Valladolid are still in the league's dreaded relegation zone. However, they are just three points shy of Almeria, who face the realistic prospect of losing to Sevilla later in the weekend.
Under normal circumstances Valladolid would have absolutely no chance of beating Barcelona this weekend.
However, this Valladolid team has gained some meaningful momentum in 2014 and lost just once in the last five matches. The La Liga stragglers will also be encouraged by the fact that Barcelona haven't been as clinical as they ought to be this season.
Just last month they were handed a 1-3 drubbing by Real Sociedad, a result which would have created a considerable amount of doubt as the Catalans continue with their difficult title defence.
Valladolid have lost their last five matches against Barcelona and it is quite possible there will be a reversal of fortunes this weekend.
Barcelona defender and captain Carles Puyol, is reportedly unlikely to play this weekend, while Gerard Pique is back in training and recovering well from a calf injury.
In addition Jonathan dos Santos' cruciate ligament injury continues to rule him out of the football action this weekend. Isaac Cuenca is still experiencing hamstring troubles and is only expected to make his return this April.
While the Barcelona team travelling to Valladolid this weekend is not a significantly weaker one, there are notable absentees and the hosts will be well aware of it.
Valladolid do have problems of their own though, as it would appear that Jeffren, who is struggling with a hamstring problem is still likely to miss out on the action this weekend, while Gilberto Garcia is still being monitored daily. Alcatraz, Heinz Barmettler and Victor Perez are all back in training and should be available to play this weekend.
