TEAM NEWS: Barcelona - Valencia

TEAM NEWS: Alex Song makes first start for Barcelona in home match versus Valencia

Sep 2, 2012 7:40:00 PM

The new signing lines up alongside Xavi and Fabregas in the middle as the Catalans look to bounce back from Supercopa defeat against Los Che

Alexander Song will make his Barcelona Liga debut on Sunday evening, starting his first match in the Camp Nou as the Blaugrana host Valencia.

The Cameroon international completed a transfer from Arsenal in the summer transfer window, and will line up with Xavi and Cesc Fabregas in midfield. The hosts also welcome back Dani Alves to the starting line-up, after the full back was a late inclusion in the squad following his recovery from a leg injury. Captain Carles Puyol was also included in the list, but did not make the bench.

Argentina international Fernando Gago only makes the bench for Valencia after suffering an abductor injury, and the former Real Madrid and Roma player is also a doubt for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. David Albelda, who celebrated his 35th birthday on Saturday, gets the nod to partner Tino Costa in the middle.

Barcelona (4-3-3): Valdes; Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Adriano; Song, Xavi, Cesc; Pedro, Alexis, Messi.

Substitutes: Pinto, Alba, Bartra, Sergio, Iniesta, Tello, Villa.

Valencia (4-2-3-1): Alves; Pereira, Rami, Ruiz, Cissokho; Albelda, T Costa; Feghouli, Jonas, Guardado; Soldado.

Substitutes: Gago, Piatti, Guaita, Barragan, Jonathan Viera, Nelson Valdez, Parejo.

Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200
Sign up to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets
Sign up today with Coral and get a £50 FREE bet - no strings attached!
Sign up today with BetVictor and get a £25 FREE BET!