Valencia v Barcelona
Stadium: Mestalla – Valencia, Spain
Competition: La Liga
Date: 17 October 2009
Kickoff: 22:00 BST, 21:00 GMT – 16:00 EST
Valencia hosts Barcelona on Saturday as La Liga resumes from the international break. Live coverage of the match will begin approximately 15 minutes before kickoff or 20:45 GMT (21:45 BST, 15:45 EST).
Match Preview
FC Barcelona looks to remain perfect on La Liga while Valencia looks to move up in the table. Barcelona is currently 6-0-0 on the season and are the early favorites to lift the trophy in May. The Spanish giants have several players on international duty, including Lionel Messi, but many of them have returned early with their nations already qualifying. These included Marquez, Puyol, Keita, Alves, Toure, and Xavi who were back training on Wednesday.
Valencia has several injury concerns ahead of Saturday’s match. Carlos Marchena will be out along with winger Joaquin but striker David Villa is a possibility for the match. Overall, Valencia will have their hands full with Barcelona with or without any of the injuries.
Overall, the two clubs have an even history with 29 wins for both sides, 16 draws, and a five goal difference (119 for Barcelona, 124 for Valencia). Will Barcelona remain perfect or can Valencia repeat a performance from last season at the Mestalla (2-2 draw).
Live Coverage
