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Barcelona vs Real Valladolid: Expected Starting XI for easy league fixture

By Chiranjib Ghosh

SEVILLE, SPAIN - JANUARY 23: Kevin Prince Boateng of FC Barcelona looks on during the Copa del Quarter Final match between Sevilla FC and FC Barcelona at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on January 23, 2019 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - JANUARY 23: Kevin Prince Boateng of FC Barcelona looks on during the Copa del Quarter Final match between Sevilla FC and FC Barcelona at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on January 23, 2019 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images) /
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Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde is expected to rest some key players

The poor selection policy of Ernesto Valverde was exposed, as Barcelona just about managed to hold Athletic Bilbao to a goalless draw, thanks to the terrific performance of Marc-André ter Stegen. The 37-match goalscoring run in the La Liga also ended.

But the Basque will not replicate the mistake in the match against Real Valladolid. The Castilian club is struggling in the 15th position in the league form, having scored the lowest number of the goals for any club in the La Liga this season.

With the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Lyon immediately after the home game, Valverde is sure to field a second-string side. Many fringe players deserve an opportunity, while most first-team players need a rest.

Expected Starting XI:

Goalkeeper: Marc-André ter Stegen
Right-back: Nélson Semedo
Centre-back(right): Gerard Piqué
Centre-back(left): Thomas Vermaelen
Left-back: Jordi Alba
Central playmaker(right): Carles Aleñá
Holding midfielder: Ivan Rakitić
Central playmaker(left): Arturo Vidal
Right winger: Malcom
Centre-forward: Kevin-Prince Boateng
Left winger: Philippe Coutinho

Marc-André ter Stegen will stay in goal due to the lack of an alternative, while Nélson Semedo’s recent performances make him worthy of a permanent spot in the first-team. At left-back, Jordi Alba will make a comeback after serving a suspension in the 0-0 draw with Athletic.

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In central defence, the ever-present figure of Gerard Piqué is likely to remain, while Clément Lenglet could be rested to give some playing time to Thomas Vermaelen. But the Frenchman could also feature, considering that Samuel Umtiti is expected to make a comeback against Lyon.

In midfield, Sergio Busquets is sure to be rested. As usual, the versatile Ivan Rakitić would fill in for the Spain international. Carles Aleñá is set to make a comeback to the starting lineup after coming off the bench in two consecutive games, with Arturo Vidal remaining despite poor form.

But the biggest changes are expected to take place in attack. After an extremely underwhelming performance against Athletic, the dynamic duo of Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez are expected to be rested for the important trip to Lyon.

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Malcom would be coming into the starting lineup, along with new signing Kevin-Prince Boateng. Philippe Coutinho is expected to remain in the starting lineup, but would probably be taken off in the second-half in favour of Ousmane Dembélé.

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