Barcelona host Real Madrid in the second Clasico of the season as they battle over two legs for the chance to reach the Copa del Rey final.
The latest instalment of the heated rivalry lacks the edge of previous years as Real Madrid lack the fear factor this season due to their inconsistency as well as the 5-1 humiliation at the hands of Barcelona at Camp Nou earlier in the season.
Barcelona started the season in unconvincing fashion as their defensive leakiness was causing them to drop points and they were essentially outscoring opponents rather than controlling games. This has changed in recent months with seven clean sheets in the last 15 matches. They only lost twice during that period and both those deficits were overcome at home in previous rounds of the Copa del Rey. Los Blancos will be a much tougher opponent, though.
Expected Starting XI (4-3-3)
Marc-Andre ter Stegen
Nelson Semedo, Gerard Pique, Clement Lenglet, Jordi Alba
Ivan Rakitic, Sergio Busquets, Arthur Melo
Malcom, Luis Suarez, Philippe Coutinho
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Jasper Cillessen will, unfortunately, miss both legs due to picking up an injury in training, although he will be back for the final if Barca are able to progress. This is a huge blow for him as these matches were set to be the biggest of his season, but Ter Stegen is an excellent replacement. Semedo should start over Sergi Roberto due to how effective in 1v1 situations which will be important against the tricky Vinicius who is a key source of inspiration for Real.
The willingness of Gareth Bale or whoever plays on the right-wing to track back will be important as Alba was given free rein in the previous Clasico and he wreaked havoc down that flank. His link up with Coutinho will be key in creating holes down that side. The likely absence of Messi does limit his threat due to how effective the Argentine is at combining with him, but he could be used as a substitute.
Arthur will be important in setting the tempo and dictating proceedings by ensuring build-up is smooth from back to front alongside Busquets. Rakitic adds dynamism as he can break up attacks, press high up the pitch effectively and support attacks with his off-the-ball runs among other things.
Ernesto Valverde is unlikely to risk Messi from the start if he isn’t fully fit, so Malcom should take his place on the right-wing which is his preferred position as he can cut inside on to his favoured foot. Expect the Argentine to make an appearance off the bench, though, especially if Barca are struggling. Suarez will be leading the line as usual and the team will need him to step up in the absence of their talisman. A repeat of his performance in the previous Clasico, where he bagged a hat-trick, would be ideal as he tormented Sergio Ramos and the Real back line.
Coutinho needs a standout performance in this match if he is to hold on to a starting place as Ousmane Dembele is due back and the Brazilian has done little so far to convince. He needs to add an element of unpredictability to his play in the final third and link up better with his teammates if he is to keep that starting role.