How will Barcelona line up against Liverpool?

It’s semi-final time in the Champions League and Barcelona are back in action on Wednesday when they host Liverpool in the first leg of their tie.

Barcelona were crowned Spanish champions at the weekend, but this trophy is the one they want the most and the game promises to be a thriller.

Ernesto Valverde has managed to rest some of his key players in recent weeks, but he will go with his strongest available side for the visit of the Reds.

Let’s have a look at who is likely to feature at the Camp Nou.

Defence

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The main question in defence, as always, is whether Nelson Semedo or Sergi Roberto will get the nod at right-back.

Semedo seems to have been making the spot his own in recent weeks, but Roberto is the fresher and started the second leg against Manchester United at the Camp Nou.

Otherwise expect Clement Lenglet to continue alongside Gerard Pique at the heart of the defence, while Jordi Alba will take his usual spot at left-back in front of Marc-Andre ter Stegen in goal.

Midfield

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Valverde looks likely to go with Ivan Rakitic, Sergio Busquets and Arthur in midfield against Liverpool, although there’s a chance Arturo Vidal could start the game.

The Chilean has proved to be a really useful signing for the club this season and is in contention for a starting spot, however he’s more frequently been used as a substitute and may start on the bench.

Attack

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Lionel Messi will return to the starting XI against Liverpool and take his place alongside Luis Suarez, who surprisingly hasn’t been given much of a rest in recent weeks.

The final slot in the line-up is between Ousmane Dembele and former Red Philippe Coutinho.

Neither player has really provided a compelling case for their inclusion in Barcelona’s last few games.

Dembele isn’t yet back to the superb form he showed earlier in the season, while Coutinho has shown signs of improvement recently and may just get the nod.

Possible XI: Ter Stegen; Semedo, Pique, Lenglet, Alba; Rakitic, Busquets, Arthur; Messi, Suarez, Coutinho.

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