LaLiga 2022-23: Real Valladolid vs Barcelona: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Relegation-threatened Real Valladolid are set to host LaLiga champions Barcelona as they look to survive in the Spanish top flight

In LaLiga, Valladolid were sitting well clear of the drop zone but a run of poor results have dragged them back into the mud. They have lost their last five league fixtures and face an uphill task for survival. Paulo Pezzolano’s team will have to ensure they get a positive result against the Catalan giants Barcelona in order to first end their losing streak and then move out of the drop zone.

Meanwhile, the visitors have already won the league. However, they lost against Real Sociedad last time and would be eager to bounce back. While they don’t really have anything to play for, they will be eager to end the season on a high. As a result, they might not make wholesale changes to the XI that took the field in their last fixture which ended in a defeat.

Kick-Off:

Tuesday, 23 May 2023 at 4:00 PM ET

Wednesday, 24 May 2023 at 1:30 AM IST

Location: José Zorrilla stadium

Form

Real Valladolid (in all competitions): L-L-L-L-L

Barcelona (in all competitions): L-W-W-W-L

Players to Watch

Cyle Larin (Real Valladolid)

Cyle Larin has been an impact player for Valladolid. The striker on loan from Belgian side, Club Brugge KV has been a massive hit. Having arrived just in the January transfer window, he has bagged 7 goals and 2 assists over 16 LaLiga games.

Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)

The Poland international is leading the Golden Boot race with 22 goals. And on his tail is Real Madrid's Karim Benzema with 17 goals. The home side will be wary of the former FC Bayern striker. As he has already scored twice in the reverse fixture back in August 2022. The game ended Barcelona 4-0 Real Valladolid.

Match Facts

• Barcelona has only conceded 15 goals in their entire La Liga campaign
• FC Barca's striker, Robert Lewandowski is topping the charts of the league in terms of goals with 22 already in the bag.
• Real Valladolid has the second-lowest GD at -32. While the one with the lowest GD at -38, Elche has already been relegated.

Injury & Team News

Due to injury, real Valladolid will miss Luis Perez, Selim Amallah, and Anuar Tuhami. And while Martin Hongla is suspended.

For FC Barcelona, Gavi returns from suspension. Pedri and Ronald Araujo are likely to be back after minor muscular problems. Raphinha is likely to feature in the final third.

Head to Head

Total Matches – 19

Real Valladolid wins – 1

Barcelona wins – 16

Draws – 2

Predicted Lineup

Real Valladolid predicted lineup (3-4-3)

Masip (GK); Fernandez, Sanchez, El Yamiq; Rosa, Monchu, Aguado, Olaza; Plata, Marin, Leon

Barcelona predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

M. ter Stegen (GK); A. Balde, A. Christensen, R. Araujo, J. Kounde; F. de jong, Sergio Busquets; Gavi, Pedri, Raphinha; R. Lewandowski

Match Prediction for Real Valladolid vs Barcelona

Barcelona are the clear favorite heading into the match against Real Valladolid. Barcelona, despite their recent loss to Real Sociedad, have already secured the La Liga title and possess a strong away record this season. Real Valladolid, on the other hand, is struggling for points and finds themselves in the relegation zone.

Furthermore, Real Valladolid has lost their last five games in La Liga, including a 4-0 defeat against Barcelona earlier in the season. Barcelona will be motivated to bounce back from their recent loss and end their successful domestic campaign on a positive note.

Considering these factors, it is likely that Barcelona will have the upper hand and emerge as the victors in this match.

Prediction: Real Valladolid 2-4 Barcelona

Telecast

India – Jio TV

USA – ESPN+

United Kingdom – Free Sports

Nigeria – Supersport, StarTimes, Canal+