Barcelona are looking to keep pace with Real Madrid at the top of La Liga, as they aim to return to winning ways against Valencia. Hansi Flick’s side drew at Rayo Vallecano last time out, so there will be a desire for a victory against Los Che – especially as it is their first home match of the season, albeit it is not at the Spotify Camp Nou.
Barcelona to make six changes from Rayo draw
The big news going into this one is that Lamine Yamal is not available, as he is ruled out with a hip injury that was aggravated during the international break. Flick must select his replacement, and according to Sport, it will be Robert Lewandowski that returns to the side in his place – this would mean that Raphinha moves to the right wing, with Ferran Torres on the left.
There are expected to be five further changes made by Barcelona for this one, with Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Marc Casado and Fermin Lopez coming into the side, with Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen, Alejandro Balde (injured), Frenkie de Jong (injured) and Dani Olmo dropping out.
Valencia won 3-0 at home to Getafe last time out, so it is to no one’s surprise that there will not be many changes made by head coach Carlos Corberan for the trip to Catalonia. Only one is planned, which would see Jose Gaya return after suspension to replace Jesus Vazquez at left-back.
Barcelona dominated this fixture last season, with the three match-ups (two La Liga, one Copa del Rey) making up an aggregate score of 14-2. They will be hoping for more of the same on Sunday, although it is bound to be a tougher experience this time out – especially with Lamine Yamal not available.
