Madrid: FC Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde has a couple of decisions to make before his side takes on Manchester United in Old Trafford in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal tie.
Last Saturday’s 2-0 win at home to Atletico Madrid means Barcelona need just 10 points from the last seven Liga Santander matches of the season to be crowned in Spain and that means Valverde has no need to hold anything back against the English side.
Most of the Barca team virtually picks itself, with Leo Messi and Luis Suarez certainties in attack, along with Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic in midfield, Jordi Alba, Clement Lenglet, Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba in defense and Marc Andre Ter Stegen in goal.
That means that in theory there are three places up for grabs. In defense it looks as if Nelson Semedo could come into the side for Sergi Roberto, with the Portuguese right back’s greater pace considered a factor when it comes to stopping Manchester United’s Marcos Rashford’s pace on the break.
Artur Melo has been in good form for Barca of late, but could also step down to allow the greater aggression and Champions League experience of Arturo Vidal.
Valverde has the toughest decision to make in attack, where he has several options to accompany Messi and Suarez.
Ousmane Dembele has travelled with Barcelona, but after a month out through injury, the coach will be unwilling to rest him from the start. (UNI)
