Valencia's overriding priority is to preserve their top-flight status, with the club currently at risk of suffering their first relegation since 1985-86.

Los Che are languishing four points adrift of safety in 19th position after winning four, drawing seven and losing 11 of their 22 league matches this season.

Carlos Corberan has overseen two of those victories in his five league games in charge, with both of those wins taking place in Valencia's previous two home matches, including a narrow 2-1 victory in Sunday's meeting with Celta Vigo thanks to goals from Luis Rioja and Javi Guerra.

The former West Bromwich Albion boss has also been in charge for two of Valencia's four matches in the 2024-25 Copa del Rey, seeing his side claim 2-0 victories over Eldense and Ourense after his predecessor, Ruben Baraja, had started the cup win with wins against Parla Escuela and Ejea.

Los Che are now preparing to face top-flight opposition for the first time in their Copa del Rey journey, with the hosts hoping to spring a surprise to keep their hopes alive of winning the cup for the eighth time and the first time since 2018-19.

However, Valencia will be fully aware that they have their work cut out to beat Barcelona, especially as they have not claimed a head-to-head victory since recording a 2-0 home win in January 2020.

Barcelona have been in fine form in 2025, having won seven and drawn two of their last seven competitive matches since losing 2-1 to Atletico Madrid in their final game of 2024.

Their unbeaten run has seen them lift the Spanish Super Cup, beat Barbastro and Real Betis in the Copa del Rey, as well as taking four points from their final two league phase games to finish in top spot in the Champions League standings.

The Blaugrana have also taken seven points from their three league games in their undefeated streak, playing out a 1-1 draw with Getafe, before going on to take maximum points from their home matches against Valencia and Alaves.

While they cruised past Valencia by an eyewatering 7-1 scoreline, the Catalan giants had to be content with a 1-0 victory in Sunday's game against Alaves, with Robert Lewandowski's 30th goal of the season moving them to within four points of leaders Real Madrid.

Barcelona will now put their La Liga campaign on hold to focus on their third consecutive Copa del Rey quarter-final, with the visitors looking to keep their hopes alive of winning the competition for the 32nd time and the first time since 2020-21.

The Blaugrana have enjoyed their recent trips to Mestalla, having won four of their last five away meetings with Valencia, including a 2-1 victory in their previous away encounter in August.

Valencia possible starting lineup:

Dimitrievski; Foulquier, Tarrega, Mosquera, Gaya; Guerra, Barrenchea; Lopez, Almeida, Rioja; Duro

Barcelona possible starting lineup:

Pena; Kounde, Cubarsi, Garcia, Balde; Pedri, De Jong, Fermin; Yamal, Raphinha, Lewandowski