Barcelona begin their La Liga campaign for 2024/25 with a visit to Valencia's Mestalla and a brand-new playing surface.
The Catalans are embarking on a new era under former Bayern Munich and Germany coach Hansi Flick, having dramatically sacked Xavi Hernandez at the end of last season despite earlier appearing to commit to keeping him in the role.
They endured a mixed preseason that ended with a heavy defeat to Monaco in the annual Joan Gamper Trophy match, and injury problems, combined with difficulties in registering new signings such as Dani Olmo, have made for less-than-ideal preparation for the new campaign.
Valencia, led by former star midfielder Ruben Baraja, have not won a league game since April 15 this year and will be desperate to start the season positively.
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Valencia vs. Barcelona confirmed lineups, predicted starting 11, team news
Goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who shone for Georgia at Euro 2024, is expected to start despite transfer links with Liverpool. Jose Gaya and Mouctar Diakhaby are unlikely to return to action yet.
Valencia beat Eintracht Frankfurt 3-2 in their final preseason outing so will feel buoyed heading into their opening game, particularly given Barca's 3-0 loss to Monaco in the Joan Gamper Trophy match.
Valencia predicted lineup (4-3-3, right to left): Mamardashvili (GK) — Correia, Tarrega, Mosquera, Vazquez — Guillamon, Pepelu, Guerra — Lopez, Mir, Duro
Injured: Jose Gaya, Jaume Domenech, Mouctar Diakhaby (doubt)
Suspended: None
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New Barca signing Dani Olmo will reportedly not be registered in time for this weekend, so he is unavailable. If it's the same situation for centre-back Inigo Martinez, Flick could have a defensive crisis on his hands given the injury to Ronald Araujo. He may have no choice but to play Pau Cubarsi and Eric Garcia, even though they have just returned from the Olympics.
Lamine Yamal is expected to be available despite his father being hospitalised with stab wounds this week. Pedri could be ready to return to action after coming through training sessions this week.
Barcelona predicted lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): Ter Stegen (GK) — Kounde, Cubarsi, Garcia, Balde — Christensen, Casado — Lamine Yamal, Gundogan, Raphinha — Lewandowski
Injured: Gavi, Ronald Araujo, Ansu Fati (doubt), Frenkie de Jong (doubt), Pedri (doubt)
Suspended: None
Unavailable: Dani Olmo, Inigo Martinez (not registered)