Barcelona are looking to maintain their perfect record at the beginning of the 2024/25 La Liga season when they host Real Valladolid this Saturday.

Newly-appointed Hansi Flick has guided Barcelona to three successive 2-1 victories, the most recent a comeback win against Rayo Vallecano in midweek. Dani Olmo enjoyed a dream debut as his second-half strike won it for La Blaugrana and sent them to the summit of the league table.

Real Valladolid tasted defeat at the hands of Barca’s Clasico rivals Real Madrid last weekend but secured a hard-fought point at home to Leganes midweek. Goals have been an issue for them though, with just one scored across their opening three games.

While Barca boast a phenomenal record against Real Valladolid in recent seasons – winning seven of the last eight meetings – they were beaten 3-1 in the most recent duel in 2023. Having said that, the Catalan giants had already been crowned La Liga champions ahead of that particular clash.

Here is 90min’s guide to Barcelona vs Real Valladolid.

Barcelona vs Real Valladolid H2H Record (Last Five Games)

Current form (all competitions)

Barca’s injury list was added to on Tuesday evening as 17-year-old La Masia graduate Marc Bernal cruelly tore his anterior cruciate ligament in the win over Rayo Vallecano. He joins fellow midfielders Gavi and Frenkie de Jong on the sidelines.

In defence, Barca are missing Eric Garcia, Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen at centre-back, with the latter having also performed as a defensive midfielder over the past year. Ansu Fati is also on the treatment table with a foot problem.

Olmo could earn his first start for Barca after a heroic debut, likely coming in for Ferran Torres. Raphinha should return to the wing to allow the summer signing his favoured attacking midfield role.

Barcelona predicted lineup vs Real Valladolid (4-2-3-1): Ter Stegen; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde; Casado, Pedri; Raphinha, Olmo, Yamal; Lewandowski.

Real Valladolid don’t have too many injuries or absentees for their trip to Catalonia, although Moroccan winger Anuar is still sidelined with a hernia. Raul Moro is also a doubt after coming off injured against Leganes.

Manager Paulo Pezzolano is likely to name a similar side to the one that fell to defeat at the Bernabeu, with emphasis on defence over attack.

Real Valladolid predicted lineup vs Barcelona (4-1-4-1): Hein; L. Perez, Comert, Boyomo, Rosa; Juric; I. Sanchez, K. Perez, Meseguer, Moro; Sylla.

Barca’s bid to reclaim their La Liga crown has started swimmingly and there shouldn’t be any hiccups against newly-promoted Valladolid. The Spanish minnows, who are owned by former Blaugrana striker Ronaldo, will struggle to lay a glove on Flick’s side.

Robert Lewandowski has already managed three goals in as many games at the start of the season, Lamine Yamal has continued his red hot Euro 2024 form and Olmo’s arrival spells trouble for the division’s defences.

Unfortunately for Real Valladolid, they could suffer the same fate as they did at the Bernabeu last weekend.

Prediction: Barcelona 3-0 Real Valladolid

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