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La Liga | Gameweek 8
Oct 7, 2018 at 7.45pm UK
 
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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.

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Barcelona forward Lionel Messi celebrates with teammates after scoring during his side's La Liga match against Girona on September 23, 2018
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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Real Madrid33266171224984
2Barcelona33227468392973
3GironaGirona33225669402971
4Atletico MadridAtletico33204962392364
5Athletic Bilbao331610753332058
6Real Sociedad331312846351151
7Real BetisBetis33121384139249
8Valencia33138123738-147
9Villarreal33129125455-145
10Getafe331013104145-443
11Osasuna33116163749-1239
12AlavesAlaves33108153138-738
13Sevilla33911134246-438
14Las PalmasLas Palmas33107163041-1137
15Rayo Vallecano33713132742-1534
16Mallorca33614132739-1232
17Celta Vigo33710163750-1331
18CadizCadiz33414152346-2326
19Granada3349203661-2521
RAlmeria33111213267-3514


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
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