After running a 4-0 rout on English Premier league leaders Manchester City, FC Barcelona will be visiting Mestalla Stadium to face Valencia CF on Saturday.
Valencia at the moment are facing their worst start to a season at their home since the 1997-98 with just 3 points at the Mestalla Stadium.
Barcelona on the other hand have scored 27 goals in their last 7 league games on the travel. Barcelona currently have won 5 of their opening 8 games in La Liga and currently sit at the 4th position. Valencia are down at the 15th position with just 3 wins from the same number of games.
Team News
Barcelona- With Messi’s return, Barcelona has lost two key members of their backline as Jordi Alba and Gerard Pique are both out for the next few matches at least. Barcelona, however, won’t be sweating much in their absence with the presence of Mscherano, Umiti, Mathieu to replace both the defenders.
Valencia CF- Having no key injuries in his squad, Cesar Prandelli will have a strong team against the Blaugranas. Valencia forward Mina and Rodrigo are struggling to find their form at the moment increasing frustration among the supporters. Their in-form midfielder Mario Suarez however has eliminated the absence of the striker’s form with a brace in the last match.
Starting Lineups
Valencia Predicted Line-Up (4-2-3-1): Diego Alves; Martin Montoya, Elaquim Mangala, Aderlan Santos, Jose Gaya; Enzo Perez, Mario Suarez; Santi Mina, Daniel Parejo, Nani; Rodrigo
Barcelona Predicted Line-Up (4-3-3): ter Stegen; Roberto, Mascherano, Umtiti, Digne; Busquets, Gomes, Iniesta; Messi, Suarez, Neymar
Key Players
Barcelona– With the return of the Argentine goal machine, Barcelona’s trident up front once gain becomes complete. Being the team in Liga to be the highest scorer, Enrique won’t have an ounce of doubt on his mind about their deployment. The three picks themselves up.
There is no particular game plan to stop Lionel Messi. He transcends all tactics, positioning and marking. The hattrick against City further cemented this statement.
Apart from that, Rafinha has been in some serious form at the moment and is expected to start with Andres Iniesta in the midfield.
Valencia- Mario Suarez in the midfield has been a key player for the team. With a rare two goal feat from the centre of the pitch, Valenica will definitely be starting with him behind the forwards, Santi Mina and Rodrigo.
Odds
Valencia CF @ 13.2
Draw @ 9.2
FC Barcelona @ 4.11
