These two teams have already met three times this season, FC Barcelona won 2-0 for the Copa del Rey on February 8 and the other two games finished in draws (one in La Liga and one for the Copa del Rey).

FC Barcelona is second in the La Liga standings 10 points behind Real Madrid by 10 points following a disastrous 3-2 loss to Osasuna last Saturday. Valencia on the other hand is placed third, eight points behind FC Barcelona and eight points over Levante.

The key to this game will be the battle between Lionel Messi and the Valencia defense. Messi has scored just one goal in his last six games, which is considered a slump for a player with his talent. That slump includes the two Copa del Rey games against Valencia. The Argentinian's lack of offensive punch in the last few games is a major reason why Real Madrid is in first place.

Valencia and other have not let Messi dominate the game, their attitude has been if somebody else is going to step up and score key goals, so be it, but Messi will not score.

My Soccer Free Picks: we will see more of the same in this game but FC Barcelona will find a way to win. I will take the under because Valencia can defend well.