Barcelona will look to extend their unbeaten streak in La Liga to nine games when they face Valencia today.
The Catalans’ recent uptick in form has put them firmly in the mix for a Champions League spot. Xavi’s side currently sit in sixth place, three points behind fourth-placed Atletico Madrid but with two games in hand.
Barcelona’s Europa League hopes were dealt a huge blow as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Napoli at home, and Xavi will hope his players can bounce back and make a statement against Valencia.
Barcelona have lost just one of their last 16 away matches against Valencia in all competitions and defeated José Bordalás’ side 3-1 in the reverse fixture in October.
Xavi could be without a number of key defensive personnel for this clash. Samuel Umtiti and Sergi Roberto remain sidelined, while Clement Lenglet and Ronald Araujo are doubts. Gerard Pique and Dani Alves are suspended for the trip to the Mestalla.
Ansu Fati and Alex Balde are unavailable for this game, with Memphis Depay also expected to miss out.
Goalkeeper
Marc-Andre ter Stegen will start in goal for Barcelona. The German had developed into one of the finest keepers in the world over the last few seasons, but has struggled to live up to expectations in the current campaign. He has managed just five clean sheets in 21 league appearances this season.
Defenders
With a multitude of players ruled out through injury or suspension, Xavi does not have too many options at his disposal.
Eric Garcia will likely replace Ronald Araujo in the Barcelona lineup, who started in the last league game against Espanyol. Oscar Mingueza is also expected to partner Garcia at the heart of the defence.
Jordi Alba has found his form once again after battling injuries and will start at left back. With Dani Alves suspended, Sergino Dest should slot in at right-back in the Barcelona lineup.
Midfielders
Sergio Busquets no longer operates at the level we have grown accustomed to seeing, but he is still a vital cog in the Barcelona wheel.
Pedri has arguably usurped Frenkie De Jong as Barcelona’s most important midfielder at the moment. The Spaniard’s rise has been sensational and he if can continue developing at this rate, he will become one of the finest central midfielders in world football.
Frenkie de Jong will occupy the final midfield spot in the Barcelona lineup. The Dutchman will be tasked with driving Barcelona forward at every opportunity and unlocking Valencia’s defence with crafty passes.
Attackers
Adama Traore has impressed during his loan stint at Barcelona so far. Teams have struggled to deal with the Spaniard’s pace and physicality, and he will relish the prospect of running at a Valencia defence that’s shipped 38 goals already.
Ferran Torres has been in red-hot form of late. The Spaniard has scored and assisted twice in his last five games. He will lead the line for Barcelona, with talented youngster Gavi rounding out the attack.
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