Quique Setien sealed a 1-0 win over Granada when he made his debut as Barcelona coach in Week 20, with the new boss seeking a second straight league win when the team travels to Valencia on Saturday. Los Che haven’t lost a domestic fixture at the Mestalla since it surrendered 1-0 to Eibar in April. However, the team is unbeaten in 11 matches and hopes to preserve that record against La Liga’s leaders.
Lionel Messi’s 76th-minute strike against Granada ensured Setien secured three points in his debut with the Blaugrana, who suffered a 2-0 defeat away to the same opponent in September.
One could interpret that as one improvement already upon what Ernesto Valverde had achieved with the club, not to mention the fact they accounted for more than 82 percent of possession.
Valencia was left reeling in Week 20 after it suffered a 4-1 hammering away to Mallorca, with the loss made all the worse by Dani Parejo’s sending off after he received two yellow cards. Manager Albert Celades could have striker Rodrigo back for the visit of Barca, but the attacking duo of Goncalo Guedes and Manu Vallejo are doubtful to return in time.
If it’s of any comfort to Saturday’s hosts, Barcelona will be without the services of striker Luis Suarez, who recently underwent surgery on his right knee and is expected to be out until May.
Winger Ousmane Dembele will also be out of the running due to an ongoing hamstring problem, though midfielder Arthur could be in contention to make his first start since December 1.
Valencia held Barcelona to a 1-1 draw the last time the team made the trip to the Mestalla in October 2018, later beating the Catalan giants 2-1 in Seville to clinch last season’s Copa del Rey.
When these teams last met in September, Barca got revenge with a one-sided 5-2 win at Camp Nou, a result newcomer Setien will hope to replicate in his first away game in charge.
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