Predicted Barcelona Line-up To Face Sevilla In The Copa Del Rey Final
Barcelona will turn their focus towards getting their hands on the first silverware under manager Ernesto Valverde when they face Sevilla in the finals of the Copa Del Rey this Saturday.
The Catalans were held to a 2-2 draw earlier this week by a spirited Celta Vigo in the La Liga, albeit the manager had opted to leave out a host of regulars from the starting XI.
However, all the star names are guaranteed to return to the fold this weekend as Barca look to retain the Spanish Cup at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Here’s how they could take the field against Vincenzo Montella’s side.
Probable Barcelona XI
Manager: Ernesto Valverde
Formation: 4-4-2
Marc-Andre ter Stegen (GK)
The German shot-stopper was in fine form on Tuesday night against Celta and will want to carry that forward into Saturday’s finals.
Sergi Roberto (RB)
Despite being sent off in the draw against Celta Vigo, Roberto will be eligible to play in the Copa Del Rey finals and is likely to get the nod ahead of Nelson Semedo at right-back.
Gerard Pique (CB)
The controversial defender wasn’t a part of the team on Tuesday night but is a guaranteed starter on Saturday. His experience and leadership will come in very handy for Barca.
Samuel Umtiti (CB)
The French international has grown leaps and bounds this term and has established himself as one of the best in Europe.
Jordi Alba (LB)
The Spanish left-back is key for Barcelona as he provides the natural width and pace going forward down the left-hand side.
Ousmane Dembele (RW)
The summer signing from Borussia Dortmund scored his first La Liga goal on Tuesday and will be hoping to use that as a springboard to find some form after what has been a tough debut season at Barcelona so far.
Ivan Rakitic (CM)
The Croatian international might not be the most eye-catching player but is very effective in what he does in the middle, which makes him a key cog in this Barcelona setup.
Sergio Busquets (CM)
Wasn’t a part of the starting XI on Tuesday but there is no way that the Spaniard will miss a game of this magnitude. His ability to break up the play and recycle the ball will come in vital against Sevilla.
Andres Iniesta (LW)
The club captain was in his elements when Barcelona beat Valencia 2-1. Did not feature against Celta but will be hoping to carry on from where he left off at the weekend.
Lionel Messi (ST)
The little magician from Argentina has endured a few difficult games of late but he always steps up when Barca need him to and Saturday shouldn’t be very different.
Luis Suarez (ST)
The Uruguayan striker has scored 3 goals and assisted 2 more in his five appearances in the Copa Del Rey this season. Will be hoping to make a vital contribution on Saturday and lead his team to the trophy.