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| PROBABLE LINE-UPS |
| Valencia (4-2-3-1): Guaita; Bruno, Ruiz, Rami, Jordi Alba; Banega, Albelda; Canales, Jonas, Pablo; Soldado |
Roberto Soldado was a slight doubt for this match after hobbling off with a foot injury in Valencia's weekend win over Sporting Gijon. However, it looks like the joint-leading goalscorer of La Liga will recover in time to attempt to continue his impressive form. Unai Emery likes to rotate but he may play the same side to continue their momentum against the champions.
Barcelona (4-3-3): Valdes; Dani Alves, Puyol, Mascherano, Abidal; Xavi, Busquets, Fabregas; Thiago, Messi, Villa |
Gerard Pique has returned to full training after recovering from the calf injury suffered in the Spanish Super Cup. However, the defender will not be match fit and it is unlikely that Guardiola will risk him in his starting XI. Meanwhile, Andres Iniesta and Alexis Sanchez are still shelved with hamstring injuries.
| DID YOU KNOW? |
- Valencia's last victory over Barcelona came in 2008 when Juan Mata scored a brace to send his side on their way to a 3-2 victory.
- Along with Barcelona and Real Madrid, Valencia are one of only three Spanish clubs to have won five or more continental titles.
- In 1919, the first Valencia president was decided by a coin toss.
- Barcelona are unbeaten against Valencia in eight games in La Liga.
- A second half strike by Lionel Messi was the difference between the sides in the corresponding fixture last season.
- Barcelona's David Villa scored 108 goals in 166 games for this week's opponents, Valencia, before making the move to Camp Nou.
Valencia have won three games out of three and find themselves at the top of La Liga. However they have not faced a side anywhere near the calibre of Pep Guardiola's team and will certainly have their work cut out. Barcelona are coming of a sublime win against Osasuna but it will take a phenomenal performance to replicate any result of that sort against the hosts as clashes at the Mestalla between the sides tend to be tight affairs. Valencia pose a potent attacking threat and can certainly cause the Barca defence problems but expect the champions to take their chances and just get the narrow victory.
Editor's Prediction
Valencia 1-2 Barcelona 
