How will Barcelona line up against Real Valladolid?

Barcelona return to La Liga action on Saturday against Real Valladolid at the Camp Nou after a much-needed week off.

The hosts should be fresh after a few days off but may have one eye on Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Lyon.

There should be some rotation from Ernesto Valverde, after all Luis Suarez openly admitted he felt it was a mistake for him to play against Leganes last season before Barcelona faced Roma.

Here’s a look at who might feature:

Defence

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Barcelona received a big boost this week as Samuel Umtiti returned to training and is apparently determined to feature against his former team Lyon on Tuesday.

It’s unclear if he’s fit enough to feature on Saturday, or whether Gerard Pique may be handed a rest for the first time this season.

Jeison Murillo and Thomas Vermaelen are both available and could see some game time against 15th-placed Valladolid.

Jordi Alba should return at left-back after his suspension, while it’s between Nelson Semedo and Sergi Roberto for the right-back slot.

Midfield

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Valverde might look to rotate in midfield given Barcelona are heading back into a busy period of fixtures.

The hosts are still without Arthur due to injury which means Carles Alena and Arturo Vidal will both be hoping to take his spot in the XI.

Of course both could feature if Valverde deserves to give either Ivan Rakitic or Sergio Busquets the night off.

Valverde has also spoken about the possibility of using Philippe Coutinho in midfield while Arthur is out, which is another option.

Attack

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Barcelona will be hoping that Lionel Messi and Ousmane Dembele are both fully fit after injury concerns, but it remains to be seen if they’ll be risked against Valladolid.

Luis Suarez is another player who could be rested, with both Kevin-Prince Boateng and Malcom hoping they’ll actually allowed off the bench for once.

Possible XI: Ter Stegen; Roberto, Pique, Vermaelen, Alba: Vidal, Busquets, Alena; Dembele, Prince, Coutinho.

How do you think Barcelona should line up against Valladolid? Let us know your thoughts, predictions and line-ups in the comments below!