Barcelona – Real Valladolid, La Liga Prediction

Barcelona has made two odd draws in the last two league matches, but of course they are not fatal, because the Catalans still have a good lead on the top. However, this lead is no longer to Athletic, but to Real Madrid, who are the main contender for the title after Barca. This means that we are entering such a stage of the season in which top teams can not afford many mistakes, because they can be fatal, even more in their home games.

Valladolid is not very far from the relegation zone so whenever they get points, it will be always valuable. However, they have long been out of shape as they were early in the season. Valladolid have only 1 win in their last 10 games that came against Celta, but at home. Besides, their defense does not work very well, as they have only one clean sheet in their last 14 games.

Barcelona have a game against Lyon in the Champions League this week that they will be extremely motivated for success, but that does not mean they will underestimate the match with Valladolid, which is no less important. Barca score many goals at home, while guests crack easily. We are expecting a goal show from the Catalonians who scored at least 2 goals in each of their last 8 home games. Barca will probably start with the goals in the first half, so our prediction is Barca to score in both halves at 1.56

• Barcelona scored 20 goals against Valladolid in their last 5 home games