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Will Barcelona rotate against Celta Vigo ahead of CDR final?

By Laieke Abebe

BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 18: Paco Alcacer (C) of Barcelona celebrates with Lionel Messi (L) and Philippe Coutinho (R) of Barcelona after scorin a goal during the La Liga match between Barcelona and Athletic Club at Camp Nou on March 18, 2018 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 18: Paco Alcacer (C) of Barcelona celebrates with Lionel Messi (L) and Philippe Coutinho (R) of Barcelona after scorin a goal during the La Liga match between Barcelona and Athletic Club at Camp Nou on March 18, 2018 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) /
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With the Copa Del Rey final coming this weekend, will Ernesto Valverde decide to rotate his players against a tough Celta Vigo?

This season, Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde has shown that he likes to use his best players in all games. The usual stars, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, etc. get to play in the biggest games while the rest of the squad fights for the other place on the bench. However, this strategy from Valverde has led to key players picking up injuries or knocks in the last few weeks of the season.

The latest to suffer an injury was midfielder Ivan Rakitic and he’s hoping to be back for the Copa Del Rey final. In addition to that, Busquets is still recovering from his toe fracture. Messi has been having muscle problems and Gerard Pique continues to have knee problems. Despite that, both have been toughing it out to help the team win at all costs. With all of this mind, Ernesto Valverde has to take a look at rotating his players for the upcoming league match against Celta Vigo.

Against Celta, Barcelona are looking to continue their record 39 game unbeaten run. In addition to that, the Blaugrana are trying to move closer to the league title. However, this Saturday is the cup final against Sevilla and that match is all or nothing. While they haven’t beaten Barca this season, Sevilla has always been a tough opponent throughout the years. Despite leading 2-0 in the second half, Messi led a comeback to draw 2-2 in the previous meeting.

If there are no injuries, it is guaranteed that Valverde will start his best eleven players. This season, Marc Andre Ter Stegen has started in goal with Sergi Roberto, Pique, Samuel Umtiti, and Jordi Alba in defense. Busquets, Rakitic, Andres Iniesta, and Philippe Coutinho will likely be in the midfield and Messi and Suarez will be up front. However, at Balaidos it should be very different especially if Valverde wants to rest key players.

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Coutinho should play in both games since he was cup-tied in the Champions League. He’s been able to rest in those games because he played for Liverpool in the top European club competition this season. The decision Valverde has to make is whether the Brazilian will play in the midfield or up front against Celta. In addition to Coutinho, Andre Gomes and Paulinho are two other options that could feature in this game.

Thomas Vermaelen had a run in the team when Samuel Umtiti was out injury. Now, the Belgian could step in for Pique so that the Spaniard can rest his ailing knee. If Sergi Roberto and Jordi Alba are rested, Nelson Semedo is another defender that could step in specifically on the right side of defense. Another player that could feature is Ousmane Dembele. However, Valverde hasn’t given him the chance to play meaningful minutes recently.

Next: Barca face Celta ahead of CDR Final

Overall, Ernesto Valverde has a lot of things to look at for the match against Celta. Rotating the players would be the correct call. However, he hasn’t done that this season. With a comfortable lead in La Liga, rotating some of the players wouldn’t be a huge risk. We will see what Valverde decided to do when his lineup is released on Tuesday.

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