Barcelona will hope to get back to winning ways tonight as they make the trip to the eastern part of Spain. They are facing off against familiar foes in Valencia at the Mestalla – a fixture that guarantees excitement.
Xavi has made a few changes to the team that took on Bayern Munich during midweek, headlined by a change of shape. The Blaugranes are no longer playing with a false winger in Pedri, who has shifted back to his ideal position in central midfield.
The youngster accompanies compatriot Frenkie de Jong in the centre of the park as advanced midfielders, while Sergio Busquets starts in his usual defensive midfield role.
In defence, we will be seeing Eric Garcia return to the backline, partnering Jules Kounde. Alejandro Balde and Jordi Alba will be flanking the duo on the right and left respectively. Marc-Andre ter Stegen will be depending on this quartet to help maintain his ninth clean sheet of the league season.
There is one change in the attack, as mentioned. Ansu Fati gets his first start in three games, starting on the left-wing, while Ousmane Dembele gets the nod ahead of Ferran Torres and Raphinha on the right side.
Robert Lewandowski rounds off the attack as the centre-forward. The Pole has scored 12 goals, and given four assists this season – a tally he will be looking to increase tonight.