For Barcelona, it is pretty much just playing for pride the rest of the way. Last weekend’s El Clasico ended any remaining La Liga title hopes, so that means, officially, there are no trophies left to compete for now. Up next is a Monday night clash at home to Valencia CF; and this clash will complete the next La Liga weekend slate of action.
Now that the Xavi will be staying news is official, we’ll see what kind of spark that provides in the team.
FC Barcelona vs Valencia CF FYIs
Kickoff: Mon. Apr. 29, 8pm, Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, Barcelona, Spain
Barca Preview Material: Team News Starting XI Prediction
La Liga Standing: Barca 2nd, 70 pts, LWWWW Valencia CF 8th, 47 pts LWWDL
Transatlantic Passage: How the Premier League Redefined Soccer in America: LINK
Google Result Probability: Barca 70% Draw 18% Valencia CF 12%
Maybe they’ll get fired up for their leader, and show some really improved form.
FC Barcelona Starting XI Prediction vs Valencia CF
Marc-Andre ter Stegen; Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, Joao Cancelo; Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Andreas Christensen; Joao Felix, Raphinha; Robert Lewandowski
Paul M. Banks is the Founding Editor of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He currently contributes to Ravens Wire, part of the USA Today SMG’s NFL Wire Network and the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America. His past bylines include the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated, Chicago Tribune and the Washington Times. You can follow him on Twitter.