Are Valencia title contenders and other key talking points as Los Che host Barcelona

Here, we look at some talking points surrounding the game.

IS VERMAELEN UP TO THE TASK?

Barca have remarkably conceded only four goals in their opening 12 games, keeping clean sheets in five consecutive away games heading into this weekend’s trip to Mestalla.

But with Gerard Pique suspended and first choice back-up Javier Mascherano injured, the league leaders’ hugely impressive defensive record faces a major test against Valencia’s free-scoring attack.

The absences mean that Samuel Umtiti will almost certainly be partnered for the very first time by veteran Belgian international Thomas Vermaelen, who has become a forgotten man at Camp Nou after failing to play at all under new boss Ernesto Valverde except a solitary outing in last month’s Copa del Rey victory at lower league Real Murcia.

At least Vermaelen had two recent friendly games with Belgium to get rid of some of his rustiness, but he has not started for Barca in La Liga since January 2016 and only had four league starts during last season’s loan spell at Roma.

Vermaelen has plenty of experience and ability, of course, but facing Valencia’s potent attack for his first ever game alongside Umtiti is a far from ideal scenario and the home team will surely feel his presence increases their chances.

WHO WILL WIN THE MIDFIELD BATTLE?

Before Valencia can test Vermaelen, however, they have to get the ball into the Barca box and a key role in that task will be played by the central midfield pairing of Dani Parejo and Geoffrey Kondogbia, whose brilliant long-range strike broke the deadlock in last week’s hard-earned win at Espanyol.

Former Sevilla man Kondogbia is looking to rejuvenate his career in La Liga after an underwhelming spell in Italy with Inter Milan, and his rampaging style and defensive skills have provided the perfect complement to the passing range of Parejo, whose playmaking output has not always matched his ability in the past but who is now finding the most consistent form of his career.

On Sunday night Kondogbia and Parejo will attempt to overcome Barca’s midfield trio of Andres Iniesta, Ivan Rakitic and Sergio Busquets, and it will be vital for the home team to establish a strong presence in that key battleground if they are to threaten the visitors’ back four.

If Barca can exert their usual command over possession, it will be tough for the hosts to extend their winning run.

ARE VALENCIA REALLY TITLE CONTENDERS? 

A spectacular start to the season, including an ongoing run of eight consecutive victories, has seen Valencia shrug aside their recent label as underachievers on an almost comical scale to become the biggest challengers to Barcelona at the top of the table.

Under the leadership of former Villarreal boss Marcelino, who arrived in the summer to become the team’s seventh manager in three years, Los Che have been revitalised, playing fast-paced and attack-minded football to climb clear of Real and Atletico Madrid in second place.

They have looked convincing all over the park and especially in attack, banging home 32 goals in their opening 12 games – just one less than Barca themselves.

Simone Zaza has top scored with nine goals, while Rodrigo has earned international recognition for Spain with seven goals and Paris Saint-Germain loanee Goncalo Guedes has looked a star in the making on the wing.

But this is by far their biggest challenge against a Barca team with an outstanding record of 11 wins and 1 draw. If Valencia can pass the test and move within a point of the leaders, we’ll have to start taking them seriously as credible title challengers.