FC Barcelona are set to take on Valencia at the Mestalla in a hotly anticipated game. The Catalan giants are in no position to drop any more points, and Xavi Hernandez will be fully aware of this heading into the game. As such, Barcelona will go out guns blazing to gain an important victory away from home.
Despite being a well-drilled team, Valencia are struggling this season. Currently in eleventh place, the side led by Ruben Baraja is hoping to prove a point against Barça. However, Xavi himself also needs to prove something and has thus fielded a strong lineup for the game.
In goal, the Barcelona net is covered by Spanish goalkeeper Inaki Pena. While German keeper Marc Andre Ter Stegen continues his recovery, Pena seems to be a guaranteed starter. His recent performances have been solid, but he will need to continue improving.
Ahead of him, the central defenders protecting Pena’s goal are Jules Kounde and Ronald Araujo. The Frenchman and Uruguayan defenders both form a formidable duo together, and they will hope to be compact against Valencia as well.
On either side of them, the fullback positions are covered by Alejandro Balde and Joao Cancelo. The dynamic and creative abilities of both of them will be valuable assets to provide width and creativity to the forwards of the team as well.
In the midfield, the pivot position is covered by German veteran Ilkay Gundogan. Ahead of him, the interior positions are covered by Pedri and the returning Frenkie De Jong. The Dutchman has recovered from his fever and thus returns to the starting eleven once more.
Lastly, the frontline sees three forwards taking charge. Robert Lewandowski starts as the primary center forward, as the Polish striker hopes to add some much-needed goals to his tally. On the wings, Raphinha and Joao Felix take over the right and left wings respectively.