Barcelona will look to make it two wins over Valencia in the space of a few weeks as they travel to the Mestalla for a Copa del Rey quarter-final clash. The Catalans seem to be back to their best lately and should maintain their dominant record against Los Che.
A 2-0 victory over lower league side Ourense was enough to earn Valencia progress into the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey. That result is part of a run of three wins in four matches in all competitions for Carlos Corberan’s men, who edged out Celta Vigo 2-1 in their La Liga fixture at the weekend.
The only blemish for Valencia in their recent resurgence was that 7-1 hammering at Barcelona. However, the good news is that Thursday’s clash is at the Mestalla, where they have won their last two matches.
Barcelona ran out 5-1 winners over Real Betis in the previous round to reach the quarter-final of the Copa del Rey. They will head to the Mestalla unbeaten in their last nine matches in all competitions, winning seven times in that run, including a 1-0 La Liga victory over Alaves last weekend.
The Catalans have also impressed on their travels and are unbeaten in their last nine away matches in all competitions. Hansi Flick’s men have earned a few dominant wins in that run like the 4-0 victory over Barbastro in the earlier round of the Copa del Rey.
How the bookies view it: Catalans overwhelming favourites
Barcelona have been installed as overwhelming favourites among the bookies and are priced at 2/5 by BoyleSports to claim the win. Valencia are considered outsiders at home at 5/1 by BoyleSports, who are offering odds of 7/2 for a draw.
Head to head: Dominant Catalans
Barcelona have a 40-14 advantage with 19 draws from 73 previous matches against Valencia. The Catalans are unbeaten in the last nine meetings, claiming eight wins in that run, including that 7-1 La Liga home victory in January.
Players to watch: Eyes on Raphinha
Raphinha remains a major attacking threat for Barcelona and has found the net six times in the last eight matches in all competitions. The forward was also on target in the La Liga victory over Valencia and is priced at 5/4 by BoyleSports to maintain his scoring run.
Valencia may have a poor record in this fixture but Hugo Duro seems to always get on the score sheet against Barcelona. The striker has scored in the last three meetings and is priced at 9/4 by BoyleSports to find the net on Thursday.
Probable line-ups
Thierry Correia is the only player sidelined for Valencia, who have an almost fully fit squad to pick from on Thursday. Pepelu could earn a start after coming off the bench against Celta Vigo while Duro should lead the line once again.
Barcelona are still without Marc Bernal, Andreas Christensen and Dani Olmo, who remain sidelined with injury. Gavi picked up a knock against Alaves and should be replaced by Fermin Lopez while Frenkie de Jong could also be handed a start after coming off the bench last weekend.
Valencia: Mamardashvishli, Foulquier, Tarrega, Diakhaby, Gaya, Barrenechea, Pepelu, Rioja, Almeida, Lopez, Duro
Barcelona: Szczesny, Kounde, Araujo, Martinez, Balde, de Jong, Pedri, Fermin, Ferran, Raphinha, Lewandowski
Anything else catch the eye?
Barcelona have scored in both halves in the last three matches against Valencia and a similar outcome is priced at 20/21 with BoyleSports. Given the one-sided win in the last meeting, the visitors are likely to dominate once again and can be backed in the -1 handicap market at 11/10 with BoyleSports.
Having also won both halves in that fixture in January, Barcelona could be set for a repeat at 23/10 with BoyleSports.
This Spanish Cup match between Valencia and Barcelona will be played on Feb 6, 2025 and kick off at 20:30. Check below for our tipsters best Valencia vs Barcelona prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
