Barcelona will look to keep rolling along at the top of La Liga as they welcome Real Valladolid to the Camp Nou. Barca remains on top of the league, tied on points with Atlético Madrid but holding an advantage in goal differential.
Barcelona vs. Real Valladolid: Preview and TV schedule
Despite missing Lionel Messi, Barca will look to stay in control of La Liga as they face struggling Real Valladolid.
Richard Heathcote
More from our team blogs: FC Barcelona blog Barca Blaugranes
Lionel Messi remains out recovering from a thigh injury which means Cesc Fàbregas is likely to get the start again in his false nine role. Gerardo Martino could always shake things up and play Neymar centrally, flanked by Pedro and Alexis Sanchez, but he’s yet to do that so far this season. It would certainly be fun to see though and perhaps Tata’s consistent rotation policy will give us a chance to see just that.
Valladolid have managed two straight draws that has pulled them slightly above the relegation zone but they’ve hardly proved the have the ability to stay out of that fight this season. A group of injuries aren’t helping matters either for head coach Juan Ignacio Martínez. JIM proved he can work wonders with a limited squad during his time at Levante but things have been a struggle so far with the Pucela.
Barcelona injuries and suspensions
Out: Jordi Alba (thigh), Javier Mascherano (hamstring), Lionel Messi (thigh), Ibrahim Afellay (knee), Isaac Cuenca (knee).
Real Valladolid injuries and suspensions
Out: Victor Perez (leg), Alvaro Rubio (hamstring), Oscar (knee), Daniel Larsson (thigh). In Doubt: Valdet Rama (knock).
Lionel Messi remains sidelined with a thigh problem that will keep him out through the international break. Jordi Alba and Javier Mascherano both continue to rehab from leg issues as well with returns possible for them as well when league play resumes.
Projected lineups
Barcelona: Victor Valdés; Dani Alves, Marc Bartra, Gerard Piqué, Adriano; Sergio Busquets, Xavi, Andres Iniesta; Neymar, Cesc Fàbregas, Pedro Rodriguez.
Real Valladolid: Diego Mariño, Antonio Rukavina, Marc Valiente, Jesús Rueda, Carlos Peña, Javier Baraja, Lluís Sastre, Patrick Ebert, Humberto Osorio, Valdet Rama, Javi Guerra.
Match Date/Time: 10 p.m. local, 4 p.m. ET
Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain
TV: beIN Sport, beIN Sport en Español (U.S.), Sky Sports 4 (U.K.), Gol Stadium, GOL T, Canal+ Liga / HD (Spain)
Online: beIN Sport Play (U.S.), Sky Go (U.K.)
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