Barcelona predicted lineup vs Valencia - La Liga

Xavi on the touchline
Xavi on the touchline / Eric Alonso/GettyImages
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Barcelona visit Valencia in La Liga as Xavi's team look to consolidate their top four place.

The Catalans were held at the Camp Nou in their Europa League play-off first leg tie against Napoli in midweek, with Ferran Torres cancelling out Piotr Zielinski's first half opener from the penalty spot.

Xavi knows the importance of progressing in Europe next week, which will make his team selection this weekend back on Spanish soil even more intriguing.

Nevertheless, here's how Barcelona could line up...


Barcelona predicted lineup vs Valencia - La Liga

1. Goalkeeper & defenders

Gerard Pique is a 14-year veteran of this team
Gerard Pique is a 14-year veteran of this team / Eric Alonso/GettyImages

Marc-Andre ter Stegen (GK) - Hasn't quite hit the heights this season that he has in previous years.

Sergino Dest (RB) - Likely to fill in for Dani Alves as he serves the last of his two-match suspension.

Gerard Pique (CB) - Integral to the dressing room culture Xavi is trying to foster at Barcelona.

Eric Garcia (CB) - The Spaniard is likely to replace Ronald Araujo, who was forced off with an injury last weekend.

Jordi Alba (LB) - Looks back to his best after struggling with injury problems towards the end of last year.

2. Midfielders

Pedro 'Pedri' Gonzalez
Pedri's return from injury has been key for Barcelona / Eric Alonso/GettyImages

Sergio Busquets (CM) - May not have the power in his legs that he did five years ago, but his football intelligence is still unrivalled among midfielders.

Pedri (CM) - One of the best midfielders on the planet, with his recent return from a lengthy injury lay-off providing Barcelona with a shot in the arm.

Frenkie de Jong (CM) - Carries the ball forward exceptionally well, committing defenders and opening pockets of space elsewhere.

3. Forwards

Adama Traore has brought fresh energy since January
Adama Traore has brought fresh energy since January / Quality Sport Images/GettyImages

Adama Traore (RW) - Made a blistering start to his second life at Barcelona, providing a couple of assists in as many league games.

Ferran Torres (ST) - Has scored or assisted in four out of Barcelona's last five domestic games.

Gavi (LW) - Weaves his way through the tightest of spaces, killing defenders with that trademark drop of the shoulder.