Seven games have passed since Valencia last recorded a victory over Barcelona.
For most sides, that is hardly a disastrous record, but for a team of Valencia’s overall calibre and desire, that is a disappointment.
The Bats have a rich history in Spain’s top flight with six titles to their name, however betting sites currently back Valencia as having more chance of relegation than lifting the coveted title for a seventh time.
Even just to record a victory over Barcelona at the Camp Nou like they last did in April 2016 are as long as 8/1.
That is probably because trawling through the history books will show you that Valencia have only recorded two victories in their last 28 games against Barcelona in all competitions.
Suddenly, it becomes clear there is a real hoodoo.
However, do the Bats have enough in their locker to overcome the Catalan giants once more and do the whole of Spanish football a favour a keep a title race of sorts alive?
Goals need to be found
Valencia have impressed in one particular area this season, defence.
Marcelino’s men have shipped just 18 goals this season which is three less than Barcelona.
Only Getafe and Atletico Madrid have conceded less in La Liga this season and the Bats will need that stoic defence if they are to have any chance of overcoming the Barca juggernaut.
However, there is one major issue that has so far held the six-time title winners back, and that is at the other end of the pitch, goals.
Daniel Parejo is Valencia’s top scorer with five (at the time of writing) but overall the club has netted just 19 times in the league.
Considering Lionel Messi has scored 18 times for Barcelona himself, 19 becomes a worrying figure especially as only Leganes and Real Valladolid has scored less.
There are signs of improvement though since the beginning of December as the club have only failed to net once in their last 11 outings in all competitions and that could prove crucial in their bid to overcome Barcelona.
Prediction
Valencia’s realistic target in this game will likely be to nick a point like they did at the Mestalla back in October.
In fact, Valencia have proved something of a sticking point for Barcelona in recent times as four draws between the pair since December 2015 can testify.
That looks like being the best way to garner any sort of value from this game especially as the Bats have proven draw specialists this season with 11 in the league to their name already.
In order to achieve that, Marcelino’s men will need a defensive masterclass which they have proven they are more than capable of this season.
But, can they do it at the Camp Nou?
Only time will tell.
