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La Liga | Gameweek 8
Oct 7, 2018 at 7.45pm UK
 
Barcelona logo

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Garay (2')
FT(HT: 1-1)
Messi (23')

How Barcelona could line up against Valencia

Sports Mole looks at how Barcelona could line up against Valencia as the Spanish champions look to end a three-match winless streak in La Liga.

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.



Possible BAR XI vs. VAL

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.

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Barney Corkhill
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Barcelona forward Lionel Messi celebrates with teammates after scoring during his side's La Liga match against Girona on September 23, 2018
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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Real Madrid20144247202746
2Atletico MadridAtletico20135234132144
3Barcelona20123552232939
4Athletic Bilbao20116331181339
5Villarreal209653831733
6Mallorca209381925-630
7Real Sociedad208481714328
8GironaGirona208482827128
9Rayo Vallecano206862323026
10Osasuna206862429-526
11Sevilla207582329-626
12Real BetisBetis206772226-425
13Celta Vigo2073102932-324
14Las PalmasLas Palmas2064102533-822
15Leganes205781929-1022
16Getafe204881417-320
17AlavesAlaves2055102432-820
18Espanyol2054111932-1319
19Valencia2037101929-1016
20Real ValladolidValladolid2043131439-2515


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