Valencia vs Barcelona

Valencia welcome Barcelona to the Estadio de Mestalla on Sunday, 6 September 2026, in a La Liga Matchday 4 fixture that pits a side winless in two against the early-season pacesetters. Hansi Flick’s side arrive after back-to-back victories, while Carlos Corberán’s team are still searching for their first league win of the campaign.

Team News and Injury Latest

Barcelona are set to be boosted by the return of Gavi, with journalist Moises Llorens confirming the midfielder will rejoin team training next week and should be ready for the trip to Valencia. He has been sidelined since the opening-day knee injury suffered against Elche. Long-term absentee Frenkie de Jong remains out, and summer signing Dominik Livakovic is not yet registered, meaning Wojciech Szczesny continues in goal. Winger Roony Bardghji experienced minor pains recently but trained well and could feature. Rodri Hernández, who made his first Barça appearance off the bench against Athletic Club, might be handed his first start.

Valencia are stretched at the back. Copete and Foulquier have no return date, leaving Corberán short in defence as the transfer window closes. Justin De Haas was forced off at half-time in the goalless draw with Celta Vigo and is also doubtful.

Barcelona Form Guide

Flick’s men have collected maximum points from their two outings, following a win over Athletic Club with a 1-0 home success against Rayo Vallecano. The starting XI that faced Athletic featured a blend of youth and experience: Joan Garcia in goal, Eric García and Pau Cubarsí at the back, and an attacking unit of Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Anthony Gordon. Gordon made his first start in that game, while academy graduate Xavi Espart debuted. Flick described the squad atmosphere as “really great” and praised Deco’s ongoing transfer work, indicating there is no pressure to add more.

Valencia’s Defensive Struggles

Valencia sit 15th with just one point, having followed a 0-0 draw at Celta Vigo with a 1-0 home defeat to Real Betis. In the Betis loss, they were unable to convert promising chances and were undone by a clinical visiting attack. Corberán deployed a compact 5-3-2 system against Celta, and that shape is likely to be retained to try to limit Barcelona’s forward line. The absence of Copete and Foulquier, plus the uncertainty around De Haas, leaves a back line that has already been breached by a Betis side known for its away form.

Key Battle: Midfield Disruption

Gavi’s return adds bite to Barcelona’s midfield. Alongside Pedri and the emerging Marc Bernal, the visitors will look to dominate possession. Valencia’s best hope lies in disrupting that rhythm through the experienced Guido Rodríguez and the industrious Pepelu, with Javi Guerra offering legs ahead of them. If the hosts can force turnovers and release Hugo Duro and Arnaut Danjuma early, they could expose spaces behind Barça’s full-backs.

Barcelona will view this as an opportunity to extend their unbeaten start before the international break, while Valencia are desperate to give the Mestalla crowd something to celebrate after a stuttering opening fortnight.