Match Info

Competition: La Liga — Gameweek 4

Date: September 6, 2026

Time: 22:15 (GMT+7) / 15:15 (GMT+1)

Venue: Mestalla

Valencia Preview

Valencia face arguably their biggest challenge of the young season after collecting just one point from their opening three La Liga matches. Carlos Corberan's side began with a goalless draw against Celta Vigo before losing consecutive matches to Real Betis and Deportivo La Coruna, leaving them 17th in the table. The hosts can nevertheless take confidence from their 3-1 victory over Barcelona in the corresponding fixture last season, their first win against the Catalan giants since January 2020. Valencia made seven summer signings, but injuries have left several players unavailable, including Justin de Haas, Sergi Canos, Jose Copete, Diego Lopez, Guido Rodriguez and Umar Sadiq. Arnaut Danjuma and Ryunosuke Sato are expected to provide the attacking threat.

Barcelona Preview

Barcelona arrive at Mestalla in outstanding form and sit top of La Liga after winning all three of their opening matches. Hansi Flick's reigning champions have already produced dominant victories over Elche and Athletic Bilbao before beating Rayo Vallecano 5-2 last time out. The Catalans have also strengthened their squad significantly, with Anthony Gordon, Rodri, Karim Adeyemi and Gabriel Jesus among the summer arrivals. Raphinha has been particularly outstanding, scoring five goals and providing one assist in his first three league appearances, while Lamine Yamal continues to provide a major creative threat from the opposite flank. Frenkie de Jong, Roony Bardghji and Jesse Bisiwu are unavailable, while Rodri is expected to continue his gradual return from the bench.

Probable Lineups

Valencia (3-5-2)

Dimitrievski; Diakhaby, Tarrega, Martinez; Maffeo, Guerra, Urgrinic, Pepelu, Gaya; Sato, Danjuma

Barcelona (4-2-3-1)

J Garcia; E Garcia, Cubarsi, Martin, Espart; Pedri, Bernal; Yamal, Fermin, Gordon; Raphinha

We Say

Valencia have already demonstrated that they can hurt Barcelona at Mestalla, but their current league form makes this an extremely difficult assignment. Barcelona's attacking numbers are the biggest concern for the hosts, particularly with Raphinha in outstanding form and Lamine Yamal capable of creating chances from almost nothing. Valencia's best hope may be to turn the match into a physical, compact contest and exploit Barcelona in transition.