It has been a mixed start to the season for Valencia, picking up three points on the opening weekend of the season against Malaga, before losing to Espanyol last time out.
“We have to stop Banega from influencing the game,” Barcelona manager Gerardo Martino said. “We’ll try to be at our best to stop him.”
Martino is talking about Argentinian midfielder Ever Banega and the need to contain him. Martino expects Valencia to give it their all in the match.
“They’ve played two very different matches,” he noted. ”They changed a number of players from the first to the second match, and shuffled positions around. As the home side, Valencia have to go for the win. I’m in no doubt about that. What we do is imagine what might happen and then see if there are alternatives.”
It has been a summer of change, meanwhile, with top scorer from last season Roberto Soldado seeking pastures new in the Premier League, but they do appear still to be searching for fresh blood in attack.
Barcelona, meanwhile, secured the Spanish Super Cup last week against Atletico Madrid courtesy of a 0-0 draw at the Camp Nou. As mentioned, they have also won both of their league fixtures, thumping Levante on the opening weekend before beating Malaga by the odd goal last time out.
The corresponding match last season ended in a 1-1 draw, but Barcelona were 1-0 winners on their own patch in September.
Helder Postiga should continue in attack for the home side, but Jonathan Viera and Sergio Canales are both pushing for inclusion from the start.
Barcelona are expected to recall Andres Iniesta to their starting side, with Neymar the most likely to drop out of the XI. Pedro could also come into the team in attack, but there is a slight doubt over the fitness of Dani Alves.
Valencia is hosting the reloaded Barcelona squad. Neymar and Messi are starting to see some time on the pitch together and could get more opportunities in this early season La Liga match up.
Start Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
Location: Valencia, Spain
Stadium: Estadio de Mestalla
Valencia: Alves; Pereira, Rami, Costa, Mathieu; Feghouli, Banega, Fuego, Michel; Jonas, Postiga
Barcelona: Valdes; Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba; Busquets, Iniesta, Fabregas; Pedro, Messi, Sanchez
