Strongest Possible Barcelona Lineup vs Valencia: 4-3-3 with Messi and Neymar absent

Neymar

Barcelona claimed their tenth successive victory in all competitions with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Levante during the weekend and the Catalan giants will now look to seal their place in the final of the Copa del Rey when they square off against Valencia on Wednesday night.

Holding a mammoth seven goal lead heading into the clash, Barcelona are virtually already assured of their final berth in the competition but nonetheless, manager Luis Enrique will want his players to keep their good run of form going and the return leg should be a much tougher encounter for the Blaugrana.

Here is a strongest possible lineup for Barcelona on the night –

Goalkeeper

Marc-Ander ter Stegen has been the regular choice in the cup competitions for Barcelona and the goalkeeper is certain to be starting on Wednesday night as well.

The German international did not have much to do during the first leg and while Barcelona do hold a large advantage, the 23-year old will be desperate to keep another clean sheet during the night.

Defence

There will be wholesale changes at the back as the likes of Gerard Pique, Javier Mascherano, Dani Alves and Jordi Alba are all expected to be handed a rest on the night.

Jeremy Mathieu, Thomas Vermaelen, Aleix Vidal and Marc Bartra have been included in the 18 man squad for the clash and the quartet is most likely to be starting.

Midfield

Sergi Roberto has been extremely impressive whenever given a chance this season and the youngster is likely to keep his place in the starting lineup for the clash in midweek as well.

Alongside Roberto, Ivan Rakitic is expected to start as Sergio Busquets has not been included in the 18 man squad while Arda Turan should come in for Andres Iniesta.

Attack

Lionel Messi is unlikely to feature during the night due to a kidney injury and Enrique could use the game to hand either one of Neymar or Luis Suarez a well deserved rest. Munir looks certain to start while Adriano could also be deployed in a more attacking role.

(4-3-3)

Barcelona

Via – Lineup Builder