For Valencia and Barcelona, the 2024-25 La Liga season begins on Saturday evening at the Mestalla. Both teams are aiming to begin their respective campaigns in the best possible manner, although it can be said that there may not be too much optimism surrounding either club at the moment.
This is especially the case for Barcelona, who have few options in their squad because of injury and registration problems. Hansi Flick has already confirmed that Dani Olmo will not play, meaning that he has few senior players to choose from in midfield/attack.
Sport say that it will be a fairly similar line-up to the one that Barcelona used throughout last season. The only real inclusion of note is Marc Casado, who’s expected to play alongside Andreas Christensen in defensive midfield. Ilkay Gundogan will be used behind Robert Lewandowski, and he will be flanked by Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.
For Valencia, Giorgi Mamardashvili is expected to start. However, it’s likely to be his final match for the club, as he closes in on a move to Liverpool – who will immediate loan him out to fellow Premier League side, AFC Bournemouth. Rafa Mir is expected have his second debut for Los Che, partnering Hugo Duro in attack.
It should be an interesting occasion at the Mestalla. This match finished 1-1 last season, and another draw is entirely possible this time around. However, Barcelona have more than enough to trouble the Valencia defence, although there are doubts after the heavy defeat to Monaco in the Joan Gamper Trophy.
