How will Barcelona line up against Levante?

Barcelona play the second leg of their Copa del Rey last 16 tie against Levante on Thursday at the Camp Nou.

Ernesto Valverde’s side have plenty of work to do if they are to progress, they are 2-1 down from the first leg, Philippe Coutinho’s late penalty giving them hope.

The Barca boss heavily rotated for the game in Levante, and the big question ahead of the second leg is if he will do the same? Let’s have a look at which players may feature.

Defence

Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images

The big question in defence is whether Valverde keeps faith with youngsters Chumi and Juan Miranda at the back. The duo started the first leg, but Miranda was subbed at half-time and Chumi after 58 minutes.

What does seem likely is that Jeison Murillo will get another run out, alongside either Chumi or Clement Lenglet at centre-back.

Nelson Semedo is likely to to feature at right-back, and if Miranda does not start again it will be Jordi Alba completing the back four in front of Jasper Cillessen.

Midfield

Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images

There are plenty of options in midfield, and it simply depends on how strong Valverde wants to go for this one.

Carles Alena will be hoping for another start, while Denis Suarez enjoyed a decent cameo after coming on as a sub in the first leg and winning a late penalty.

Valverde is likely to play at least one of his regulars. Sergio Busquets may sit this one out after starting the first leg and Sunday’s win over Eibar.

Attack

Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images

Barcelona started with Malcom, Ousmane Dembele and Philippe Coutinho in Levante, but it was not a selection that really worked with the holders struggling in attack.

Barcelona B’s Rafa Mujica was training with the team this week, and with Munir now gone it’s possible he could get some minutes in attack.

Valverde must also be tempted to bring back Lionel Messi and/or Luis Suarez with his side having to score to progress, or at least have them on the bench as insurance.

Possible XI: Cillessen; Semedo, Murillo, Lenglet, Miranda; Vidal, Rakitic, Alena; Malcom, Dembele, Denis.

How would you like Barcelona to line up against Levante? Let us know your thoughts, predictions and line-ups in the comments below!