TheSportsRush brings Barcelona’s expected lineup vs Valencia, as the Catalan giants aim to capitalize on 4-2 victory over Tottenham in mid-week.
After claiming a second successive win in the UEFA Champions League over Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday, Barcelona get back to league action as they travel to the Mestalla to take on Valencia.
The Catalans are on a run of three winless matches in the La Liga Santander, with the Valencia game being the perfect setting to bounce back. Let’s take a look at how Valverde’s men might line-up for this vital clash.
DEFENCE
Barcelona’s defence has been quite disappointing this season, it is probably due to lack of competition.
Yet, Marc Andre Ter Stegen is expected to hold his place in between the sticks. After a streak of poor performance, Gerard Pique was just about okay against Spurs but will start against Los Che.
Gerard Piqué becomes only the 36th player in history to reach 100 Champions League appearances 👏#UCL pic.twitter.com/UGLv7wtckv
— Ladbrokes (@Ladbrokes) October 3, 2018
Samuel Umtiti’s injury means that Clement Lenglet is also set to start. Jordi Alba will play left back after providing two assists in London, while Sergi Roberto’s injury opens to door for Nelson Semedo at right back.
MIDFIELD
Sergio Busquets delivered a fantastic performance at the Wembley Stadium on Wednesday night. The Spaniard completed 100% of his passes and attempted tackles in what turned out to be a very vital display from the centre of the park.
Pochettino:- “We didn’t lose to a team called Barcelona, we lost to a man called Lionel Messi. And there is no shame in losing to such a Great Man”
Massive Respect! pic.twitter.com/d9wvg9fEIH
— Heisenburger (@FrenkieDeLigt) October 3, 2018
He is in contention to start versus Valencia. Ivan Rakitic is set to rest after a busy start to the season and may be replaced by Arthur while Phillippe Coutinho could get back to the left midfielder’s position after playing an advanced role in the midweek fixture.
Arthur,put out brilliant performance yesterday.Of course Messi,Rakitic and coutinho were amazing.But then came Arthur.Calm on the ball. Barely gave the ball away.Didn’t make any mistakes and his pass accuracy was literally 92% He has the potential to be the next Xavi or Iniesta. pic.twitter.com/aAyHVVlK52
— sam.eer.10 (@sam_eer_10) October 4, 2018
ATTACK
Barcelona’s attacking fire has only been coming through Lionel Messi. The 31 year old scored twice in the Champions League to take his tally to 10 goals for this season. He is expected to start after resting in last week’s draw versus Athletic Bilbao.
⚽ 40+ goals in every calendar year.
📅 10 years of Lionel Messi.
🐑 GOAT. pic.twitter.com/vF7UW7ptQx
— SPORF (@Sporf) October 5, 2018
Luis Suarez did not chip in with the goals on Wednesday but was into the spotlight after two lovely dummies to set Messi’s goals.
I’m not normally one to praise Messi, but never mind his goal scoring, if there’s ever been a better passer of a football I’ve not seen him.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) October 3, 2018
Ousmane Dembele was rested against Spurs and will be back in the eleven at Valencia.
Barcelona’s expected lineup vs Valencia:
