Barcelona boss Luis Enrique has branded Valencia 'one of the best teams in La Liga', despite their inconsistent start to the 2015-16 campaign.
Los Che have only won five of their 13 league games this season and currently sit ninth in the table, five points off the top four.
Criticism over recent performances led to Nuno departing his role at the Mestalla, and former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has since taken charge.
Neville will only be in the stands for Valencia's home match against Barcelona on Saturday evening, but Enrique is still predicting a tough task for his team.
"The league is full of surprises, but Valencia, despite their situation, are one of the best teams in it. We know it'll be very difficult. We only won here with a late goal last season, in a match we should've solved sooner," Enrique told reporters.
Barcelona currently sit four points clear at the top of La Liga, but both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid play before them on Saturday.
Matt Law
