Barcelona vs Valencia
LaLiga 2019-20
Venue: Camp Nou
Date: Saturday, 14th September, 2019
Kick-off time: 8pm BST
Barcelona are seeking a win to kickstart their season as Valencia head to Camp Nou following a shock coaching switch.
Valencia took drastic action and sacked Marcelino during the international break, with the Spaniard losing his job just three games into the new season - and less than four months after guiding the club to Copa del Rey glory against Barca.
The 54-year-old's departure has led to shock and anger among players and fans, but former Real Madrid assistant Albert Celades in now in charge - and his first challenge comes at Camp Nou.
Reigning champions Barca have had a slow start to the new season with four points from their opening three games, and Ernesto Valverde needs a victory with Atletico Madrid already beginning to pull away this early on in the campaign.
Barcelona team news
Lionel Messi is once again out for Barca, with the Camp Nou talisman still struggling with a calf injury. Ousmane Dembele and Samuel Umiti are also out for the Blaugrana.
There is better news for Valverde with Nelson Semedo, Arthur Melo, Clement Lenglet, Antoine Griezmann and Luis Suarez all back in training following the international break.
Barcelona predicted lineup: Ter Stegen; Semedo, Pique, Lenglet, Alba; Busquets, De Jong, Rakitic; Perez, Griezmann, Suarez
Prediction: Barcelona 2-1 Valencia
Valencia find themselves in the curious position of being level on points with Barca heading into this fixture, but having sacked their coach due to poor results.
Saturday's clash should be a tight affair with Messi still out, but Valverde will be confident of Suarez and Griezmann combining to seal a home win.
Betting tips via Betfair | UK users only | Subject to change
Match odds
- Barcelona to win: 40/85
- Draw: 18/5
- Valencia to win: 6/1
Tickets
Click here for more ticket information from Barca's website.
TV channel and live stream information
The match will be shown on Premier 2. The channel is available to Premier Sports subscribers via channel 435 on Sky, and 552 on Virgin TV.
You can follow all the action and analysis on Standard Sport's LIVE blog with Ben Hayward.
