Barcelona will lock horns with Valencia at the Mestella Stadium this Sunday as they look to secure all three points on the road in La Liga. The Catalan club managed to earn a dominant 5-2 win over Rayo Vallecano recently, so they would be confident about securing another victory this weekend.
Hansi Flick will opt for the 4-2-3-1 formation and is expected to make a couple of changes to his first team for this game. Both Eric Garcia and Rodri could play from the start of this contest.
Joan Garcia will play in between the sticks for the Catalan club after he shipped in a couple of goals in his last outing. Pau Cubarsi will operate alongside Andreas Christensen at the centre of the Barcelona backline as they focus on keeping a good shape when defending inside their half.
Eric Garcia will get a chance to impress as the right-back, while Xabi Espart hopes to prove his worth on the other side as the left-back. Both of them will get the license to go forward and join in on the attack at every chance they can get.
Jules Kounde will provide cover for the defensive positions on the bench.
BARCELONA, SPAIN – AUGUST 31: Raphinha of FC Barcelona looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between FC Barcelona and Rayo Vallecano de Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou on August 31, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Pedri and Rodri will operate as the holding midfielders as they try to establish their superiority over the home team in the middle of the park. The gifted trio of Anthony Gordon, Dani Olmo and Lamine Yamal will operate just ahead of them as part of the Barcelona attack. All three of them need to combine well in and around the Valencia penalty area if Barcelona are to secure a win this weekend.
Fermin Lopez and Marc Bernal will be available for selection on the bench as they await their chance to make an impact in the second 45 minutes if required.
Raphinha will lead the line for the Catalan club up top. He has to find a way to be a real menace in front of the Valencia goal.
Karim Adeyemi will be named on the bench as he waits for his chance to influence the game in the latter stages if Barcelona are in need of a goal by then.
