Huesca will host Barcelona in the La Liga this season as they aim for an unlikely survival in the Spanish top flight this season.
Barcelona took a major step in their bid to lift a second consecutive La Liga title when they beat Atletico Madrid 2-0 last week.
Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi were among the goals as Barcelona took an 11-point lead over Diego Simeone’s side. Ernesto Valverde would hope for a similar result when the side takes on Huesca.
The Barcelona manager hinted at the press conference ahead of the game that Lionel Messi might rest for the game, as the Argentine star suffered from a facial injury during the game against Manchester United.
With Luis Suarez and Gerard Pique suspended for the game, expect Valverde to rotate the squad as the tie against United is still quite open.
BAR vs HUE Dream 11 prediction:
Goalkeeper: Marc-Andre ter Stegen
Ernesto Valverde is expected to continue with his first-choice goalkeeper in this game, as Gerard Pique is suspended for the game. Huesca has scored in each of their last five games even when they lost all of them, so I believe Ter Stegen may continue to be in front of the goal for Barcelona.
Defence: Etxeitia, Alba, Roberto, Semedo
The reason why I’ve gone with Xabier Etxeitia is that he could be lethal during crosses, as his height allows for a decent leap. Jordi Alba, Sergi Roberto and Nelson Semedo are all expected to start as we can expect Valverde to make some changes in the team combination.
With Barcelona facing Manchester United in the second leg of the quarterfinal tie next week on Tuesday, a major shuffling up of the first-team is likely to take place in the weekend game.
Midfield: Gomez, Melero, Coutinho, Dembele
Gomez and Melero, the two Huesca midfielders, may try to exploit the central channel against Barcelona.
With Suarez out of the game and Messi doubtful, Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele are my two go-to players for the game against Huesca. The French youngster eyes a return to action for the first time since recovering from the injury.
Forward: Avila, Malcom
Avila has been the top scorer for Huesca and will be the key player for the home side in the game against Barcelona. Malcom, meanwhile, is expected to start in the game in the absence of Luis Suarez. Valverde is likely to rest Lionel Messi due to his injury and not risking him further ahead of the clash against Manchester United.
My Dream11 side for BAR vs HUE:
ter Stegen; Etxeitia, Alba, Roberto, Semedo; Gomez, Melero, Coutinho, Dembele; Avila, Malcom
Ousmane Dembele is my captain for the game. The Frenchman’s pace could create issues for Huesca, and he will be urging to go out on the field and get some goals. Malcom has been impressive in the limited opportunities he has had so far and he, like Dembele, will be gearing up for the game. He is my vice-captain for the match.
