Barcelona players Lionel Messi (L) and Rafinha. (Photo : Getty Images)
Rising team Valencia CF (3-5-0, 9 points) will take on the challenge of back-to-back champions FC Barcelona (5-2-1, 16 points) in a 2016-2017 La Liga season match at the Mestalla Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 22.
Start Time and Streaming Info
The game starts at 10:15 a.m. ET. It can be viewed live online thru FuboTV.
Valencia has won three of its last four matches which allowed the team to climb out of the relegation area. They are now at the 14th spot of the league table, only two points above the bottom three zone.
Their most recent game ended in a 2-1 win over reeling squad Sporting Gijon at the El Molinon Stadium on Sunday, as per The Guardian.
Spanish midfielder Mario Suárez, on loan from English club Watford, netted a brace to lead Los Che. It was also a grandiose welcome for new manager Cesare Prandelli, commencing his Valencia reign with a win.
Suárez netted the opening goal with a right-footer in the seventh minute off an assist by teammate Rodrigo.
Sporting was able to equalize four minutes before halftime with a header from forward Carlos Castro from the center of the box.
Suárez then scored the winner in the 65th with a close-range shot following a set-piece situation to give Els Taronges another three points in the overall standings.
Meanwhile, Barcelona bounced back from their previous debacle against Celta Vigo by crushing Deportivo La Coruna, 4-0, at the Camp Nou last Saturday, the Mirror reported.
Brazilian midfielder Rafinha scored a double in the 21st and 36th minute to start Barça's attack before striker Luis Suárez made it a 3-0 lead in the 43rd, giving the hosts a 3-0 advantage at the break.
Lionel Messi returned from a groin injury and came off the bench in the 55th, replacing Sergio Busquets behind head coach Luis Enrique's attacking line.
Messi sealed the win three minutes later as he directed Neymar's cross past the outstretched arms of Deportivo keeper and compatriot German Lux, completing the Blaugrana's four-goal haul.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner is back and Enrique's boys found a new confidence to begin a new winning run.
Prediction and Predicted Lineup
The predicted result is a 3-0 romp for Barcelona.
Valencia starting lineup (4-2-3-1 formation): Alves; Montoya, Garay, Santos, Gaya; Suárez, Perez; Cancelo, Parejo, Mina; Rodrigo
Barcelona starting lineup (4-3-3 formation): ter Stegen; Mascherano, Pique, Roberto, Mathieu; Rafinha, Busquets, Rakitic; Messi, Suárez, Neymar
