FC Barcelona has started off the La Liga in an uncharacteristic manner. The Catalans suffered a 1-0 defeat against Athletic Bilbao in the first game of the season followed up with a comprehensive 5-2 win versus Real Betis.
However, they signed off for the international break with a disappointing 2-2 draw against Osasuna which now positions them at the eighth position with four points on the board. Ernesto Valverde’s side will now be taking on Valencia who have followed the same result pattern as Barcelona with one of each but are tenth in the league due to a lesser goal difference.
Match Details:
Date- Sunday, September 15
Time of Kick-Off- 12:30 am (IST)
Venue- Camp Nou
Barcelona Team News:
With a win, defeat, and a draw, Barcelona currently resides at the eighth spot with four points.
Attacking option Ousmane Dembele sustained an injury in his first La Liga fixture this season. Luis Suarez who also suffered an injury in the same match was spotted in training recently and is expected to be back in the playing 11 this Sunday.
Barcelona’s star-man, Lionel Messi is yet to feature this season for the club due to a calf injury. Samuel Umtiti also seems to be out due to hamstring issue.
Though Antoine Griezmann is a fresh face in Barcelona, the French man has inflicted a positive impact for his new club by scoring two goals in the first three games.
Griezmann has to take the mantle of leading the attack without the presence of the experienced Messi.
16-year-old Anssumane Fati made the headlines by coming off the bench and scoring against Osasuna and there’s a possibility of him being involved in the game once again.
Carles Perez is another fresh prospect who can add value to Barcelona’s attack.
Valencia Team News :
Valencia is currently under the influence of their new manager Albert Celades who replaced Marcelino after his sacking on Wednesday.
Marcelino had a disappointing season initially after another as Valencia finished 12th in two seasons consecutively.
However, his sacking came as a surprise as Marcelino finished fourth with Valencia last season and confirmed a berth to the Champions League.
Los Che as they are also referred to started the season with a 1-1 draw versus Real Sociedad, followed by a defeat to 1-0 Celta Vigo. Valencia did manage to beat Mallorca 2-0 prior to the international break.
According to various sources, it was a disagreement between Marcelino and the owners of the club which saw him getting the axe.
With all being said and done, Valencia will have to prepare for their big game against Barcelona and look for a positive result before taking off to London to face Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night.
The injury concerns for Valencia are in the form of Carlos Soler and Cristiano Piccini.
Ferran Torres can be given another shot at the right-wing, while Geoffrey Kondogbia and Francis Coquelin are expected to anchor the midfield along with captain Dani Parejo.
Kevin Gameiro and Rodrigo Moreno are expected to lead the attack for Valencia.
Predicted Lineups:
Barcelona: Ter Stegan; Semado, Pique, Lenglet, Alba, De Jong, Busquets, Rakitic, Perez, L Suarez, Griezmann
Valencia: Cillessen; Wass, Garay, Diakhaby, Gaya, Guedes, Coquelin, Parejo, Torres, Moreno, Gameiro
Key Points:
The last time the two sides met was in the Copa Del Rey finals, in which Valencia stunned Barcelona by beating them 2-1 and lifting the title in the process.
Valencia has been resilient, to say the least versus Barcelona as they’ve also held onto a couple of draws in the league before the Copa Del Rey final.
Barcelona has, however, won three of their last six games, in comparison to Valencia’s one win and two draws.
Barcelona has won their last eight home games on the trot in the league.
Prediction:
Though Barcelona might miss out on the service of their Leo Messi once again, it is fair to say that the return of Luis Suarez while combining with Antoine Griezmann can turn out to be a big problem for Valencia away from home, who still might be enduring the shock exit of their former manager, Marcelino.
Antoine Griezmann with two goals and an assist in the season so far will definitely be one of the players to watch out for.
While the captain Daniel Parejo in midfield for Valencia who’s in sublime touch with two goals and an 87% pass succession rate in the league so far can prove to be the danger man.
(To get exclusive tips related to your fantasy team, enter your name and phone number below)
Barcelona vs Valencia Fantasy Team:
.