How will Barcelona line up against Valencia?

Barcelona are back to work on Saturday but it’s a tough test for Ernesto Valverde’s side as Valencia make the trip to Camp Nou.

The hosts simply have to respond after going out of the Champions League in midweek but face an in-form Valencia side who have won five in a row.

Here’s a look at how they might line up.

Defence

Barca conceded three against Roma and are going to have to be a whole lot better on Saturday if they are going to win this match. A strong defence will be needed so expect Valverde to revert to his favoured backline.

That will mean Marc-Andre ter Stegen in goal, Sergi Roberto dropping back in at right-back, with Gerard Pique and Samuel Umtiti in central defence and Jordi Alba on the left.

Midfield

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Valverde will have to make changes in midfield with Ivan Rakitic out after undergoing surgery on a broken finger. There seems to be some doubt over Sergio Busquets’ fitness too, although hopefully he will make it.

Expect Paulinho to come in for Rakitic and hopefully we’ll see Ousmane Dembele back in the starting lineup.

That just leaves Valverde to decide between Philippe Coutinho and Andres Iniesta, and the Brazilian may get the nod simply because he’ll be the fresher of the two.

Attack

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Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez should feature once again in attack and hopefully can find the target against Valencia.

Suarez has struggled in recent weeks and is without a league goal since his late double in the dramatic draw against Sevilla.

Messi has been in brilliant form in the league and notched a hat-trick last time out against Leganes, something similar on Saturday would do a lot to raise spirits after a tough week.

Possible XI: Ter Stegen; Roberto, Piquée, Umtiti, Alba; Dembele, Paulinho, Busquets, Coutinho; Messi, Suárez

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