A key match in the La Liga on Saturday sees leaders Barcelona clash swords with Valencia, who are currently ninth on the table. The Mestalla hosts the crucial encounter, and if Barca manage to get all the three points today as well, they get to enjoy a massive lead in the Spanish league this season.
The defending champions are currently on 33 points — four points ahead of second-placed Atletico Madrid, and six points ahead of arch-rivals Real Madrid. Barca are on the form of their life, having won all of their last six games in the league this season, and it is nearly impossible for their opponents to make that winning run come to an end.
Luis Enrique's men also registered a massive 6-1 victory over local Spanish side Villanovense in the Copa del Rey this midweek, courtesy a hat-trick from youth player Sandro Ramirez, and a brace from Munir El Haddadi, also a youth player. If the reserve side of the club is so strong, expect the senior team to take it a level higher.
The pressure is on the home side, that's for sure, but they still remain confident of getting something out of the game. "We know the difficulty of playing Barcelona," Valencia defender Jose Gaya said. "In Mestalla we can compete, and we have to play our kind of match while knowing that Barcelona is a great team."
Gary Neville, who was announced as the manager of the La Liga side this week, will not be in charge of the game today, but his brother Phil Neville, who is also the assistant coach, will be in charge.
For Barcelona, the trio of MSN (Messi, Suarez, and Neymar) are continuing their work of decorating the club, and this match will not be an exception. "We are happy with the numbers, but there are always things we can improve," Barca forward Luis Suarez said. "We are realists, and we know that in football you never know what can happen."
Where to watch the game
Valencia vs Barcelona is scheduled to kick-off at 7:30 pm GMT (1 am IST, 2:30 pm EST) on Saturday, 5 December.
In India, viewers can catch the game on Sony Six HD and Sony Kix. Online streaming will be available on SonyLiv.
In the UK and Ireland, viewers can catch the game on Sky Sports 2/HD and Now TV. Online streaming will be available on Sky Go and Sky Go Extra.
In the US, viewers can catch the game on the beIN Sports en Espanol and Fubo TV. Online streaming will be available on beIN Sports Connect.
In Spain, viewers can catch the game on Canal+ Liga/HD and Abono Futbol. Online streaming will be available on Movistar TV.
The live scores of the game will be available on Bet365.
