FC Barcelona travel to Valencia on Sunday in a bid to hunt for the full three points in order to keep up the pace with Real Madrid at the top of the table.
The Blaugranas have shown they can compete by producing beautiful displays in their last two matches, sealing comprehensive victories.
Luis 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 at the Mestalla.
However, the Catalan outfit have been dealt a huge blow with the news that new defender Thomas Vermaelen may not have his debut until after 5 months.
Valencia are in impressive form this season, winning five of their first seven league games, but just two victories in their last five games has seen them lose ground on Spain’s big three.
The Valencian outfit suffered defeat against city rivals Levante in their last fixture but are hopeful for at least a point courtesy of their magnificent home form this season, which include a victory over Atletico Madrid.
Coach Santo may decide to introduce Dani Parejo into his starting lineup after he made a scoring appearance from the bench last week.
Barca defender Jeremy Mathieu is set to return to the Mestalla and has admitted it will be a special game for him.
The good news is that Midfielder Andres Iniesta has been given the Medical green light to feature but is unlikely to start.
The Blaugranas have shown they can compete by producing beautiful displays in their last two matches, sealing comprehensive victories.
Luis 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 at the Mestalla.
However, the Catalan outfit have been dealt a huge blow with the news that new defender Thomas Vermaelen may not have his debut until after 5 months.
Valencia are in impressive form this season, winning five of their first seven league games, but just two victories in their last five games has seen them lose ground on Spain’s big three.
The Valencian outfit suffered defeat against city rivals Levante in their last fixture but are hopeful for at least a point courtesy of their magnificent home form this season, which include a victory over Atletico Madrid.
Coach Santo may decide to introduce Dani Parejo into his starting lineup after he made a scoring appearance from the bench last week.
Barca defender Jeremy Mathieu is set to return to the Mestalla and has admitted it will be a special game for him.
The good news is that Midfielder Andres Iniesta has been given the Medical green light to feature but is unlikely to start.
VALENCIA CF VS FC BARCELONA
Date: 30th November, 2014
Time: 21:00 CET
Venue: Estadio De Mestalla
Referee: David Fernandez Bobalan.
Valencia Recent form: WLWWDL
Valencia Possible starting lineup: Diego Alves, Barragan, Otamendi, Mustafi, Javi Fuego, Carles Gil, Jose Gaya, Andre Gomes, Negredo, Parejo, Rodrigo
Barca Form in La Liga: WWLLWW
Barca Form in all competitions: LLWWWW
Barca Possible starting lineup: Bravo, Mascherano, Mathieu, Alba, Alves, Busquets, Rakitic, Xavi, Neymar, Suarez, Messi
FLYBARCA PREDICTION
Valencia 1-3 FC Barcelona
