Barcelona vs Valencia: Tips, Odds, and Match Preview

FC Barcelona are undefeated to start the 2025-26 LaLiga season and will put that record to the test when facing a Valencia side that seems to be trending in the right direction of late. Los Blaugranas will aim to secure another victory right before their 2025-26 UEFA Champions League debut, while Valencia will aim to pull the upset and defeat Barca, something they haven’t accomplished since the 2019-20 season.

Barça have been finding ways to grind out results this season, and despite looking less than flashy, Hansi Flick’s men have taken seven points out of a possible nine following their draw against Rayo Vallecano the last time out. Valencia have been the model of inconsistency (W1, D1, L1), but their win over Getafe before the break was a massive step in the right direction and could’ve been the tipping point for manager Carlos Corbaran to implement long-term tactical changes on the Mestalla outfit.

Can Barça Get Back to Winning Ways?

While it looks a bit extreme to ask that question, it’s safe to say Barcelona haven’t been at their best to open the 2025-26 season. The 3-0 win over Mallorca came against a nine-man side, so it doesn’t have much analysis. They were also fortunate to steal the win against Levante after coming back from a 0-2 deficit and ultimately winning with a stoppage-time own goal. They escaped with a draw against Rayo Vallecano, but that was a third straight game in which they didn’t look in sync in the attack.

Maybe the side that needs Robert Lewandowski to return to the starting lineup, or maybe they just need to return home after travelling for three straight matches. Even though this game will be played in Barcelona, Los Blaugranas will have to host Valencia in their second venue, Estádi Johan Cruyff, as the Camp Nou is still under renovation. One thing is clear, though – Barcelona must deliver a better performance here. Otherwise, there will be plenty of noise surrounding the squad just before their UEFA Champions League opener against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park on Sep. 18.

Barcelona Injury & Suspension News

Barcelona are dealing with several injury concerns ahead of this match. Alex Balde (hamstring) and Frenkie de Jong (leg) are questionable but aren’t likely to feature to have them both ready for the Newcastle clash. Dani Rodríguez (undisclosed), Gavi (knee), Marc Bernal (knee), and Marc-Andre ter Stegen (back) remain sidelined. The biggest doubt lies in the striker role, with Ferran Torres and Robert Lewandowski battling for the starting nod.

Valencia Looking to Build off Recent Win and Form Uptick

Valencia have been far from being a consistent side in the early stages of the 2025-26 LaLiga season and have already experienced all three possible results in the first three rounds (W1, D1, L1). However, Los Ché have been playing better with each passing game, and the 3-0 victory over Getafe before the international break was the much-needed confidence booster the team had been searching for in previous games.

Valencia looked far more balanced and composed in a 4-2-3-1 setting, a scheme where the threat of players such as Arnaut Danjuma and Luis Rioja is far more noticeable. Plus, the balance provided by the Baptiste Santamaria – Javi Guerra duo in midfield allows for easier transitions in midfield. Valencia are widely expected to keep the same starting XI that won against Getafe given how good they looked, even if playing Barcelona represents a bigger challenge.

Valencia Injury & Suspension News

Valencia will be at full strength ahead of this clash. Their lone injury concern is Thierry Correia, but the right-back is expected to return to the squad and make the bench after recovering from an ACL injury. Other injured players, such as Filip Ugrinic and André Almeida, will also be on the bench.

Barcelona vs Valencia Prediction

Barcelona are the better side and should secure the win here. Valencia, however, should make things difficult for them, and a blowout win doesn’t appear to be on the cards. We’ll back Valencia up here to cover a +2 spread.

CryptoGamba tip: Valencia to cover +2 spread – 1.83 @ JackBit