Valencia will host La Liga champions Barcelona at Mestalla on Saturday in one of the most important matches of their season. Los Che remain in contention for a European place after putting together a three-match unbeaten run.

Barcelona, meanwhile, have already secured the league title but will still aim to finish the campaign with another victory.

Valencia vs Barcelona key stats

At least five goals were scored in four of the last five H2Hs

Barcelona won their last five meetings with Valencia

Four of Valencia’s last five matches produced fewer than nine corners

Valencia still chasing Europe

Despite going down to 10 men last weekend, Valencia completed a remarkable comeback victory over Real Sociedad to keep their European hopes alive.

Carlos Corberan’s side are currently ninth in the table, just two points behind seventh-placed Getafe. However, Valencia will also need favourable results elsewhere to secure a European finish.

Injury concerns for the hosts

Valencia remain without several important players including Arnaut Danjuma, Jose Copete, Lucas Beltran, Jose Luis Gaya and Renzo Saravia due to injury. Eray Comert is suspended following his red card last weekend.

Barcelona looking to finish strongly

Barcelona defeated Real Betis 3-1 last weekend and became the first La Liga side since the 1985/86 season to complete a perfect home campaign.

Hansi Flick’s men have already wrapped up a second consecutive league title and have also been the best away team in Spain this season.

Lamine Yamal still unavailable

Frenkie de Jong and Ferran Torres have returned to training and could feature on Saturday, but Lamine Yamal remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Prediction

Barcelona are priced as favourites despite already securing the title. Their dominance in recent meetings with Valencia has been overwhelming, with the Catalans scoring at least five goals in each of the last three H2Hs.

Given Valencia’s need to attack and Barcelona’s explosive forward line, another high-scoring encounter looks likely.

Prediction

Barcelona over 2.5 goals