La Liga: Where to watch Valencia vs Barcelona live on February 20, 2022

Topics: TV Schedules, Valencia, Barcelona, La Liga

The Catalan giants return to action on Sunday, with Xavi's men keen on returning to winning ways after suffering back-to-back draws.

Preview

Barcelona's campaign to make the top four continues, with the Spanish giants returning to action in La Liga on Sunday. The Blaugrana will be keen on sealing all three points during this round but will unfortunately be in for a tough ride as the heavyweight will make the trip to Valencia.

It felt like just yesterday when the Catalan outfit beat Atletico Madrid 4-2 to leapfrog Simeone's men into the top four, sparking hopes of a turnaround under Xavi. However, the next two results that have followed since have been disappointing for Pedri and Co.

Straight after that victory over Los Rojiblancos, the Camp Nou outfit visited Espanyol in the always-heated Catalan Derby, and just as everyone expected, it was a tense 90 minutes of football. Four goals were scored, two from each club, while three players were sent off. Barcelona went from being 1-0 up early on in the game to going 2-1 down only for Luuk de Jong to rescue them a point, with the fringe player heading Adama Traoe's lovely cross past the opposition keeper.

That result was enough to keep the club in the top four, but not for long. After that came a Europa League showdown with Napoli, with the Blaugrana hosting the Italian giants only to draw once again, this time by a 1-1 score line. Ferran Torres netted the equalizer from a penalty, but the Spanish attacker missed a number of opportunities throughout the game which could eventually prove costly should they struggle in Naples.

Both Atletico Madrid and Villarreal triumphed on Saturday, meaning Xavi's side have temporarily dropped to sixth. As a result, the visitors must return to winning ways no matter the cost. While La Mestalla isn't the easiest ground to visit, Valencia's home form this season hasn't been great, which will be music to the ears of Barcelona fans.

Yes, Los Che are through to the Copa del Rey semifinals, where they are battling with Athletic Club for a spot in the final. However, in La Liga, Valencia are without a win since December 20.

Jose Bordalas's crew have amassed 30 points from 24 outings this term, which leaves them in 12th, with an eight-point gap separating them from the top six. With only two points from their last six fixtures and 18 points from 12 home outings this term, things are looking bleak for the hosts.

They drew 1-1 with Athletic Club in the penultimate stage of the Copa del Rey not too long ago, which will give them a slimmer of hope. Nonetheless, victory will be the goal from Valencia come Sunday's showdown with Barcelona.

Team news

Valencia: Unlike Barcelona, the home side boast no concerns bar Jasper Cillessen and Gabriel Paulista, with the aforementioned duo being Valencia's only injuries.

Barcelona: Gerard Pique and Dani Alves are both suspended for this game. Additionally, Ronald Araujo, Clement Lenglet and Samuel Umtiti are all injured, leaving Xavi with a selection headache at the back. Elsewhere, Memphis Depay, Sergi Roberto and Ansu Fati are also sidelined.

Key stats

Barcelona will be looking to beat Valencia for a third consecutive league game, having last pull this off in 2011.
Los Che are winless in their last three home encounters.
The Blaugrana are unbeaten in their last eight games (W4, D4).