FC Barcelona would be looking to increase pressure on Real Madrid following their Champions League exit by winning their encounter against Valencia on Sunday Night. I don't expect Real to drop any points at Valladoid in a match that follows ours, as they will react surely as wounded tigers. Recent performance from Barca has been disappointing and until there is a significant change in attitude from players , there could be more disappointment on Sunday night. Valencia would be a very tough opponent especially considering that they have done better away from home this season. Valencia is lying at third position, 15 points adrift of both Real Madrid and Barcalona. Valencia has struggled in recent past traveling to their main rivals to the league and that should give enough encouragement for Barca Players. It was against Valencia Barca Dropped First Point of the Season. At this moment Barca will be missing the service of their coach Pep Guardiola and striker Ibrahmovic for this match. I am not sure how much we will miss the latter in this match,considering that after Ibra's sending off Barca really played well against Almeria. Barca was handed over a good news as Keita has been given the green by the medical staffs.Bojan Should Start For Barcelona FC
Who will fill the center forward position in the absence of Ibra is the biggest question. There are suggestion of using Pedro as striker but I would go with Bojan Krkic for this match. I have a feeling that this match will be a turning point in his career. Again all depend on Guardiola, as he never considered him good. The rest of front three should remain the usual Messi, Henry combo. The midfield will were we have to win the game against Valencia and I would recommend a combination of Iniesta, Xavi and Toure. I would prefer not to start with Busquets as he has struggled against bigger teams this season and the last thing I want against Valencia is the DM not putting pressure on the Valencia midfielder. If that happens, we will be butchered. With Pique returning after injury we should see the normal pairing of Puyol and Pique at the center. Milito has looked good in last couple of matches and it would not be a bad ploy to have Puyol move to Left back position and Milito occupy the central defense. That way we may be more assured in defense, but I doubt that will happen. We will see our usual full backs - Maxwell and Alves against Valencia. FC Barcelona's biggest advantage going into this match should be our Home advantage. Barca has played well this season at home and expect that to see us through this match narrowly, I predict a 3-2 victory for Barca.