Barcelona travel to Mestalla looking to make it four wins from four and stay top of La Liga. Hansi Flick’s side have been ruthless, scoring 12 goals and conceding just two in victories over Elche, Athletic Club and Rayo Vallecano (5-2). Raphinha leads the scoring charts with five goals, while Lamine Yamal is also among the goals.

Valencia, under Carlos Corberán, are struggling near the bottom with just one point from three games (0-0, then defeats to Betis and Deportivo). They have scored only once all season and face a lengthy injury list.

Form & Context

• Barcelona: WWW (12 goals scored, 2 conceded). Averaging four goals per game and looking dominant.
• Valencia: DLL (1 goal scored, 4 conceded). Winless and missing key attackers.

Historically Barcelona dominate this fixture, though Valencia did beat them at Mestalla on the final day of last season (when the title was already decided).

Team News

Valencia
Major absences: Umar Sadiq (hamstring – long-term), Diego López, Sergi Canós (both ACL), Justin de Haas, José Copete, Guido Rodríguez, and possible doubts for Foulquier and Rioja. Harvey Elliott (Liverpool loanee) could debut.

Likely XI: Dimitrievski; Martínez/Diakhaby, Tárrega, Vázquez; Maffeo/Guerra, Pepelu, Ugrinic, etc.; Sato/Danjuma, Duro.

Barcelona
Out: Frenkie de Jong (knee), Roony Bardghji (ACL). Gavi has returned to training but may not start.

Likely shape (4-2-3-1): Joan García; Eric García/Koundé, Cubarsí, Christensen/Martín, Espart; Pedri, Bernal/Rodri; Yamal, Olmo/Fermín, Gordon; Raphinha.

Prediction

Valencia 1-3 Barcelona

Barcelona’s attacking firepower and Valencia’s defensive/injury issues make a comfortable away win the most likely outcome. Expect the visitors to control possession and convert their chances, though Valencia may score once at home.