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Barcelona vs Valencia preview and players to watch out for on Saturday night.
Valencia and Barcelona kick off their 2024/25 La Liga campaigns with a high-stakes clash at the Mestalla.
For Valencia, last season’s roller-coaster ride ended in disappointment with a ninth-place finish, marred by a seven-game winless streak (D2, L5) that saw them falter down the stretch.
Despite this, manager Rubén Baraja has earned praise for guiding the club to a third ninth-place finish in five seasons.
The team’s strong start to previous seasons, winning their opening fixtures for the past four years, could provide a morale boost.
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09:56 - 16.08.2024
12 key stats for FPL managers ahead of Liverpool's Premier League opener at Ipswich Town
Liverpool have been dominant in the opening matches of the season for the last 11 seasons
However, their recent record against Barcelona at home, with just one win in their last 17 league encounters (D8, L8), casts a shadow over their prospects.
Barcelona, on the other hand, endured a tumultuous 2023/24 season. The Catalan giants finished second in La Liga, trailing Real Madrid by ten points, and were left without silverware, culminating in the departure of fan-favorite Xavi Hernández.
With the club’s 125th season underway, German manager Hansi Flick takes the reins. Barcelona's financial issues continue to plague them, affecting their ability to register new signings, including Dani Olmo.
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13:30 - 16.08.2024
Premier League: 7 key changes for 2024/2025 season—New ball, penalties, blocking, VAR & more
These updates and innovations are designed to enhance the flow of the game, increase transparency, and ensure a fairer playing environment for all teams.
Despite this, Barcelona has the challenge of breaking a streak of two consecutive goalless draws in their league openers—no team has ever started three La Liga seasons in a row with a scoreless draw.
Key players to watch include Valencia’s Hugo Duro, who scored in their last friendly and netted their opener in the previous meeting with Barcelona.
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15:42 - 15.08.2024
Top football matches to look out for in the next 3 days
Top league start the season this weekend and here are the top matches football fans should not miss.
Conversely, Robert Lewandowski, who scored a decisive second-half hat-trick in their last encounter, will be crucial for the visitors.
With both teams carrying different pressures and expectations, this fixture promises to be an intriguing start to the new season.
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