MX23RW : Tuesday, October 9 22:12:49
Oct 7, 2018 at 7.45pm UK at ​Estadio de Mestalla (Valencia)
Attendance: 46,249
Valencia
1-1
Barcelona
Garay (2')
FT(HT: 1-1)
Messi (23')

How Barcelona could line up against Valencia

Sports Mole looks at how Barcelona could line up against Valencia as the Spanish champions look to end a three-match winless streak in La Liga.

Barcelona rediscovered their winning touch at Wembley on Wednesday night with a Lionel Messi-inspired 4-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, and they will be looking to carry that through to Sunday's clash with Valencia.

The Spanish champions will arrive at the Mestalla having been given a couple of let-offs by their title rivals in recent weeks, still sitting top of the table despite dropping seven points from their last three games.

Barca have not gone four La Liga games without a win since April 2016, but take on a Valencia side with just one victory to their name all season, despite their fourth-place finish last term.

Here, Sports Mole looks at how Ernesto Valverde could set his side up for the match.



Possible BAR XI vs. VAL

Out: Samuel Umtiti (ankle), Sergi Roberto (muscle)
Doubt: Luis Suarez (knee)

The big team news for Barcelona surrounds Luis Suarez, who has emerged as a doubt for this match due to a knee injury.

However, if the Uruguayan passes a late fitness test then he should lead the line as usual in a front three alongside Messi - so majestic at Wembley - and Ousmane Dembele, who missed the win over Spurs.

Dembele's inclusion would likely see Philippe Coutinho drop into a deeper role rather than miss out entirely, with Arthur the most at risk of losing his place in the team despite earning praise for his performance against Tottenham.

Samuel Umtiti's continued absence means that Clement Lenglet will partner Gerard Pique once again, while Sergi Roberto picked up a muscular injury last weekend and so Nelson Semedo is expected to retain his place at right-back.

Share this article now:

Who will win Sunday's La Liga clash between Valencia and Barcelona?

Valencia
Draw
Barcelona
Valencia
10.4%
Draw
22.9%
Barcelona
66.7%
Barcelona forward Lionel Messi celebrates with teammates after scoring during his side's La Liga match against Girona on September 23, 2018
Read Next:
How Barcelona could line up against Spurs
>

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Sevilla85121881016
2Barcelona84311991015
3Atletico MadridAtletico843194515
4AlavesAlaves8422118314
5Real Madrid8422127514
6Espanyol8422117414
7Real Valladolid833276112
8Real Betis833256-112
9Real Sociedad83231211111
10Celta Vigo82421312110
11Levante83141214-210
12EibarEibar8314912-310
13Getafe823367-19
14Valencia816167-19
15GironaGirona82331013-39
16Villarreal822467-18
17Athletic Bilbao7142913-47
18Leganes8215712-57
19Rayo Vallecano7124715-85
20Huesca8125718-115

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Login, I already have my ad-free pass
Log in to customise Sports Mole
Buy ad-free access (show me the options)
Buy monthly ad-free access for £1.20/month
Buy yearly ad-free access for £12 (2 months free)
Settings - Logout - Manage your account
Settings - Logout - Manage your account