Top Versus Bottom Clash as Barcelona Travel to Face Valladolid
Valladolid hosts Barcelona in LaLiga at the Jose Zorrilla Stadium on Sunday, 04 May. As we enter the business end of the season, the tie is important for very different reasons for these two sides. The home side is rock-bottom while the visitors are chasing the league title.
It should come as no surprise to see the Catalan giants priced up as short favourites on the online football betting sites given the La Liga standings. Barca are leading the title race while the hosts seem destined for the drop.
How Barcelona’s Ball Control Could Shape the Game
Barcelona tends to always dominate possession, no matter the opposition. That will be even more so on Sunday night against a Valladolid side who have been struggling in this La Liga season.
If there is any saving grace for the home side, it is that Flick’s side has struggled to unlock defences at times. When teams sit in low blocks and double up on their wingers, the Catalan outfit finds it difficult to create clear-cut goal-scoring opportunities.
This could be a factor when considering what bets to place, for example, it could be a low-scoring first half as Barcelona struggles to break down the resolute Valladolid defence. Expect more goals in the second half when the flood gates do open, and perhaps the second 45 could be the highest scoring stanza.
Can Valladolid Capitalise on Limited Chances?
New head coach, Alvaro Rubio, will set his side up to limit Barcelona’s chances and frustrate the league leaders. The home side will rely on counterattacks and set-pieces to create chances, and if they are to be a threat on the night, they will have to be very efficient with their goal-scoring opportunities. This could be the perfect tie to back both teams to score (No) and at the same time, back over 3.5 goals because Barcelona are clinical in the final third.
Previous Meetings: Any Clues from Past Encounters?
The reverse fixture saw Barca run out seven-nil winners as they ran riot at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys. The home side registered a victory over the Catalans last season, but besides that solo victory, the visitors have dominated recent meetings and have won four of the last five games between these two sides.
Match Considerations for Bettors
Considering that there is a vast gap in quality between these two sides, the odds for a straight Barcelona win will be very low. You can find value in other markets like over 3.5 goals or even Barcelona to win both halves of the game. Furthermore, Flick’s side to keep a clean sheet could also be a good shout in this tie.
Final Thoughts: What to Expect at Kickoff
As title-chasing Barcelona travel to last-placed Valladolid, it looks like there will be one-way traffic at the Jose Zorrilla Stadium. The home side has had a torrid season to date and were thumped in the reverse fixture earlier on in the season. Back Flick’s side to run riot once again, with over 3.5 goals and a clean sheet to add value to your bet slip.