After getting past Espanyol, Barcelona look to continue their defense of the Copa Del Rey title against a tough Valencia team in the semifinals.
Ernesto Valverde’s men will be put to the test this week with their first challenge being the semifinal Copa Del Rey match against Valencia. Barcelona will host the tie at the Camp Nou, with the second leg taking place at the Estadio Mestalla.
The Catalans come into this match with high spirits after the 2-0 comeback in the derby to claim their spot in the following round of the King’s Cup.
Valverde must put out his best starting line-up to avoid any mishaps against a strong Valencia side who will arrive at Barcelona hungry for goals.
Portuguese right-back Nelson Semedo has been dropped from the matchday squad while La Masia man Denis Suarez has made it back on the roster for Thursday’s clash.
More from Everything Barca
- FC Barcelona tracking Belgian Wonderkid
- FC Barcelona vs Betis Player Ratings
- Barça boss Xavi to get contract extension
- FC Barcelona planning swoop for Arsenal midfielder
- Barcelona interested in €30 million wonderkid
The complete list goes as follows: Jasper Cillessen, Marc Andre Ter Stegen, Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba, Lucas Digne, Sergi Roberto, Aleix Vidal, Samuel Umtiti, Yerry Mina, Ivan Rakitic, Sergio Busquets, Denis Suarez, Andres Iniesta, Paulinho, Philippe Coutinho, Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi, Paco Alcacer.
Meanwhile, Valencia will have to face the Catalan giants without several of their key men. Marcelino’s side are battling an injury crisis with Ezequiel Garay, Goncalo Guedes, Geoffrey Kondogbia and Jeison Murillo all being left out from their visit to the Camp Nou.
Valencia, who managed to reach the semifinals after a nail-biting penalty shootout against Deportivo Alaves, will have to perform well especially in the absences of their key players.
A different Valencia at Camp Nou
Barcelona have been lethal at home against Valencia, as Marcelino’s side do not hold many fond memories at the Camp Nou.
Two years ago, the two teams met in the semifinals of the Copa Del Rey but things did not end well for Valencia. A 7-0 thrashing from the Catalan club dumped Los Che from the competition in a very embarrassing manner.
Next: Gerard Pique announces national team retirement
But there have been quite some changes to Valencia this time around. The Spanish team have been considered the season’s top sensation after a great first half of the 2017/2018 LaLiga campaign.
Nonetheless, Lionel Messi and Co, who are in search of the treble this season, must secure a convincing win against Los Che before their trip to Mestalla on February 8th.