Valencia
vs
Barcelona
Match Schedule:
Date: October 17th
Time: 20:00 (GMT)
Pep Guardiola's side have started the campaign in impressive fashion, and they went clear at the top of the table before the international break following a hard-fought 1-0 victory at home to Almeria, after rivals Real Madrid lost at Sevilla.
Tomorrow night's match at Mestalla is likely to prove the toughest test so far for Guardiola's side, particularly as most of the Barcelona players were heavily involved in the final World Cup qualifying group matches this week.
Thierry Henry was injured playing for France and will be out of action for around 10 days.
Xavi, who has featured in all of Barca's 11 competitive matches so far this campaign, was also injured representing Spain, but has since recovered and could start against Valencia.
Lionel Messi is also in contention, despite playing two gruelling games for Argentina and arriving back in Barcelona following a long journey from South America on Thursday.
The Argentina winger, much-criticised in his homeland following some indifferent performances with his national side, says he is ready to face Valencia.
"It depends on the coach, but I am fit to play," Messi said.
Messi had been due to arrive today, but Barcelona arranged a private flight to rush their star player back two days before the big clash at Mestalla.
"I have been able to arrive sooner than expected thanks to the club and I have a day to rest," Messi said following his return.
Messi is usually rested by Guardiola after international duty, but that extra day's rest may mean the winger is fresh to start against Valencia.
Youngster Pedro, who scored a fine winner in the game against Almeria, is likely to start in Henry's absence.
Guardiola now has options throughout the squad thanks to the return of Andres Iniesta, Bojan Krkic and Rafa Marquez in recent weeks.
Argentina defender Gabi Milito is still unlikely to feature, though, after almost a year and a half on the sidelines with a serious knee injury.
Valencia have injury worries of their own, with Carlos Marchena sidelined for a month and David Villa rated doubtful for tomorrow's game.
Villa, a Barca target in the summer, has been struggling with an injury sustained in Valencia's 1-0 win at Racing Santander before the international break.
The Spain striker trained briefly with his team-mates today.
Coach Unai Emery says a decision on the player's involvement will be made on the day of the game.
"The next 24 hours will be very important," he said today.
And he added: "What the doctor says will have a big say in the decision."
Emery expects a big performance from his side, but believes Barcelona are currently the world's top team and knows the Catalans will be difficult to beat.
"We will produce a big performance and we have to," he said.
"We need to implant our personality and philosophy on the game as much as possible because they are the best team in the world at the moment."
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