How will Barcelona line up against Valencia?

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Quique Setien takes his side to Mestalla on Saturday

Barcelona are back in La Liga action on Saturday when they travel to Mestalla to take on Valencia.

It’s been a busy time for the Catalan giants who are facing their third match of the week after games against Granada and UD Ibiza.

Valencia haven’t beaten Barca at home in La Liga since 2007 and will want to bounce back from a surprise 4-1 loss to Real Mallorca last time out in the league.

Let’s look at who might feature for Barca on Saturday:

Defence

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Marc-Andre ter Stegen will be back in goal after sitting out the Copa del Rey win, while Inaki Pena looks set for a place on the bench with Neto out with a sprained ankle.

In defence it looks as though Setien will continue with the back three he has used in his first two games in charge.

Samuel Umtiti, Clement Lenglet and Gerard Pique are all fit and may feature together, although Sergi Roberto has started both games as a right-sided centre-back under Setien.

Roberto or Nelson Semedo could feature as full-backs to give the team width, with Jordi Alba continuing to do the same on the other side.

Midfield

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There are likely to be changes further forward as Barcelona’s midfield is now fully fit and free from suspension.

Frenkie de Jong should return after having to sit out the win over Granada due to suspension, while Sergio Busquets will be back after being rested against Ibiza.

Arthur could also be back in the starting XI for the first time since December 1, although Arturo Vidal and Ivan Rakitic will also be hoping for minutes.

Riqui Puig is also in contention but may have to settle for a place on the bench.

Attack

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Barcelona don’t have too many options in attack with Ousmane Dembele and Luis Suarez out injured, while Ansu Fati has started the last two games and may need a breather.

Lionel Messi will return after missing the win at UD Ibiza, with Antoine Griezmann likely to continue after his match-winning brace in midweek.

Carles Perez is also available to Setien but underwhelmed against Ibiza, while Abel Ruiz trained with the first team on Thursday and will hope to be included in the squad.

Possible XI: Ter Stegen; Pique, Lenglet, Umtiti; Roberto, De Jong, Busquets, Arthur, Alba; Messi, Griezmann.

How do you think Barcelona should line up against Valencia? Let us know your thoughts, predictions and line-ups in the comments below!

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