Barcelona vs Valencia online

After finishing joint top-scorer in South Africa with Germany’s Thomas Muller, winning the World Cup and then becoming Spain’s record goalscorer in midweek, Villa’s 2010 has gone rather swimmingly so far.But Villa’s form is not an isolated case as while they are unsurprisingly fourth in La Liga, the Blaugrana still don’t look the side they were six months ago.

Defeat against Hercules last month was a huge shock but perhaps more troubling was the draw with Mallorca, where Guardiola’s side dominated for huge swathes of the game. but could not find their killer touch.

Which is precisely what €40m (Dh205.9m) was supposed to buy them when they signed Villa.






Captain Carles Puyol insists their lack of ruthlessness has to stop and is relishing today’s contest.

Puyol said: “It is not normal that we have let five points go against teams that are theoretically lower than us. Teams have been highly motivated against us and have shown that anyone can beat anyone. Things are very even.

“Valencia are a solid team and it will be difficult. They saw important players leave, but other good ones have joined and we will have to be attentive. If they continue playing like they have been then they could stay up there. They are one of the best teams at the moment.”

Villa successfully completed training yesterday after picking up a minor injury in the 3-2 win over Scotland for Spain while both Xavi and Pedro were also surprise participants, having initially thought to be struggling for the match.

Puyol added: “They are important players for us and I am pleased that they have recovered. I hope that they can play. Villa is one of the best strikers in the world and will score a lot of goals. I do not understand anyone that doubts Xavi. His statistics show everything. He always wants to play. If he is not playing it is because he is injured.”