Barça are almost back to full strength for the visit to Valencia. Deco, Toure Yaya and Eric Abidal are all included in the squad for the game, and Leo Messi and Gianluca Zambrotta also return. The only players on the injured list now are Thierry Henry and Oleguer Presas, who will both be out until the new year, and Jose Edmilson who is close to returning after his lengthy injury. Marc Crosas and Lilian Thuram have been left out after contributing to the victory over Stuttgart.

Valencia seem to have all sorts of problems. Since Ronald Koeman took over as coach they have one only one game in seven, and they haven’t scored in their last five games. David Villa picked up an injury in Tuesday’s 0-0 draw at Chelsea and will miss the game, as will Raul Albiol, Joaquin is also a serious doubt. It’s not all bad news for Koeman, David Albelda is definitely fit again, and Baraja, Edu and Angulo are all in with a chance of playing after injuries.

Barça should not take this game lightly, Valencia may be going through a difficult time but they still have some excellent players who will be looking for a chance to get the fans back on their side. The first goal could be vital and Barça should go all out to get it. Toure is one yellow card away from suspension which would mean he missed next week’s game with Madrid. However, I think he should play because this is an important game and Barça cannot afford to drop any more points before El Clasico. 

The game is subject to another battle of the TV stations. La Sexta and TV3 should show the game live as they usually do with the 10pm game on a Saturday, but now Tele 5 have announced that they are going to show the game. I have no idea why this mess has been allowed to continue for so long, it really is a joke.

Rijkaard has named the following 18 for the trip: Valdés, Jorquera, Zambrotta, Puyol, Marquez, Milito, Abidal, Sylvinho, Xavi, Toure, Deco, Gudjohnsen, Iniesta, Giovani, Messi, Bojan, Eto’o and Ronaldinho.

Possible Starting Lineup: Valdés; Puyol, Marquez, Milito, Abidal; Xavi, Toure, Iniesta; Messi, Eto’o, Ronaldinho.

My Prediction: Valencia 1 Barça 2

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