Ernesto Valverde travels to England with the majority of his team picked for Tuesday's second leg against Liverpool in the Champions League semifinal but he still has some decisions to make and some possible tricks up his sleeve.
Valverde's shown in his two years at Barça that he prefers to make minimal changes. He likes to play players regularly and has a group of up to 14 players who feature the majority of the team.
For this week's game at Anfield, he has lost one player to injury in Ousmane Dembele and has another with fitness issues, Arthur Melo. In the first leg, which Barça won 3-0, Barça managed to have more control at the end when they played with a 4-4-2.
Therefore, the tricks up Valverde's sleeve have names. They're in the right-back position and the final attacker/midfield role. Nelson Semedo came on at right-back in the first leg, with Sergi Roberto pushing up. That could be the idea at Anfield.
As for further forward, Valverde has two very different options in Arturo Vidal and Philippe Coutinho. The selection will depend on what Valverde does at right-back.
The Brazilian and the Chilean are not incompatible for Valverde. In fact, they both started the first leg. Another thing is that Barça lose their usual control which is brought by Arthue.
If the bet if 4-4-2, Valverde could use Vidal as a more dynamic, vertical player at the tip of the midfield. Someone ready to go body for body in every challenge, covering Leo Messi and Luis Suarez's backs. Coutinhio represents an option for movement, space and linkl up with Jordi Alba, allowing Messi to work in the middle. The Brazilian adds discipline, teamwork and a final pass.
What do Barça need to make the final at the Wanda in June? Firstly, competitive tension to avoid what happened in Rome 12 months ago. But, also, they need football arguments to stop Liverpool and get the away goal.
The spirit of King Arturo or the honour of 'Phil' on his return him? At Camp Nou, Valverde went for the both. Let's see if he does in Liverpool.
Desmondeyum
97
We should play coutihno Upfront with Messi and Suarez when we are attacking but when Liverpool are attacking he should join the midfield to be 4-4-2 ,In the first leg we were not able to possess the ball well, we would need Athur so that we can control the game
18075864(deleted)
74
Coutinho should start in the forward trio and vidal should start and play full match because he has good stamina and playing more physically, that helps us to beat Liverpool. And in the matter of Roberto or semedo, I prefer Roberto because he works like an engine. Semedo and Roberto is good at attacking. but semedo is not good in attack like Roberto. who else agree
tobi123
66
I trust you Valverde and I know your won’t allow last season error happen this season again. This is our season let’s go for the treble. I want to see Roberto and Aurthur start. So by second half by 50min we can bring in Semedo and Vidal to hunt them and I believe barca will win by 2:0 or 3:0 tomorrow. Forca Barca
yutcikty
59
An excellent team to control the Midfield and to stop mane with Robertson because it will be the more dangerous side..and depending on Messi and Suarez with the help of Roberto and Alba on the counter