The Storylines
Barcelona arrive at Mestalla as two-time defending champions, having won back-to-back La Liga titles under Hansi Flick, and they head into matchday four full of confidence after a strong win over Athletic Club last time out. A trip to Valencia represents another chance for Flicks side to build early-season momentum before the calendar turns to a busier autumn schedule.
For Valencia and head coach Carlos Corberan, this fixture carries an extra edge. Since Flicks arrival, Barcelona have won every single meeting between the two sides by a combined scoreline of 20-2, including hammerings of 7-1, 5-0 and 6-0 in three of the last four encounters. Los Che will want to use home advantage at Mestalla to finally put up a real fight against the Catalan giants.
Team Snapshot
Barcelona
Flicks side remain one of the most fearsome attacking units in Europe, and with the title secured in each of the last two seasons, the early focus is on maintaining momentum rather than chasing form. A win at Mestalla would keep Barcelona firmly in the mix at the top of the table heading into the international break period later in September.
Valencia
Corberans Valencia will be missing several players through injury for this one, with Justin De Haas, Alberto Mari, Diego Lopez, Sergi Canos and Jose Copete all unavailable. Despite the absences, Los Che will lean on home support at Mestalla in search of a first meaningful result against Barcelona in years.
Head-to-Head Watch
Barcelona hold a commanding recent edge in this fixture, winning four of the last five meetings against Valencia by an aggregate of 20-2 since Flick took over. Valencias search for a positive result against the Catalans in this fixture stretches back years, adding extra motivation for Corberans side on home turf.
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