The Catalans have not lost to Camp Nou in the last 16 matches and a definitive victory on Thursday would be a very important step towards Copey del Rey’s last act.

After the previous rounds of Barcelona did not win, the Catalans will want to secure a bigger advantage after the Camp Nou on Thursday. The return is coming to a halt, Barcelona only managing a draw on Mestalla in the La Liga match. On Camp Nou, the Catalans have not had much trouble for a while. Barcelona has won 15 of the last 16 matches played at home.

Valencia comes to Catalunya after three consecutive defeats. Las Palmas ‘surprise victory was followed by Alaves’ regular success in the cup. “The bats” have got the qualification after the penalty shootout. There followed the difficult match with Real Madrid, where, with two suspended backs, Valencia could not compete on a level playing field. The guests will still be motivated by the result of the match played with Barcelona in the championship, ended with the score of 1-1 and the fact that the return match is played in front of their fans.

Barcelona won only two of the last five matches with Valencia. The Catalans will remember with delight the previous match they played in Copa del Rey on Camp Nou. Two seasons ago, still in the semifinals, Barcelona won 7-0 against Valencia.

Probable teams:

Ousmane Dembele will miss the first half of the semifinals, while Thomas Vermaelen is uncertain. The rest of the players will be available for Valverde.

Gabriel Paulista and Ruben Vezo are again available after being suspended for the La Liga match. Gonzalo Guedes could be protected after an injury suffered last season. Thus, Toni Lato and Jose Gaya could collaborate on the left flank.

FC Barcelona (4-4-2)
Cillessen – Alba, Umtiti, Pique, Roberto – Iniesta, Busquets, Paulinho, Rakitic – Suarez, Messi

Valencia (4-4-2)
Neto – Lato, Garay, Vezo, Montoya – Gaya, Kondogbia, Parejo, Soler – Moreno, Mina

PREDICTION: Over 3.5 goals @ 1.68