-season form has likely shortened their odds somewhat. Betfred have priced a Barcelona win at 2/9 while a win for Valladolid has been priced at 11/1. The draw, which would be a brilliant result for the visitors, has been priced at 11/2.
Recent head-to-head: Advantage Barcelona
Barcelona have an impressive recent record against Valladolid which should only boost their confidence ahead of kick-off on Saturday. The Catalans have won seven of their last eight matches against Valladolid and haven't lost a match on home soil against them in more than 25 years.
The only crumb of comfort that Valladolid can take from the recent head-to-head against Barcelona is the fact that they managed to end their seven-match losing streak against them two seasons ago. They won the most recent clash between the two clubs 3-1 in May 2023.
Players to watch: Yamal just keeps getting better
Following his brilliant performances at Euro 2024, there is more scrutiny and pressure on the shoulders of Lamine Yamal this season compared to last year. Despite only being 17 years old, Yamal has quickly become one of Barcelona's important players and so far, he is coping with that just fine.
Yamal has got himself a goal contribution in each of Barcelona's three La Liga matches so far. He provided assists against Valencia and Rayo Vallecano while he scored his first goal of the season in the win against Athletic Bilbao. The teenager will be looking make it four G/A in four matches this weekend.
Looking to keep him out will be Valladolid goalkeeper, Karl Hein. The Estonian youngster is on loan at the club from Arsenal and he has already got his first clean sheet of the season in the 0-0 draw against Leganes in midweek. Repeating that this weekend would an incredible feat and he should be preparing for a busy afternoon.
Predicted line-ups
Injuries continue to pile up for Barcelona who are without seven first-team players on Saturday, including the likes of Frenkie de Jong and Gavi. Things are a little simpler for Valladolid who are only missing Anuar Tuhami due to injury.
Barcelona: Ter Stegen – Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde – Pedri, Fermin, – Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha – Lewandowski
Valladolid: Hein – Perez, Sanchez, Boyomo, Rosa – Juric, Perez, Amallah – Ndiaye, Sylla, Moro
Anything else catch the eye?
Barcelona have been consistent in almost every way so far this season which is illustrated perfectly by looking at the scoreline in which they've won all three of their La Liga matches. Barcelona to win 2-1 again on Saturday has been priced at 8/1 with Betfred.
This La Liga match between Barcelona and Valladolid will be played on Aug 31, 2024 and kick off at 16:00. Check below for our tipsters best Barcelona vs Valladolid prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
