New Valencia coach Gary Neville will watch from the stands as his side take on league leaders Barcelona at the Mestalla on Saturday. With Neville rather understandably not wanting to take charge until after this weekend's difficult fixture, it will be up to his brother Phil to ensure things don't get too messy down on the pitch. The hosts currently sit down in ninth place, having hired Neville after Nuno Espirito Santo's resignation in the aftermath of their defeat to Sevilla last time out.
Barcelona vs. Valencia 2015 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch La Liga online
Gary Neville will observe his Valencia side from the stands when they take on Barcelona on Saturday.
Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images
It has been comparatively plain sailing for their opponents so far this season, with Luis Enrique's men cruising four points clear at the top of the table. They've not lost a game in any competition since early October, and have only dropped points once in that time. Their 4-0 hammering of rivals Real Madrid in El Clásico confirmed them as big title favourites, and they'll no doubt be heading to the Mestalla on Saturday with the intention of adding three more points to their fast-growing tally.
Key player: Neymar (Barcelona)
Perhaps the most impressive performer for Barcelona this season has been Neymar, who is finally asserting himself among the very best players on the planet. His 14 goals are enough for him to top the La Liga scoring charts -- though his teammate Luis Suárez is only a couple of points in arrears. With Valencia's starting right-back João Cancelo suspended, it'll likely be his Portuguese compatriot Rúben Vezo tasked with stopping the Brazilian.
Recent history
Valencia are traditionally one of Spain’s biggest clubs, but that hasn’t stopped them from struggling against Barcelona over the last few seasons. They’ve only beaten the Catalans once in the league since 2007, and lost on 12 occasions in the same timespan. Suffice to say, it’d be a big surprise if they were able to avoid defeat at the Mestalla on Saturday, especially while suffering with so many injury problems.
Valencia injuries and suspensions
Out: Diego Alves, Rodrigo (knee); Álvaro Negredo (stomach); Shkodran Mustafi (thigh); Javi Fuego, João Cancelo (suspended). In doubt: Antonio Barragán, Pablo Piatti (thigh); André Gomes (calf); Sofiane Feghouli (foot).
Barcelona injuries and suspensions
Out: Rafinha (knee); Douglas (foot). In doubt: Sergi Roberto (ankle); Jérémy Mathieu (thigh); Marc-André ter Stegen (knee).
Valencia have something of a selection crisis for this match, with both Fuego and Cancelo suspended alongside a string of injuries to important first-teamers. They’ll hope to have a few players back in time, but it does look like they’re going to have to cobble together a rather makeshift starting lineup.
Barcelona's only certain absentees are the long-term injured Rafinha and Douglas. Roberto, Mathieu and ter Stegen all face late fitness tests.
Match date/time: Saturday, Dec. 5, 2:30 p.m. ET, 8:30 p.m. local
Venue: Estadio de Mestalla, Valencia, Spain
TV: beIN Sports (US and Canada - English); beIN Sports en Español (US and Canada - Spanish); Sky Sports 2/HD (UK)
Online: beIN SPORTS Connect (US and Canada); fuboTV (US); Sky Go (UK)
See More:
