La Liga Gameweek 8
Oct 7, 2018 7.45pm
1
1
HT : 1 1
FT Estadio de Mestalla (Valencia)
  • Ezequiel Garay 2' goal
  • Carlos Soler 43' yellowcard
  • Dani Parejo 58' yellowcard
  • goal Lionel Messi 23'
  • yellowcard Luis Suarez 41'
  • yellowcard Philippe Coutinho 58'

How Barcelona could line up against Valencia

How Barcelona could line up against Valencia

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.


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.

POLL
Who will win Sunday's La Liga clash between Valencia and Barcelona?
Valencia 10%
Draw 23%
Barcelona 67%
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