Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi struck a sublime hat-trick in Barcelona's 4-0 win over Manchester City PAU BARRENA/AFP/Getty Images

Barcelona can go top of the La Liga table with victory over Valencia at the Mestalla on 22 October.

Where to watch

Kick-off is set for 3.15pm BST. The game is not scheduled for live broadcast in the UK.

Overview

A Mario Suarez double gave Valencia a 2-1 win over Sporting Gijon at El Molinon on 16 October. The Mestalla club have won three of their last four league fixtures and played out a 1-1 draw against Barcelona in this corresponding fixture last season.

Defender Guilherme Siqueira missed training this week with a leg injury and is doubtful to feature.

Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick as Barcelona swept aside Manchester City 4-0 in the Champions League in midweek. With title rivals Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid not in action until later in the weekend, the Catalan giants can temporarily go top of the La Liga table with victory at the Mestalla.

Jordi Alba (hamstring) and Gerard Pique (ankle) picked up injuries during the City match and will not feature against Valencia.

What managers say

Cesare Prandelli: "The last time I was up against Barcelona striker [Luis] Suarez was during the World Cup. I will meet him in three days but I do not have any prejudice. Preparing a game against Barcelona isn't easy. You can't stop the talent, only hinder it. You just have to seize their weak moments."

Luis Enrique: "We saw Messi play like a kid in the school playground today [against Manchester City]. Any other player would be shaking [after coming back from injury] but if we have come to expect anything from Messi, it's that. It doesn't matter how long he's been out for or how many games he's missed, he has a total understanding of football. Anyone who ever doubts Messi is naive."

Form guide

  • Valencia: WLWWL
  • Last result: Sporting Gijon 1-2 Valencia
  • Barcelona (all competitions): WWLWW
  • Last result: Barcelona 4-0 Manchester City (Champions League)

Betting odds (Betfair)

  • Valencia win: 11/2
  • Draw: 18/5
  • Barcelona win: 2/5

Team news

Valencia possible XI: Alves; Montoya, Garay, Santos, Gaya; Suarez, Perez; Cancelo, Parejo, Nani; Rodrigo

Barcelona possible XI: Ter Stegen; Roberto, Umtiti, Mascherano, Digne; Rakitic, Busquets, Iniesta; Messi, Suarez, Neymar

Barcelona