Burkina Faso
Czech Republic
Indonesia
Lithuania
Montenegro
Nigeria
North Macedonia

Preview: Barcelona vs. Real Valladolid - prediction, team

sportsmole.co.uk, 3 April 2021, 15:39

Barcelona will be looking to record a sixth straight La Liga victory when they welcome Real Valladolid to Camp Nou on Monday evening.

Ronald Koeman 's side are currently second in the table, four points behind leaders Atletico Madrid, while Valladolid occupy 16th position and are just three points clear of the relegation zone.

Match preview

© Reuters

Barca were knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain last month, but it could still be a successful end to the season for Koeman's side, who are pursuing two trophies.

Indeed, the Catalan giants will take on Athletic Bilbao in the final of the Copa del Rey on April 16, while they are very much in the hunt for the La Liga title despite having issues during the 2020-21 campaign.

As it stands, Barca are second in the table, two points above third-placed Real Madrid and four points behind Atletico. However, there is a strong chance that the picture will have changed by the time that they take to the field for this match as both Real Madrid and Atletico are in action over the weekend.

Koeman's team have the small matter of a trip to Real Madrid next weekend, and they are on an impressive run of form in Spain's top flight, winning each of their last five - including a thumping 6-1 victory over Real Sociedad last time out - while not since the start of December have the 26-time Spanish champions been beaten in the league.

Barca's recent record over Valladolid is also strong, with victory in the last five league meetings between the two sides, including a 5-1 win when the pair last locked horns at Camp Nou in October 2019.

© Reuters

Valladolid, who are currently battling to stay above the relegation zone, will be looking to pull off a surprise on Monday evening, and the visitors will bring a four-game unbeaten run into the fixture.

Sergio Gonzalez 's side are currently 16th in the table, three points clear of the relegation zone, and they have only managed to win five of their 28 league fixtures this term.

As mentioned, the White and Violets are unbeaten in their last four games, drawing with Celta Vigo, Osasuna and Sevilla, in addition to beating Getafe, since losing 1-0 at home to Real Madrid on February 20.

Valladolid are bidding to secure a third straight season at this level of football, and they have only lost five of their 14 away league fixtures this term, which is an impressive record considering their position in the table.

Barcelona La Liga form:

D

W

W

W

W

W

Barcelona form (all competitions):

W

W

W

D

W

W

Real Valladolid La Liga form:

D

L

D

W

D

D

Article continues after the advert

Team News

© Reuters

Barca will again be without the services of Philippe Coutinho, Ansu Fati and Gerard Pique through injury, while Neto is a doubt due to an ankle problem.

Sergi Roberto has returned to full fitness, though, and the Catalan giants also did not pick up any injuries during the international break, meaning that Koeman has a strong squad to choose from.

Oscar Mingueza could again get the nod over Ronald Araujo to start in a back three, while Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele should feature alongside Lionel Messi in the final third of the field.

As for Valladolid, Jota, Pablo Hervias, Raul Garcia and Kiko Olivas are all still unavailable through injury, while Fabian Orellana will be unable to play on Monday through suspension.

The visitors will also be without the services of Joaquin Fernandez, Michel, Kike Perez, Luis Perez and Roberto Jimenez, with all five players returning positive coronavirus tests.

Sergi Guardiola and Shon Weismann are again likely to feature as the front two for Valladolid, while Jordi Masip, Javi Sanchez and Bruno Gonzalez should all come into the first XI.

Barcelona possible starting lineup:

Ter Stegen; Mingueza, De Jong, Lenglet; Dest, Busquets, Pedri, Alba; Dembele, Messi, Griezmann

Real Valladolid possible starting lineup:

Masip; Sanchez, Gonzalez, El Yamiq; Janko, Alcaraz, Mesa, Olaza; Plano; Weissman, Guardiola

We say: Barcelona 3-0 Real Valladolid

Barca are in excellent form at the moment and put six past Real Sociedad just before the international break. Valladolid will be missing a number of important players on Monday, and it is therefore extremely difficult to predict anything other than a comfortable victory for Koeman's side.

Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting over 2.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.

3 April 2021
talksport.com
Thomas Tuchel's Chelsea honeymoon over? Manager faces huge task to lift 'bewildered' Blues for Porto clash after shock 5-2 defeat to West Brom
Thomas Tuchel's honeymoon period at Chelsea is over after the Blues' shocking Premier League defeat to in-trouble West Brom.
3 April 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Team News: Aston Villa vs. Fulham injury, suspension list
Aston Villa host Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday, with the visitors desperately looking for a victory which could take them out of the relegation zone. Villa, meanwhile, have dropped to 10th in the table after winning only one of their last seven matches. Here, Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest team news for both sides.
3 April 2021
talksport.com
Police called, taunting celebrations, red cards: Karl Robinson alleges Sunderland coach HEADBUTTED Oxford United goalkeeper in fiery League One clash
You'll struggle to find a more lively encounter this Easter weekend than Sunderland's League One clash against Oxford United.
3 April 2021
talksport.com
Arsenal vs Liverpool LIVE commentary and confirmed teams: How to follow huge Premier League clash on talkSPORT as both sides make changes
It's Arsenal vs Liverpool on Saturday evening and what a game to close GameDay with. The Gunners won this exact fixture 2-1 last season and are looking to beat Liverpool in consecutive home league games for the first time since April 2015. And we're hoping for a cracker because no fixture in Premier League history has seen more goals scored than this one with 166).
3 April 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Rivaldo: 'Barcelona must sign Sergio Aguero this summer' -
Former Barcelona forward Rivaldo has urged Ronald Koeman 's side to sign Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero on a free transfer this summer. Aguero will be leaving the Etihad Stadium when his contract expires at the end of June, and Barca have allegedly already opened talks with the 32-year-old over a potential move to Camp Nou.
3 April 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Juventus 'want to offload Paulo Dybala as soon as possible' -
Juventus have reportedly placed Paulo Dybala on the transfer list and are determined to sell the Argentina international during this summer's window. The 27-year-old has only scored three times for the Old Lady during the 2020-21 campaign, missing long spells of action due to a troublesome knee problem.
3 April 2021
talksport.com
Callum Robinson haunts Chelsea like Sergio Aguero in worst home rout by promoted side since 1986 as Big Sam sets new record - crazy stats behind West Brom win
We're calling it: that's the biggest shock of the Premier League season so far - bigger than Aston Villa hitting seven against Liverpool.
3 April 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Roma 'hold talks over summer Olivier Giroud move' - Sports
Roma director Tiago Pinto reportedly met with representatives of Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud on Friday to discuss a possible summer move. Giroud has scored 11 times in 24 appearances for the Blues during the 2020-21 campaign, but the Frenchman's existing deal at Stamford Bridge is due to expire at the end of June.
3 April 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Erling Braut Haaland 'wants to join Real Madrid this summer'
Borussia Dortmund forward Erling Braut Haaland is reportedly determined to join Real Madrid during this summer's transfer window. The 20-year-old has scored 33 times in 31 appearances for BVB this season, while he has netted 49 goals in 49 outings for the Bundesliga club since arriving from Red Bull Salzburg.
3 April 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Paul Merson: 'Liverpool must beat Arsenal'
Former Arsenal forward Paul Merson has branded Saturday's Premier League clash between the Gunners and Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium a 'must-win' game for Jurgen Klopp 's side. Liverpool are currently seventh in the table, five points behind fourth-placed Chelsea, while Arsenal sit down in ninth position, nine points off the Champions League positions.
3 April 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Result: Huddersfield 1-1 Brentford: Bees drop two points in
Mads Bech Sorensen 's second-half equaliser at Huddersfield moved Brentford up to third in the Championship table but Thomas Frank 's men sit nine points adrift of the top two. A run of one win from their last six away contests has undermined the Bees' automatic promotion hopes and the visitors had to come behind in this encounter after gifting Lewis O'Brien an early goal in West Yorkshire.
3 April 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Result: Chelsea 2-5 West Brom: Five-star Baggies stun 10-man
Matheus Pereira 's fine brace sparked West Brom's stunning 5-2 Premier League rout of 10-man Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Thiago Silva was sent off for two yellow cards after just 29 minutes as Thomas Tuchel 's 14-match unbeaten start at the Chelsea helm came to a startling end. Brazilian forward Pereira took his two goals in first-class fashion before Callum Robinson's double and a smart finish from Mbaye Diagne sealed relegation-battling West Brom's first win in four league games.
3 April 2021
talksport.com
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 'not a leader like Roy Keane or Steven Gerrard' and shouldn't be Arsenal captain as striker blamed for Gunners' bad season
Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is 'not a leader' on or off the pitch for Arsenal and his poor performances have been a huge reason behind the club's struggles this season.
3 April 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Result: Dumbarton 0-1 Aberdeen: Callum Hendry sends visitors
Aberdeen netted for only the second time in the last two months as substitute Callum Hendry 's late winner squeezed them past Dumbarton and into the fourth round of the Scottish Cup. The on-loan St Johnstone striker was the last man to net for the Dons with his winner against Kilmarnock back on February 20.
3 April 2021
talksport.com
West Brom 'play like Brazil' to EMBARRASS ten-man Chelsea as Thomas Tuchel loses first Blues match by getting hit for FIVE at home
West Brom produced one of the biggest upsets of the season by smashing ten-man Chelsea 5-2 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
3 April 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Team News: Newcastle vs. Spurs injury, suspension list
Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur return to Premier League action on Sunday with a clash at St James' Park. The hosts have been on a poor run of form and are just two points above the dropzone, while Tottenham are three points off the top four. Here, Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest team news for the two clubs.
3 April 2021
talksport.com
Branislav Ivanovic has nightmare return to Chelsea as he gets injured 13 minutes after coming on in Premier League clash
Branislav Ivanovic experienced a nightmare return to Chelsea, lasting just 13 minutes at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. The Serbian defender enjoyed many highs in his nine-year career with the west London side, however, his first appearance against them was one to forget. He entered the fray on 24 minutes as he replaced West Brom defender Dara O'Shea.
3 April 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
How do David de Gea and Dean Henderson compare in between the
Manchester United head into Sunday's Premier League home clash against Brighton with a question mark hanging over which of David De Gea or Dean Henderson will play in goal. While this season has seen Henderson mainly used in cups, he has featured in the last six matches in all competitions after De Gea returned to Spain for the birth of his first child.
3 April 2021
talksport.com
Thiago Silva must hate playing West Brom as 29th-minute red card follows shocker on Chelsea debut against Baggies
Thiago Silva has only had two shockers in a Chelsea shirt - and they've both come against West Brom. The 36-year-old veteran didn't hang around for long on his return from injury, getting two yellow cards within 29 minutes against West Brom on Saturday. Silva, who had been out for two months due to injury, showed uncharacteristic rustiness, first tugging back Matheus Pereira and then catching Okay Yokuslu with a late challenge.
3 April 2021
talksport.com
Timo Werner likened to Jean-Pierre Papin, who won Ballon d'Or and scored goals for fun, as Chelsea striker 'causes havoc' without finishing
Former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino has urged Timo Werner not to get too down, suggesting the out-of-form player has what it takes to be a top forward. In fact, the talkSPORT host has compared the Chelsea and Germany star to former France international Jean-Pierre Papin, who once won the Ballon d'Or and had a great knack for finding the net.
3 April 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Sheffield Wednesday vs. Cardiff City - prediction
Two sides in identical form face off at Hillsborough on Monday evening as relegation-threatened Sheffield Wednesday host top-six chasing Cardiff City. Wednesday remain inside the bottom three after losing 1-0 to Watford on Friday, while Cardiff went down 1-0 to Nottingham Forest to leave their promotion hopes hanging by a thread.
3 April 2021
talksport.com
Erling Haaland 'doesn't fit' at Man City with in-demand Borussia Dortmund star a 'more viable signing for Chelsea or Manchester United'
Erling Haaland would NOT be a good signing for Manchester City this summer.
3 April 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Scott Parker hopes Fulham can follow in Aston Villa's
Fulham boss Scott Parker has pointed to Aston Villa 's progression since retaining their Premier League status as an example to be followed. The Cottagers travel to Villa Park on Sunday knowing a victory could well see them move out of the bottom three. Parker's side go into the weekend two points behind 17th-place Newcastle, having lost their last two fixtures.
3 April 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Ezri Konsa sets sights on England call-up after new Villa
Ezri Konsa has targeted an England call-up after signing a new deal at Aston Villa. The defender has penned a fresh five-year contract at Villa Park after impressing this season. He has helped Villa keep 14 clean sheets in the Premier League - only behind Manchester City and Chelsea. Konsa has been playing alongside England centre-back Tyrone Mings and wants to follow his team-mate into the Three Lions squad.
3 April 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Sean Dyche excited for Burnley's future after
Burnley boss Sean Dyche is optimistic about plans for the club following "healthy and open" talks with new chairman Alan Pace. Pace has been in situ a little over three months, following the takeover by ALK Capital, and has already backed Dyche as the man to take the Clarets forward. While Burnley still have work to do to guarantee a sixth-successive season in the Premier League, Dyche and Pace are working on a "plan of attack" to keep the club moving in the right direction.
3 April 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Team News: Southampton vs. Burnley injury, suspension list
Southampton will welcome Burnley to St Mary's in the Premier League on Sunday, with the home side hoping to claim their first top-flight victory since the start of January. Both sides currently sit seven points above the relegation zone, and here, Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest team news for the two clubs.
3 April 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Stoke City vs. Millwall - prediction, team news
Something has to give at the bet365 Stadium on Monday afternoon as Stoke City and Millwall both look to extend their winning streaks in the Championship. Both sides have won back-to-back league matches and are locked on the same number of points in mid-table, with the top six not yet out of reach.ni Match preview © Reuters Stoke's wins over Derby County and Bristol City either side of the international break has lifted them up to 11th, eight points adrift of the playoffs.
3 April 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Good Friday's Championship predictions including Bournemouth
Bournemouth vs. Middlesbrough (Friday, 3.00pm) © Reuters Promotion rivals Bournemouth and Middlesbrough meet at the Vitality Stadium on Friday afternoon in a huge Championship clash. Bournemouth are three points adrift of the playoffs with a game in hand, while Boro are three points further back and cannot afford to lose this match.
3 April 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Blackburn Rovers vs. Bournemouth - prediction, team
Bournemouth will be looking to break back into the Championship playoff spots when they travel to Blackburn Rovers on Monday afternoon. The Cherries made it back-to-back league wins with victory over Middlesbrough on Friday, while Blackburn's poor run continued with a 1-0 loss at bottom side Wycombe Wanderers.
3 April 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Middlesbrough vs. Watford - prediction, team news
Watford will be looking to tighten their grip on an automatic promotion spot in the Championship when they travel to top-six chasing Middlesbrough on Monday afternoon. The Hornets have won six games in a row to open up a healthy gap on the chasing pack, while Boro have lost back-to-back matches to lose ground on the playoffs.
3 April 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
How Crystal Palace could line up against Everton - Sports
Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson may have to cope without as many as eight players for his side's trip to Goodison Park to take on Everton on Monday evening. The Eagles' defence is the worst-hit by their injury crisis, as Mamadou Sakho and James Tomkins are expected to remain out for a little while longer, while Cheikhou Kouyate has returned late from international duty and will need to be assessed before he can feature.
3 April 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
How Everton could line up against Crystal Palace - Sports
Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti will hope to welcome James Rodriguez back to the fold for Monday's Premier League battle with Crystal Palace at Goodison Park. The Colombian playmaker trained well over the international break as he looks to shake off a calf problem, and his return could see Alex Iwobi and Gylfi Sigurdsson both make do with spots on the bench.
3 April 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Nuno Espirito Santo taking no notice of the Premier League
Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo insists the Premier League table means nothing to him. Nuno's side have struggled to maintain their form this season and host Champions League-chasing West Ham at Molineux on Monday. Serious injuries have robbed Wolves of Raul Jimenez and Jonny for large parts of the season, while Matt Doherty and Diogo Jota were sold last summer.
3 April 2021
talksport.com
Thomas Tuchel makes Thiago Silva decision as Chelsea starting XI for West Brom clash is confirmed with misfiring Timo Werner backed
Thiago Silva has been thrown straight back into the Chelsea starting XI to face West Brom following his return to fitness. The 36-year-old veteran has been out since February 4 and the Blues have conceded just two goals in his absence. But despite their defensive solidity, Thomas Tuchel has found a place for his former PSG captain in the Chelsea back line ahead of Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger as West Brom travel to Stamford Bridge - live on talkSPORT at 12:30.
3 April 2021
sportsmole.co.uk
Gareth Ainsworth: 'Wycombe are not dead and buried' - Sports
Gareth Ainsworth pointed to a change in formation as the key to a crucial 1-0 win over Blackburn that he believes can inspire bottom club Wycombe to an unlikely escape from the Sky Bet Championship drop. Fred Onyedinma headed home early in the second half from a Joe Jacobson corner to guide the Chairboys to only their seventh victory of the season, that leaves them eight points behind 21st-placed Birmingham with seven games remaining.
3 April 2021
talksport.com
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been 'exploited defensively' and Jurgen Klopp 'went too far' by questioning Liverpool full-back's England omission
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been exposed and 'exploited' at the back this season and didn't deserve a call-up to the latest England squad, believes Tony Cascarino.
Show more

Top News

10 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leicester City have reportedly sent scouts to assess transfer targets currently playing for Europa League-participating clubs. 10 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly identified another potential successor to head coach Ange Postecoglou. 10 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool have seemingly been handed a major injury boost ahead of facing Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night. 10 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Buoyed from beating leaders Leeds United at the weekend, Portsmouth will look to claim a second straight win when they welcome Plymouth Argyle to Fratton Park for Wednesday's Championship clash. 10 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Aiming to book their place in the Champions League quarter-finals, Aston Villa welcome Club Brugge to Birmingham on Wednesday, starting the second leg of the sides' last-16 tie with a two-goal advantage. 10 March 2025 talksport.com Simon Jordan picked apart Roy Keane for questioning Arsenal and Mikel Arteta's mentality after their 1-1 draw with Manchester United. 10 March 2025 talksport.com Liverpool's new £300 million multi-year adidas kit deal is one of the most lucrative deals the Premier League has ever seen. 10 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman has told Joshua Zirkzee that he has not been selected for March's international fixtures because he's "not good enough at the moment". 10 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Arsenal are reportedly monitoring the progress of Bologna forward Santiago Castro as they add a new name to their shortlist of summer attacking options. 10 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Real Madrid will look to get the job when they visit local rivals Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie at the Metropolitano on Wednesday. 10 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United are reportedly running the rule over Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Aynsley Pears as they search for a possible successor to Andre Onana. 10 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk The return of Jude Bellingham is set to be the only change to the Real Madrid XI when they face rivals Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie on Wednesday. 10 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone could make a slight tactical tweak for the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie with Real Madrid, after losing 2-1 at the Bernabeu last week. 10 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid reconvene for the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie at the Metropolitano on Wednesday night, with Los Blancos leading 2-1 after a nail-biting clash last week. 10 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Wolverhampton Wanderers playmaker Pablo Sarabia has reportedly already agreed to leave Molineux this summer. 10 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea play host to Copenhagen on Thursday evening looking to earn a place in the last 16 of the Conference League. 10 March 2025 talksport.com The Sidemen Charity Match hit eight million live views on YouTube, nearly double the amount expected for Sunday's Carabao Cup final. 10 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk RB Leipzig head coach Marco Rose has given an update on whether he sees Aston Villa loanee Kosta Nedeljkovic in his future plans. 10 March 2025 talksport.com Declan Rice's equaliser left everyone of an Arsenal persuasion delighted - well, almost everyone. 10 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester City have reportedly sent scouts to assess the development of one of Crystal Palace's star players. 10 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea are reportedly ready to join the race to sign Sunderland midfielder Jobe Bellingham during the summer transfer window. 10 March 2025 talksport.com Liverpool have announced a new multi-year partnership with adidas as their official kit partner. 10 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Arsenal right-back Ben White could be in line for his first start of 2025 when the Gunners host PSV Eindhoven in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 clash on Wednesday night. 10 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Barring one of the most extraordinary comebacks in football history let alone the Champions League, Arsenal will be celebrating progression to the quarter-finals after Wednesday's last-16 second leg at home to PSV Eindhoven. 10 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk is reportedly in line to be offered a contract by three high-profile European clubs. 10 March 2025 talksport.com Bruno Fernandes gathered huge plaudits for his stunning free-kick, but two teammates appear to have been the unsung heroes. 10 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Potentially the most important 90 minutes of Tottenham Hotspur's season so far, the Lilywhites welcome AZ Alkmaar to North London for Thursday's Europa League last-16 second leg. 10 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Only the collapse of all collapses will prevent Arsenal from reaching the Champions League quarter-finals when they welcome PSV Eindhoven to the Emirates for Wednesday's last-16 second leg. 10 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk All transfer business is done and dusted for this season, but that doesn't stop clubs from preparing ahead for next season. 9 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool manager Arne Slot has moved closer to joining an exclusive club of Premier League managers following a pleasing weekend of action for the rampant Reds.
Wed 12 Mar, 20:00
R16
Arsenal Arsenal
-
sch
PSV PSV
Sat 15 Mar, 14:00
A
Udinese Udinese
-
sch
Verona Verona