Barcelona Vs Valencia: The Spanish Champions will face Valencia for the Copa Del Rey final tonight. We take a look at Barcelona and Valencia’s predicted lineups.
Barcelona are heading into their sixth successive Copa Del Rey final out of which they have won four in a row. Thus, asserting their dominance in this cup tournament.
Additionally, Barcelona have been a supreme force in Spain during this campaign as they faced no significant challenge while winning the La Liga title.
However, Valencia are not similar to the previous finale opponents of Barcelona. Valencia are known for its surprises and have the capacity to upset Barcelona.
Moreover, the Bats have been also impressive this season as they have sealed a Champions league spot after coming 4th in the league.
Marcelino García Toral’s side defeated Real Betis in the semi-finals of the tournament. Whereas, Barcelona thrashed their fiercest rival Real Madrid in the semi-final to enter into their sixth successive finale.
Henceforth, it looks like a great contest, as Barcelona would be looking forward to uphold their Spanish dominance and Valencia would be lured by the hopes of securing a silverware this season. Now, we take a look at the predicted lineups for both the sides.
Barcelona predicted lineup Vs Valencia
Goalkeeper: Jasper Cillissen
Cillessen is the man in charge for Barcelona’s goalposts during the cup tournaments, except for the Champions league nights. He has been phenomenal in the limited number of opportunities provided to him. He will be crucial player tonight as his shot-stopping abilities have always turned results into Barcelona’s favour.
Defenders: Sergi Roberto, Gerard Pique, Clement Lenglet, Jordi Alba
Barcelona will go with their usual defensive setup with Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglet at the center and Jordi Alba on the left-flank. However, Sergi Roberto will be playing at the right side of the defense as Nelson Semedo is doubtful for the game.
Midfielders: Ivan Rakitic, Sergio Busquets, Arturo Vidal
This midfield trio will be probably used by Ernesto Valverde as Ivan Rakitic is one of the trusted lieutenants of the Barcelona manager. Whereas, Vidal has been impressive in recent few matches and will be started. On the other hand, Sergio Busquets is the most vital midfielder for Barcelona.
Forwards: Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Philippe Coutinho/ Malcolm
Lionel Messi is a sure starter for this game, as he is the best player on the pitch tonight. However, Luis Suarez has not received medical clearance for the game but if he feels fully fit, he might start the game. Similarly, Philippe Coutinho also does not have a medical clearance but was expected to return this week, if not him, Malcolm will be starting the game.
Barcelona predicted lineup:
Cillissen; Roberto, Pique, Lenglet, Alba; Rakitic, Busquets, Vidal; Messi, Suarez, Coutinho/Malcolm
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Valencia predicted lineup Vs Barcelona
Goalkeeper: Jaume Domenech
The Spanish goalkeeper will be the man at the goal-line for Los Che. He would be requiring a massive help from his defenders to thwart the lethal attacks by the Catalans.
Defenders: Daniel Wass, Garay, Gabriel Paulista and Jose Gaya
The center-back pair of Garay and Paulista would be aiming to keep Messi quiet for tonight. Whereas, attacking prowess of Daniel Wass will make us see him at the right-side of the flank and Gaya will be at the left-side of the defense.
Midfielders: Carlos Soler, Daniel Parejo, Geoffrey Kondogbia and Goncalo Guedes
Daniel Parejo is the sure starter for Valencia tonight as he has been the best player for the Bats this season. Additionally, with Kondogbia fit again, he will be started ahead of Francis Coquelin as the second central midfielder. Whereas, Soler will be deployed at the right flank and Portuguese starlet Guedes will be on the left-wing.
Forwards: Kevin Gameiro and Rodrigo
The attacking pair will be again placed together at the front for Valencia by the Valencia manager, with Santi Mina providing additional option from the bench.
Valencia predicted lineup:
Domenech; Wass, Garay, Paulista, Gaya; Soler, Parejo, Kondogbia, Guedes; Gameiro, Rodrigo
What’s next?
With this Spanish domestic season will be over and both the clubs would look forward to bolster their squads for the next season.
