Frank Christian
The La Liga season for 2024/25 kicks off with Valencia hosting Barcelona at Mestalla, unveiling a freshly laid playing surface.
Barcelona enters a new chapter under Hansi Flick, succeeding Xavi Hernandez, following a turbulent preseason and challenges with player registrations.
Valencia, managed by Ruben Baraja, is aiming to break a winless streak since mid-April and start the season on a positive note.
Ways to watch Barcelona matches in 2024/25 season: USA | Canada | Australia | India | UK
Confirmed Lineups and Team News
Goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, linked with Liverpool, is set to start. Jose Gaya and Mouctar Diakhaby may not play for Valencia.
Valencia heads into the game after a 3-2 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in their final preseason match, whereas Barcelona suffered a 3-0 defeat to Monaco in the Joan Gamper Trophy.
Valencia predicted lineup (4-3-3, right to left): Mamardashvili (GK) — Correia, Tarrega, Mosquera, Vazquez — Guillamon, Pepelu, Guerra — Lopez, Mir, Duro
Injured: Jose Gaya, Jaume Domenech, Mouctar Diakhaby (uncertain)
Suspended: None
New signing Dani Olmo will not feature this weekend due to registration issues. A defensive crisis looms for Barcelona with injuries to players like Ronald Araujo.
Lamine Yamal is likely to play, while Pedri might return after being involved in training this week.
Barcelona predicted lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): Ter Stegen (GK) — Kounde, Cubarsi, Garcia, Balde — Christensen, Casado — Lamine Yamal, Gundogan, Raphinha — Lewandowski
Injured: Gavi, Ronald Araujo, Ansu Fati (uncertain), Frenkie de Jong (uncertain), Pedri (uncertain)
Suspended: None
Unavailable: Dani Olmo, Inigo Martinez (not registered)
