Manager Xavi Hernandez has referred to Saturday’s match between Barcelona and Valencia as the “final.”

The Blaugrana are under a lot of pressure following their consecutive losses to Girona and Royal Antwerp last week, and they need to win this game as soon as possible.

Given the circumstances, it makes sense for Xavi and company to view tomorrow’s match as a kind of championship as a mistake may have disastrous consequences.

The current La Liga leaders Girona are currently leading the incumbent champions by seven points, and another mistake here might mean an early departure for any dreams of successfully retaining the title.

The news that Frenkie de Jong, who was sidelined for the last game against Royal Antwerp because of a fever, is back has given Barcelona hope.

The Catalans will, however, be missing defender Marcos Alonso due to a persistent back problem, and Inigo Martinez, Gavi, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen are all also sidelined with injuries.

Here is how Barcelona might lineup in their attempt to get back to winning ways before they take on Valencia at the Mestalla.

Starters Iñaki Peña will continue to man the Barcelona goal on Saturday as Ter Stegen remains absent.

Following the match against Royal Antwerp, there will be a few significant adjustments made to the defensive lineup.

After taking a break during the previous game, Joao Cancelo will make a comeback to the starting lineup. He will be replaced at right-back by the Portuguese international. Alejandro Balde, meantime, will take his place at left back and be motivated to establish himself.

Jules Kounde has performed poorly in the last two games, therefore Xavi is probably going to bench him tomorrow. Ronald Araujo, the captain, will start again after getting a rest against Antwerp. In the center of the defense, the Uruguayan should be partnered with Andreas Christensen.

In the middle of the park, significant changes are anticipated; none of the players who started the midweek match are anticipated to stay on the team.

 

Instead, Xavi will start his preferred midfield trio against Valencia, which consists of Pedri, Ilkay Gundogan, and Frenkie de Jong. These three players are crucial to the team’s prospects in the match.

Robert Lewandowski has faced a great deal of criticism following his recent bad performance and his especially drab showing against Antwerp. However, it’s anticipated that the 35-year-old will continue to play as Barcelona’s No. 9.

Raphinha is anticipated to take Lamine Yamal’s spot on the flanks, despite the fact that the young player was one of Barça’s best players against Antwerp on Wednesday. However, after scoring in the previous game, Ferran Torres ought to keep his position ahead of Joao Felix on the left.

Barcelona Pena, Cancelo, Araujo, Christensen, Balde, Frenkie, Gundogan, Pedri, Raphinha, Lewandowski, Ferran are the predicted players in the lineup.

Alternatives

With goals in his Champions League and La Liga debuts, youthful Marc Guiu is compelling arguments for a bigger role in the Barcelona first squad. The teenager is expected to play against Valencia tomorrow at some stage.

Joao Felix will probably play in the second period, while two other La Masia products, Fermin Lopez and Lamine Yamal, are anticipated to see some time off the bench at the Mestalla.