Barcelona are hoping to extend their perfect start to the new La Liga season this weekend. Struggling Valencia provide the opposition at Mestalla.

Injuries adding to the problems for winless Valencia

A 3-1 defeat away to Deportivo La Coruña extended a poor opening for Valencia. The pressure is already building on Carlos Corberán, who has numerous injuries to contend with.

Los Che will have to cope without Guido Rodríguez, Sergi Canós, José Manuel Copete, Umar Sadiq, Justin de Haas and Diego López. They have additional fitness concerns over both Dimitri Foulquier and Luis Rioja.

Summer signings Arnau Martínez, Pablo Maffeo and Ryūnosuke Satō are all likely to start, while recent addition Harvey Elliott could see action from the bench. Arnaut Danjuma, who is averaging 2.3 shots per game in La Liga 2026/27, should partner Satō in attack.

Valencia predicted lineup vs Barcelona (5-3-2): Dimitrievski; Maffeo, A. Martínez, Tárrega, Diakhaby, J. Vázquez; Pepelu, Guerra, Ugrinić; Satō, Danjuma.

Barcelona impressing with Raphinha up front

There was late business at Barcelona, with Gabriel Jesus arriving just before the transfer deadline. The Brazilian offers a natural option up top, but Raphinha is currently excelling as a striker, rather than in his more familiar wide role.

The 29-year-old sets the tone with his aggressive pressing, while Anthony Gordon also helps Barça on that front. The England international should continue on the left flank, having registered three assists across his first three La Liga appearances.

Frenkie de Jong and Roony Bardghji remain sidelined for the Catalan giants. Gavi is an additional fitness concern, while Rodri may again be deployed off the bench.

Barcelona predicted lineup vs Valencia (4-2-3-1): J. García; Espart, Cubarsí, G. Martín, E. García; Pedri, Bernal; Yamal, Fermín, Gordon; Raphinha.

Valencia vs Barcelona Prediction

  • Safe Tip: Barcelona to win
  • Odds: 1.285 (22Bet)
  • Correct score prediction: Valencia 1-3 Barcelona
  • 22Bet Booking Code: JUHHU

Key stats:

  • Barcelona have scored 19 goals across their previous four matches against Valencia.
  • The visitors have won all three fixtures so far this term, averaging four goals per 90 minutes.
  • Including friendlies, Valencia have gone six games without a win.

With their selection issues mounting, there are few positives at Valencia right now. Their summer signings are yet to make much impact and they were really poor in their last match, with two own goals contributing to their downfall. Corberán’s side created just one big chance across the 90 minutes.

By contrast, Barcelona are looking really sharp. They’ve only conceded twice in three matches, while they’ve already scored five on two occasions in La Liga. The visitors are a safe pick to win this match.

Valencia vs Barcelona Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: Raphinha to score a goal including substitutions
  • Odds: 1.78 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: AT4HU

With five goals in three appearances, Raphinha is the best candidate to score a goal in this match. He offers value at odds of 1.78 to strike once again at Mestalla.

The ex-Leeds player is averaging 3.3 shots per game in the Spanish top flight this term. He has netted at least once in all of Barcelona’s opening fixtures.

Verdict: Barcelona to win (1.285) — Valencia 1-3 Barcelona