PREVIEW FC Barcelona v Valencia

FC Barcelona are doing brilliantly in the Champions League, are through to the quarter finals of the Copa del Rey and already have the Spanish Super Cup in the bag. But things have not been going quite so immaculately in the domestic league, where the once runaway leaders have dropped to third in the table after a run of just one win in eight games, and only six points out of a possible 24.

Following yet another tremendous display in Europe, bouncing back from 4-2 down to beat Benfica 5-4 in a simply extraordinary game of football, they now have what on paper looks like a fine opportunity to get things back on track in La Liga.

The Estadi Olimpic is the venue for a Sunday 9pm CET kick-off against a side that is currently just one point off the bottom of the table. Valencia, traditionally one of the giants of Spanish football, have been struggling in recent years, and unless there is a change in their fortunes change, relegation is now a very real possibility.

But that does not mean it won't be easy for Barça. For a start, Los Che seem to be playing much better under new coach Carlos Corberán. Last week they beat Real Sociedad, and in their two outings immediately before that they were on the verge of beating both Real Madrid and Sevilla, only to be denied by late goals. And it's not as if Valencia are short on talent. Hugo Duro (6) and Luis Rioja (4) are their top scorers, and they have the likes of Diego López and the experienced José Gayà in their ranks, as well as a fine goalkeeper in Georgian international Giorgi Mamardashvili.

This season, while Barça have racked up some outstanding scores against some of Spain and Europe's biggest sides, they have been slipping up against teams in the bottom part of the Liga table. They lost at home to both Las Palmas and Leganés, and last week could only draw away to Getafe. After losing no fewer than three league games in a row in their home stadium, Barça need a turnaround, and they need it now.

Results elsewhere

Barça go into this game knowing how the two teams above them have fared. Atlético Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Villarreal, gifting Barça the chance to close the gap on them to three points. But a Kylian Mbappe hat-trick earned Real Madrid a 3-0 win over Valladolid, meaning that as things stand, they hold a ten-point lead on the Catalans.

Athletic Club, who are currently tied with Barça on 39 points, could at least temporarily move into third place as they take on Leganés in Bilbao this afternoon.

Head to head

Reassuringly, history is very much on their side in this fixture. Barça have only lost three of their last 35 games against Valencia, and have won six of the last seven, including a 2-1 win at Mestalla on the opening day of the current season, when a second half brace from Robert Lewandowski cancelled out Hugo Duro's opener.

It's also comforting to know that Barça's Polish striker has a knack of scoring against this team. Six goals in three matches... some return!

Cup rivals

This game comes less than a fortnight before the same two teams are due to meet yet again, for they have been drawn together in the quarter final of the Copa del Rey. That game will be decided in a single leg, to be played at Mestalla on February 6.

Support for Valencia

FC Barcelona and its Foundation are taking advantage of the game with Valencia to organise a series of actions in support of the victims of the floods that devastated the visiting side's region late last year, and where life is still a long way from reverting to normal in the wake of the tragedy.

The fund-raising activities include a collection of the shirts worn by the players in the match, all duly signed, for online auction, in a repeat of an action already conducted after the derby with RCD Espanyol, and which was able to raise an impressive €90,000.

Team news

Marc Andre ter Stegen and Marc Bernal are both out for what will probably be the rest of the season, while Barça are also missing the services of both Iñigo Martinez and Dani Olmo. Neither are long-term problems, but two of the key players this season will be dearly missed.

Valencia are coming to Catalonia without the injured Mouctar Diakhaby and Thierry Correia, while they are also missing impressive young defender Cristhian Mosquera, who is serving a suspension.

Hansi says

Speaking on Saturday, the Barça coach "Valencia have improved a lot in defence and they know what they are doing. We have to create chances and it will not be easy. It's really important to win every game and that's the attitude we have to have going out on the field."