How will Barcelona line up against Valencia in the Copa del Rey?

Barcelona head to Valencia on Thursday hoping to book their place in the Copa del Rey final.

Ernesto Valverde’s side have the advantage too as they hold a 1-0 lead from the first leg, thanks to Luis Suarez’s goal.

Let’s have a look at how they might line-up at Mestalla:

Defence

Jasper Cillessen will resume goalkeeping duties but Ernesto Valverde has decisions to make defensively with Gerard Pique expected to miss the game due to a knee injury.

Pique’s absence hopefully means a first start for Yerry Mina, although Valverde could look to use Lucas Digne in central defence or even Sergio Busquets.

Samuel Umtiti will start and given the importance of the game, we might just see Sergi Roberto and Jordi Alba as the two full-backs.

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Midfield

Ivan Rakitic was rested against Espanyol on Sunday so should come back into the team and Andres Iniesta may drop out. The 33-year-old played all 90 minutes against Espanyol and has started the last four in a row, so his place could go to Philippe Coutinho.

Sergio Busquets and Paulinho are likely to make up the rest of the midfield, although Aleix Vidal started the first leg and will be hoping for another outing and Denis Suarez and Andres Gomes are also options.

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Attack

Lionel Messi started the draw with Espanyol on the bench so it seems pretty certain he wil start this one alongside Luis Suarez, with Paco Alcacer dropping out.

Suarez scored the winner last time out but drew a blank for the first time in five games against Espanyol, but a goal at Mestalla will leave Valencia with a mountain to climb.

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Possible starting XI: Cillessen; Roberto, Mina, Umtiti, Alba; Rakitic, Busquets, Paulinho, Coutinho; Messi, Suarez.

How do you think Barca should line up against Valencia? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!