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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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Written by
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
1Barcelona30214583295467
2Real Madrid30196563313263
3Atletico MadridAtletico30179449242560
4Athletic Bilbao301412446242254
5Villarreal29139751391248
6Real BetisBetis3013984137448
7Celta Vigo30127114443143
8Real Sociedad30125133032-241
9Rayo Vallecano301010103335-240
10Mallorca30117122937-840
11Getafe30109113025539
12Sevilla3099123441-736
13Osasuna3071493443-935
14GironaGirona3097143746-934
15Valencia30810123447-1334
16Espanyol2988133140-932
17AlavesAlaves3079143344-1130
18Leganes30610142947-1828
19Las PalmasLas Palmas3068163451-1726
20Real ValladolidValladolid3044221969-5016


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