Barcelona will clash against Celta Vigo in the second leg of their Copa Del Rey round of 16 fixture at the Camp Nou on Thursday night.
The current holders of the trophy were held to a 1-1 draw in the first leg by Celta and manager Ernesto Valverde will be keen on bouncing back with a strong performance at home, to take a step closer to retaining the silverware. They come into the game on the back of an impressive 3-0 win over Levante in the La Liga over the weekend.
Barcelona will be without the services of defender Samuel Umtiti while striker Paco Alcacer is also a doubt for the game. Sergio Busquets is available for selection after being suspended for the weekend league encounter. January signing Philippe Coutinho is ruled out of action for close three weeks and will not be making his debut.
Here’s how the Catalans might take the field against Celta at home on Thursday:
The La Liga leaders’ No.2 between the sticks, Netherlands shot-stopper Jasper Cillessen should start against Celta.
The summer signing has been overlooked in the league games of late and will look to make a case for himself with a strong display in the cup tie.
The senior defender in the squad, Pique was rested for the La Liga encounter over the weekend and should be back for the midweek game.
Partnering Pique in the heart of the defence for Barca should be Belgian centre-half Thomas Vermaelen, who is enjoying a bit of a renaissance since Samuel Umtiti’s injury.
The Frenchman should take the spot at left-back for the cup game, ahead of first-team regular Jordi Alba.
The Brazilian midfielder has been a revelation since his summer move from China, with his knack for scoring goals being a major surprise for many. A definite starter in the middle of the park.
Having been suspended for the league game over the weekend due to card accumulation, Busquets will walk back into the line-up on Thursday.
The Portuguese midfielder should occupy the third slot in central midfield for the current Copa Del Rey holders.
Given that the game isn’t all sealed, Valverde might look to hand his star attacker a start on Thursday. Messi could start on the right-hand side.
The young forward scored the only goal in the first leg last week and deserves to be given another opportunity in the second leg.
Fit once again, the French winger should be given a chance to showcase his abilities. Could start on the left flank.
Experiencing a live football match in a stadium is genuinely remarkable. The atmosphere differs significantly from watching on a screen. The energy and excitement are contagious, immersing you in the game like never before. If you're gearing up for your inaugural football match, knowing what to expect is essential. The sheer intensity of being surrounded by hundreds or thousands of passionate fans can be overwhelming. To ensure you make the most of this unique experience, here are some tips for first-timers: Secure Tickets Early Getting tickets is crucial, especially for popular events like the World Cup or highly anticipated matches. Buying online is often the most convenient method. As the season progresses, ticket demand increases, leading to quick sell-outs. Prices can vary based on team popularity, stadium quality, and other factors. You can think about buying your tickets in cryptocurrency. Consider using USDT but first understand tether meaning to know how to go about it. If you have a specific team or player you want to see, plan accordingly by checking their schedule and securing tickets early for the best experience. …
FRANCE WIN 14-0 🤯Les Bleus score 14 (FOURTEEN) times vs. Gibraltar for their biggest-ever win.…
Aston Villa are having a very fine season so far in the Premier League. The…
The Premier League run-in, the backend of the title race for Manchester City sees them…
Everton is having a bad season so far, from their poor form in the league…
Communication is the heartbeat of any successful soccer team. On the field, amidst the flurry…