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Barcelona are looking to keep their flawless start to the season intact when they travel to face Valencia in La Liga this Sunday.
La Blaugrana have swept aside every opponent in the early stages of their title defense, with a win over Athletic Club nestled between five-goal victories against Elche and Rayo Vallecano. With their upcoming opponents having collected just one point from a possible nine this season, yet another win for Hansi Flick's side appears almost certain.
Barça also boast an impressive record in this matchup. Before their loss at Mestalla on the final day of last season — which came after they had already clinched the title — the Catalan giants had strung together five consecutive wins against Valencia, netting 24 goals while conceding only four.
Here's how Barcelona could set up for this weekend's away fixture.
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Valencia
Pick Your Barcelona Starting XI!
GK: Joan García—García conceded for the first time this campaign against Rayo Vallecano last Monday, turning in a more uncertain performance than the shot-stopper typically delivers.
RB: Eric García—Following Jules Koundé's underwhelming outing against Rayo, Flick may opt to bring García back into the starting eleven at right back. The Spaniard kept clean sheets against Elche and Athletic Club before being moved to the bench.
CB: Pau Cubarsí—Valencia have been toothless in attack this season, managing just one goal across their three matches. Cubarsí should face a relatively comfortable afternoon away from home.
CB: Andreas Christensen—Christensen is enjoying a run free from injury and will battle Gerard Martín for the chance to partner Cubarsí. Flick must also factor in Wednesday's Champions League opener at home to Feyenoord when naming his defensive lineup.
LB: Xavi Espart—The young fullback has made a strong impression across multiple roles early in the campaign and could edge out João Cancelo for another start. Espart found excellent positions when cutting inside against Rayo, even chipping in with his first senior assist.
CM: Rodri—After two substitute appearances, could this be the moment for Rodri to earn his first Barça start? There's no pressing need to rush him into the fold given Marc Bernal's impressive form, though he could well feature for the opening hour or so in Valencia.
CM: Pedri—Another scintillating display saw him pull the strings in the demolition of Rayo, and a struggling Valencia side will be dreading a similarly brilliant performance from the midfielder.
RW: Lamine Yamal—Having opened his seasonal account with a brace last time out — including one truly stunning effort — Yamal should have little trouble dismantling Valencia's backline.
AM: Dani Olmo—The attacking midfielder is still finding his rhythm, but should be given the chance to register his first goal and/or assist of the season — unless Flick decides to bring Fermín López back into the starting eleven.
LW: Anthony Gordon—Gordon's tireless and unselfish performances have quickly earned him a fanbase in Catalonia. The Englishman has laid on three assists so far and will be keen to mark a memorable first goal in the famous red and blue.
ST: Raphinha—No out-and-out striker, no problem for Flick. His redeployed Brazilian has been outstanding leading the attack, finding the net five times across the opening three games.