Barcelona travel to Valencia on Sunday knowing that they need to continue to rack up victories to keep pace with Real Madrid at the top of the table.

Last season's Champions League winners have won 15 matches in a row in all competitions to leave Barcelona trailing in second place, but coach Luis Enrique will know that victory at the Mestalla will send a message to their title rivals.

Enrique will make a number of alterations to the side that beat APOEL on Tuesday night, with Claudio Bravo, Xavi, Sergio Busquets and Neymar all expected to return to the starting lineup.

However, Barcelona have been dealt a blow with the news that Thomas Vermaelen will be missing for the majority of the season after being told that he requires thigh surgery.

Valencia began the season in impressive form, winning five of their first seven league games, but just two victories in five has seen them lose ground on Spain's big three.

However, despite suffering their second away defeat of the campaign at Levante last weekend, boss Nuno Espirito Santo will take confidence from his side possessing the best home record in the league, which has included a win over champions Atletico Madrid.

Santo could decide to introduce Dani Parejo into his starting lineup after he made a scoring appearance from the bench last week.

Valencia:

Recent form: WLWWDL

Possible starting lineup: Diego Alves, Barragan, Otamendi, Mustafi, Javi Fuego, Carles Gil, Jose Gaya, Andre Gomes, Negredo, Parejo, Rodrigo

Barcelona:

Form in La Liga: WWLLWW
Form in all competitions: LLWWWW

Possible starting lineup: Bravo, Pique, Mathieu, Alba, Alves, Busquets, Rakitic, Xavi, Neymar, Suarez, Messi

Sports Mole says: 1-2

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