FC Barcelona started La Liga 2012 in style, winning both the opening games - one against arch rivals Real Madrid. Tonight, they will take on Valencia, which failed to win in the first two games and settled for draws.
Team News:
FC Barcelona: Team captain Carles Puyol is unlikely to play against Valencia on Sunday night following an injury though he is being cleared. Team coach Tito Vilanova will not be seen in the dugout, as he is serving two match ban following his outburst during the match against Osasuna.
However, defender Dani Alves is likely to return to the team tonight. It is still doubtful if Vilanova will choose midfielders Thiago Alcantara and Cesc Fabregas.
Valencia: The newly signed Fernando Gago may not play tonight as he is yet to go through fitness test and Ricardo Costa will stay in the bench after picking up a red card in the previous game.
New coach Mauricio Pellegrino has to rely on Adil Rami and Victor Ruiz in defense following Costa's suspension. Aly Cissokho is also expected to join the team's defense.
Performance of the Teams in La Liga 2012:
Barcelona started their campaign winning 5-1 against Real Sociedad in the first game and then 2-1 against Osasuna. However, they lost to Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final after beating them in the earlier game.
Valencia began La Liga campaign with two draws though they scored four goals. They settled for a draw against Real Madrid 1-1 in the opening game and then 3-3 against Deportivo.
Match Preview:
The match between Barcelona and Valencia will be an exciting one, as the former will look forward to leave the Super Cup loss to Real Madrid behind with a win, while the latter will try to increase their point on the table with a win after they were forced for draws in the last two games.
Given the current form, Barcelona has an upper hand with all the key players fit for the game. Lionel Messi can create havoc like the previous games.
Where to Watch Barcelona vs Valencia Live Stream:
The match between Barcelona and Valencia will begin at 1:00 AM IST on Sunday night (September 3) at Nou Camp.
Probable Line-Ups:
Barcelona (4-3-3): Valdes, Montoya, Pique, Mascherano, Alba, Song, Xavi, Fàbregas, Pedro, Messi, Villa
Valencia (4-2-3-1): Diego Alves, Pereira, Rami, Ruiz, Cissokho, Gago, Costa, Feghouli, Jonas, Guardado, Soldado
