Messi: Best ever start

The hosts made it three wins in as many games at the weekend as they snatched a 1-0 victory at Sporting Gijon, thanks to Roberto Soldado's strike.

The forward has scored five of his team's six goals this season and will certainly pose a threat to the Barca back line in the Mestalla.

Gerard Pique may be in line for a return to the Barcelona side following a calf injury, although Andres Iniesta and Alexis Sanchez remain sidelined.

Barcelona have the upper hand in clashes between the two in recent years, having lost just one of the previous 10, while Pep Guardiola has won one and drawn two of his trips to Valencia since his appointment as Barca manager.

Lionel Messi continues impress year on year, five goals in three games this season has already become his best ever start to a league season, and with Cesc Fabregas slotting straight into the side following his arrival from Arsenal the European Champions look to have even more attacking options at their disposal.

This is Barcelona's second highest-scoring start to a league campaign, while the majority of their goals have come in the first half, so, while Valencia boss Unai Emery relies on Soldado to bag the goals he will also know the size of the task at hand for his defence.

Valencia will look to make it three clean sheets in a row on Wednesday and will look to this fine defensive form to build a platform for victory against Barcelona, although any game with Barca is bound to see goals and this one could see plenty from the off.

Best Bet: Over 1.5 half-time goals - 6/5