Barcelona travel to Valencia on Sunday with the aim of cementing their place in the top four of La Liga.

Although they are now undefeated in four matches, Barca have been riding their luck lately.

Last weekend, they required a late header from Luuk de Jong to poach a 2-2 draw against Espanyol in the derby, then against Napoli in the Europa League a Ferran Torres penalty was required to secure a draw that was, at least, amply merited.

Barca fielded a strong squad in midweek, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang handed a first start alongside fellow January additions Adama Traore and Torres.

If Barca go deep in the competition, it will be a test for them to continue to field strong sides in Europe and continue to achieve their aims in La Liga.

For Sunday’s fixture, Barca will have to reshuffle their defence, with experienced defenders Dani Alves and Gerard Pique both banned. They are further stretched in this area because Samuel Umtiti and Sergi Roberto are missing, while Ronald Araujo and Clement Lenglet are both significant doubts.

This means that Sergino Dest is liable to get a rare chance at right-back under Xavi, while Oscar Mingueza will move across into the centre of the defence to partner Oscar Mingueza.

The midfield is at full strength, so Pedri, Sergi Busquets and Frenkie de Jong are all set to start once more. Nico Gonzalez will drop out after being used from the outset in midweek.

In attack Ansu Fati is absent and there are big doubts over Memphis Depay once more. As a result, there is unlikely to be a big change from the front three on Thursday.

Possible Barcelona starting XI versus Valencia