Barcelona can cement themselves as La Liga leaders going into the international break if they defeat Real Valladolid at the Estadi Olimpic on Saturday evening. Hansi Flick’s side are the only ones with a 100% record after the opening three matchdays, and they will fancy their chances of continuing this against the newly-promoted side.
Tuesday’s comeback victory against Rayo Vallecano was bittersweet for the Catalans, as Marc Bernal suffered a season-ending knee injury in the dying stages at Vallecas. Sport say that Marc Casado will take his place in the starting line-up for the visit of Valladolid, with another two change being Dani Olmo to start ahead of Ferran Torres, and Alejandro Balde returning in place of Gerard Martin.
Valladolid will have been disappointing at being held at home by Leganes during the week, and head coach Paulo Pezzolano is prepared to shuffle the pack. New signing Eray Comert is set to replace the departed Enzo Boyomo, while Selim Amallah, Ivan Sanchez and Darwin Machis are also on course to start.
Barcelona should be winning this one, as they aim to continue their perfect start to the season. However, Valladolid will not make it easy, despite the obvious gulf in class between the two teams.
