Preview: Barcelona vs. Valencia

Barcelona will be hoping to remain top of La Liga by overcoming Valencia at Camp Nou on Saturday.

Gerardo Martino's side are ahead of Atletico Madrid at the summit on goal difference after seeing off Malaga last Sunday.

Valencia's 2-2 draw with Espanyol last weekend means that they have won just one of their last six matches.

The hosts secured a spot in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey in midweek when they beat Levante 5-1.

Martino is expected to make a host of changes to the side that beat Levante, with Lionel Messi and Xavi in line to start. Victor Valdes will also return in goal after being replaced by Jose Manuel Pinto in midweek.

Valencia striker Helder Postiga could return to the starting XI after being dropped to the substitutes' bench against Espanyol.

Recent form

Barcelona: WWWDDW

Valencia: LLWLDD

Possible starting lineups

Barcelona: Valdes; Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba; Xavi, Busquets, Fabregas; Alexis, Messi, Pedro

Valencia: Alves; Joao, R Costa, Mathieu, Guardado; Romeu, Parejo; Jonas, Banega, Piatti; Postiga

Sports Mole says: 2-0