In a shocking turn of events, Barcelona astonishingly let a home-leg lead of 4-1 slip out of their hands on Tuesday night, as they succumbed to a 3-0 defeat at the hands of AS Roma at Stadio Olimpico.
The Catalan giants could do little to stop Roma’s rampage but they have to pick themselves up from the disappointing Champions League exit as they face Valencia on Saturday in the La Liga.
Ernesto Valverde will have a mighty task of shaking up his team and helping them focus on the big league game on Saturday.
Although Valverde’s men have a healthy 11-point gap over second-placed Atletico Madrid, they cannot afford to take third-placed Valencia lightly and must win at the weekend to continue their unbeaten La Liga run.
Probable Barcelona XI
Manager: Ernesto Valverde
Formation: 4-4-2
Marc-Andre ter Stegen (GK)
Barcelona’s undisputed first-choice between the sticks, the German has gone from strength to strength and has performed very well this season.
Sergi Roberto (RB)
The versatile Spaniard endured a torrid time in midfield at Rome but could go back to his original position at right-back on Saturday.
Gerard Pique (CB)
One of the best centre-backs in the world, Pique will need to be at his best against an in-form Valencia side. He had a poor game against Roma but will be itching to bounce back on Saturday.
Samuel Umtiti (CB)
Umtiti has formed a solid partnership at the back with Pique as Barcelona have maintained their unbeaten status so far in the league.
Jordi Alba (LB)
An attack-minded full-back, Alba will be raring to perform against his former side.
Sergio Busquets (CM)
Busquets returned in time to face Roma but failed to have an influence on his team. The Spaniard will be hoping for a better performance at the weekend.
Ivan Rakitic (CM)
Rakitic sits in the middle of the park, intercepts opposition’s play and quickly releases the ball for an odd counter-attack. He is a crucial figure in Barcelona’s machine.
Philippe Coutinho (LW)
Coutinho is still adjusting to Barcelona’s style of play and will be key in opening up Valencia’s defence. His passing and creativity are top-notch, which makes him such an attacking threat for the hosts’.
Ousmane Dembele (RW)
Dembele has been unlucky with a couple of injuries he has had since joining Barcelona at the start of the season. However, he is now slowly starting to pick up the tempo.
Lionel Messi (ST)
After a disappointing night in Rome, Messi will be hoping to cast his spell against Valencia to help his side pick all three points.
Luis Suarez (ST)
One of the most lethal strikers in football, Suarez is difficult to stop when he is on song. The Uruguay international has everything in his locker to surprise the opposition, which makes him such a dangerous customer to play against.